Anthony Clark died on November 10 from complications of pneumonia, Deadline reported.
Born in Lynchburg, Virginia, on April 4, 1964, Clark graduated with a degree in mass communications before starting his career as a stand-up comic in the Boston area.
“I think I love stand-up because the reaction is immediate. There’s no director. There’s no writer. No producer,” Clark said to The Comic’s Comic. “There’s just you. You just get out there and vent. I don’t know why people think I’m funny. But I’m glad they do. I don’t want to have a real job. I just want to hang out.”
Anthony Clark died yesterday. He was a hilarious guy. When my wife Lisa and I were dating back in the mid-nineties, Anthony was already famous in Boston, regularly selling out comedy shows. The first time we saw him at The Comedy Connection we laughed and laughed and laughed. He… pic.twitter.com/4IDPabBk8U
He gained national prominence in the 1990s stand-up scene, featuring alongside Dave Chappelle, Dave Attell, and Louis C.K. in Garry Shandling’s 1995 HBO Young Comedians special. His film credits included Dogfight, The Thing Called Love, and The Rock. His later film work included Paid in Full and the 2011 comedy My Uncle Rafael.
Clark transitioned to leading television roles, starring in NBC’s Boston Common and CBS’s Soul Man opposite Dan Aykroyd, in addition to making a memorable appearance as a letter carrier on Sesame Street.
The role earned him a Young Artist Award nomination shared with Kelly, as well as a Prism Award nomination. In 2005, Clark and O’Malley appeared in country star Alan Jackson’s music video for “The Talkin’ Song Repair Blues.”
News of Clark’s death brought tributes across the entertainment industry.
Anthony Clark died yesterday. He was a hilarious guy. When my wife Lisa and I were dating back in the mid-nineties, Anthony was already famous in Boston, regularly selling out comedy shows. The first time we saw him at The Comedy Connection we laughed and laughed and laughed.
Mike O’Malley, Co-star
O’Malley recalled their final conversation before Clark’s death.
“We spoke on the phone three weeks ago. He had us laughing loudly once again,” O’Malley wrote on X, adding, “Rest in peace. Tony.” O’Malley said that Clark had invested his money well and retired after the show wrapped.
Barry Katz, Clark’s longtime manager, issued a statement about the comedian’s career and impact on colleagues.
It was an honor to represent him and he will be missed for the joy, happiness, and love he brought to everyone he worked with and the audiences that were blessed to see his undeniable performances.
Barry Katz, Manager
Yes, Dear executive producer Greg Garcia remembered working with Clark, telling Deadline that the actor “had the most insane sense of humor of all of them” and that they had reconnected over phone calls in recent years.
Comedian Nick Swardson added a personal tribute on social media, writing:
“I had so many great times with this dude. Non stop laughs. I hope he is at peace now. RIP Tony.”
Earlier coverage: Anthony Clark Dies From Complications Related to Pneumonia