Australian Broadway star Sam Clark died earlier this year aged 40, following an 18-month battle with an aggressive brain tumour.
The performer tragically lost his battle with Glioblastoma – a fast-growing and deadly brain tumour – on August 22, with his friends recently revealing the heartbreaking news on social media.
‘We lost our sweet, beautiful Sam after an 18 month battle with Glioblastoma. Sam lived many lives. He worked as a professional actor and theatre producer in Australia and New York City for many years before starting his company,’ an online tribute read.
‘Sam proudly became an American citizen in January 2020. He was passionate about many things including watches, building PC’s, Elton John, beer, politics, the stock market and ancient history.’
He was born in Toowoomba, Queensland in 1984 and after graduating from a performing arts course, he relocated to Brisbane to begin his celebrated career as a stage actor.
Clark wowed theatre audiences with his incredible and vibrant stage performances in a host of renowned productions including April’s Fool by David Burton, Often I Find That I Am Naked by Fiona Sprott and Rabbit by Nina Raine.
Australian Broadway star Sam Clark (pictured) died earlier this year aged 40, following an 18-month battle with an aggressive brain tumour
He shouldn’t be confused with the Neighbours actor of the same name, who played Ringo Brown on the soap opera from 2007 – 2010.
Clark performed across Brisbane from 2006 – 2013 and regularly visited locals high schools to appear in short dramas which showcased the evils of bullying.
The Queensland native also worked behind the scenes in New York as a Broadway promoter, and helped raise awareness for many celebrated productions held in the Big Apple.
Tragically, he had only married his long-term partner Susie Gannon in January, in an emotional wedding ceremony held amid his health battle.
Many of Sam’s celebrity friends took to social media to pay tribute to the beloved actor.
‘Sam was such a force in my early life on stage – he had so much confidence, charisma, passion, charm. He was hardworking but knew when to slack off with a cheeky wink in his eye,’ wrote Neighbours star Remy Hii.
‘Such a charming, kind and talented guy. Thinking of you guys,’ added Bluey actor Sam Cotton.
Meanwhile, Aussie playwright David Burton paid tribute to Clark in a statement: ‘He was the permanent older cousin I clicked with every few years. Always doing something bolder, brighter, better.
The performer tragically lost his battle with Glioblastoma – a fast-growing and deadly brain tumour – on August 22, with his friends recently revealing the heartbreaking news
Tragically, Clark had only married his long-term partner Susie Gannon (left) in January, in an emotional wedding ceremony held while amid his health battle
‘Anything was possible with Sam. It’s what made him a good producer. A flick of the eyebrows. A grin. A wink. Like he was gently flirting with everything. Playful and kind.’
He had been documenting his health battle on social media and stunned his fans with his ability to always remain positive under such difficult conditions.
Clark is survived by his wife Susie, his parents Peter and Sheryl, his two siblings and nephews.
Elsewhere, respected Australian actor Kevin Miles died in Melbourne earlier this year aged 95.
The veteran performer passed away ‘peacefully’ at his home in the Mornington Peninsula on September 13, reported his nephew Barry.
Kevin was born in Melbourne in 1929 and worked in showbusiness for over 40 years, appearing in some of Australia’s most iconic TV shows and films.
His most famous role was opposite legendary actors Sam Neill and Meryl Streep in the 1988 Oscar-nominated movie Evil Angels, which dramatised the Lindy Chamberlain trial.
He received a Logie nomination in 1984 for Best Lead Actor in a Series for his work in the period drama Carson’s Law.
