“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.”
West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne disease which, as the statement says, currently has no cure. Around 2,300 people have died of the virus in the last 20 years. 80% of people who catch the virus from a mosquito bite will have no symptoms, though about one in 150 people will get a serious and sometimes fatal illness as a result of the virus.
Middleton had played DMV employee Glen Carter, who starred in 13 episodes between Season 2 and now. His now final appearance on the show was in Season 7, Episode 13, which aired this July on NBC. His other noted TV appearance included The Path, Fringe and Law & Order, while his movie credits included Kill Bill Vol. 2, Serendipity and Taking Woodstock.
The Blacklist creator Jon Bokenkamp was among those who paid tribute to the actor. He wrote on Twitter: “This one hurts. Miss you already, Clark.” The Blacklist Writers account, meanwhile, said, “The writer’s room is devastated about the loss of Clark Middleton. We pass on all our love to his friends and family, he was a fantastic actor and an even better guy. We love you, Jellybean.”
Amir Arison, who plays Aram Mojtabai on the NBC show, was the first Blacklist actor to pay tribute when he tweeted, “No words. In shock. Beyond Devastating. This guy was a true gem.”
Character actor W. Earl Brown, who starred alongside Middleton in the 2019 movie Gutterbee, also tweeted a tribute to the actor. It reads: “Clark Middleton was a dear friend and one of the finest human beings I’ve had the pleasure to know. I will miss him for the rest of my life.”
On Middleton’s own Twitter, account, Elissa paid further tribute to her late husband, writing: “Hi. Elissa here, Clark’s wife. Thank you for your love and support for My Mister. I cannot count the number of times he said “Give the world your best and the best will come back to you,” quoting his father Mel. And he meant it! He is in the light, happy and free, and sends love.”
