US actor Clark Middleton has died at the age of 63.
Clark was best known for playing Charlie in the reboot of the hit series Twin Peaks, as well as Ernie in the film Kill Bill: Volume 2 and Schutz in Sin City.
The star’s wife Elissa confirmed the news of his death in a statement.
She said: “With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of a life eminently worthy of celebration: Clark Tinsley Middleton, 63 — beloved actor, writer, director, teacher, hero, husband, beacon, friend.
“Clark transitioned on October 4th as a result of West Nile Virus, for which there is no known cure.”
West Nile Virus is the cause of mosquito-borne disease that is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito.
Elissa added: “Clark was a beautiful soul who spent a lifetime defying limits and advocating for people with disabilities.”
Clark had lived with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, which had affected his hands aged four and caused him to lose movement in his neck at the age of eight.
The actor was also known for his appearances on the US series The Blacklist, playing DMV boss Glen Carter since 2014.
The Blacklist showrunner Jon Bokenkamp paid tribute to Clark in a statement, which read: “I’m heartbroken. Besides being a truly unique and gifted actor, Clark was simply an incredible guy in every way.
“He was a whip-smart film nut. He loved his work with a passion. And he was insanely generous of spirit… I know his entire family at The Blacklist is devastated by this news.
“Clark was one of the good ones, and we lost him way too soon.”
