Bryan Clark (actor)

Bryan Clark (April 5, 1929 – September 9, 2022), sometimes credited as Bryan E. Clark, was an American film, television, and stage actor.

Early life and education
Clark was born in Louisville, Kentucky, the only child of pharmacist Bryan Clark and Maybelle Chester Clark. He spent many summers at Eugene O'Neil Playwright's Conference and studied singing, acting, and dancing. Clark performed with the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall at the age of 15 and also played the clarinet in a big band while attending Fordham University.

Career
Over a career spanning several decades, his film roles included All the President's Men (1976), Trading Places (1983), Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead (1991), Without Warning: The James Brady Story (1991).

On TV, his guest and recurring appearances in many television shows include Cheers, where he played the bartender Earl in Season 9, Wings, Becker, Suddenly Susan, St. Elsewhere, Who's the Boss?, The Nanny, Murphy Brown (playing Corky's dad), and Chicago Hope.

Known for his "striking" resemblance to Ronald Reagan, he was often cast as him in various productions, including Guts and Glory: The Rise and Fall of Oliver North (1989), Without Warning: The James Brady Story (1991), Pizza Man (1991), and an episode of Dark Skies ("Bloodlines").

Clark was also known for being a spokesman for Folgers coffee in the 1980s and other friendly personalities in various commercials, including one for Tavern on the Green, and various stage roles. The New York Times complimented his performance in the 1978 Off-Broadway play Winning.

Personal life
Clark was married to actress Jo Deodato Clark for 65 years and they had five children.