Boston stand-up favorite and Yes, Dear star Anthony Clark died at the age of 62, as announced on social media by his former co-star Mike O’Malley.
The cause of death was not immediately available, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Clark built a notable career across television and film after making his name on the Boston comedy scene.
- Anthony Clark passed away at 62, with his death announced on social media by fellow actor Mike O’Malley.
- He starred as Greg Warner on the hit CBS sitcom Yes, Dear for six seasons and 122 episodes.
- He also led the NBC comedy Boston Common, hosted season 4 of Last Comic Standing, and appeared in films including The Rock.
Remembered by Colleagues
O’Malley shared the news on social media, noting that he and Clark had spoken on the phone just three weeks prior. TVLine reported that O’Malley shared photos from his time shooting the final episode of their hit CBS series.
“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 was so unique — one of those comics who is laughing along with you at the absurdity of his stories and observations. I was a fan before I was a friend. We spoke on the phone three weeks ago. He had us laughing loudly once again… Rest in peace. Tony.”
said Mike O’Malley, actor. O’Malley also added that Clark invested his money well and essentially retired after the show wrapped.
Comedian and actor Nick Swardson also shared a tribute on Instagram, posting a photo of the two of them. Los Angeles Times noted Swardson’s remarks about their long friendship.
“This is my friend Anthony Clark. One of my best friends for a long time … He was a massive stand up out of Boston and I opened for him for years. I had so many great times with this dude. Non stop laughs. I hope he is at peace now. RIP Tony.”
said Nick Swardson, comedian and actor, on Instagram.
From Boston Comedy to Network Television
Born on April 4, 1964, in Lynchburg, Virginia, Clark graduated from Emerson College in 1986 with a degree in mass communication. During his time at Emerson, he won the Top College Comedian Award from the American Collegiate Talent Showcase. He performed regularly in Boston, including at The Comedy Connection.
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 spoke about his affection for the art form during a 2006 interview with The Comic’s Comic. The Hollywood Reporter noted his explanation for why he preferred stand-up to other mediums.
“I love stand-up because the reaction is immediate. There’s no director. There’s no writer. No producer. 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,” said Anthony Clark, comedian and actor.
Clark made his onscreen debut in a 1991 episode of American Playhouse and appeared in feature films like Dogfight and Peter Bogdanovich’s The Thing Called Love alongside River Phoenix, Samantha Mathis, Dermot Mulroney, and Sandra Bullock. He also played a flamboyant barber in Michael Bay’s action thriller The Rock.
Clark Starred in Boston Common and Yes, Dear
Clark secured his first television lead role on the NBC comedy series Boston Common, which ran from 1996 to 1997. He played Boyd, a man who moves from Virginia to Boston to keep tabs on his college-enrolled sister.
His best-known television role arrived in 2000 when he was cast in the CBS sitcom Yes, Dear. Created by Greg Garcia and Alan Kirschenbaum, the series followed two couples with opposing parenting views living under one roof.
| Show Title | Network | Run Duration | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Common | NBC | 1996–1997 | Boyd |
| Yes, Dear | CBS | 2000–2006 | Gregory “Greg” Warner |
| Soul Man | CBS | Short-lived | Lead |
| Last Comic Standing | NBC | Season 4 (2006) | Host |
Alongside co-stars Mike O’Malley, Jean Louisa Kelly, and Liza Snyder, Clark anchored 122 episodes across six seasons before the series concluded in 2006, Los Angeles Times reported. That same year, he hosted the fourth season of NBC’s stand-up reality competition Last Comic Standing.
His acting credits also included Ellen, Soul Man, Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist, Say Uncle, My Uncle Rafael, and West of Liberty.
