‘The Blacklist,’ ‘Law & Order’ actor Clark Middleton dies of West Nile virus

Actor Clark Middleton died Sunday at his Los Angeles home after contracting the West Nile virus. He was 63.

“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,” his wife said in a statement, according to Variety. “Clark transitioned on October 4th as a result of West Nile virus, for which there is no known cure. Clark was a beautiful soul who spent a lifetime defying limits and advocating for people with disabilities.”

Middleton appeared in more than a dozen episodes of NBC’s “The Blacklist” as DMV worker Glen Carter. He also appeared in multiple episodes of Hulu’s “The Path,” “Law & Order” and Showtime’s “Twin Peaks" as well as movies like Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill: Vol. 2” and “Sin City.”

He had parts in other notable titles such as “Fringe," “Gotham" and “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” plus films “Serendipity,” “Snowpiercer” and “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance).”

Middleton, who made his theatrical debut in 1983, grew his career primarily by appearing in plays across the country. He later became an acting teacher, a role he cherished for more than 20 years.

A champion for disability rights, Middleton was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 4, according to People magazine. He was a spokesperson for the Arthritis Foundation.

“My dad refused to let me quit,” Middleton wrote in a 2017 blog post for the Arthritis Foundation. “He constantly instilled in me that I could define my own reality by how I thought about myself and how I carried myself. He wouldn’t allow me to think of myself as a victim. He taught me a lot about determination and courage ... He knew how important it was for me to be independent and not to expect any handouts just because I had a disability. I had to earn it ... The consequence is a wonderful life.”

West Nile virus is spread through infected mosquitoes. Most people who become infected never experience any symptoms.

There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat the virus in humans.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 150 people who become infected with the virus develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.

So far this year, at least 13 people in Michigan, 46 Californians, 27 Floridians and 19 Coloradoans have been infected with West Nile virus. Cases have also been reported in other states, including Georgia, Pennsylvania, Texas, Massachusetts and Washington.

Cox Media Group