Elissa Middleton: Wife of the late American Actor, Clark Middleton

Who is Elissa Middleton?

Elissa Middleton is a famous American theater actress and author. The wife of the late American actor Clark Middleton, Elissa Middleton, is known for her portrayal of Queen Emer in W. B. Yeats’ The Only Jealousy of Emer.

In addition, Elissa Middleton is known for her performances in several plays, including Faraway Eyes, Masquerade, and Special. Likewise, she has also authored a book titled Spirit & Time.

Born Elissa Meyers, Elissa Middleton got married to Clark Middleton in 2006. The couple was married until Clark Middleton’s demise on October 4, 2020.

Quick Facts

Educational Background

Elissa Meyers is a well-educated woman. Educated in New York, the prolific actress has gained her training from William Esper, Austin Pendelton, and Jon Shear.

Moreover, she has also taken a two-year course in Voice, Diction, and Shakespeare under the guidance of Shane Ann Younts. Likewise, Elissa Middleton is fluent in five languages.

In addition, Middleton holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Philosophy and Art History from Reed College. She has also earned an MFA degree in writing from Sarah Lawrence.

Elissa Middleton Career

Like her famous husband, Elissa Middleton has had a successful acting career. With her most recent role being Jeannie Berlin’s daughter in Harry Greenberger’s Faraway Eyes, Elissa Middleton has also had several theater roles.

These include her performances as Queen Emer in W. B. Yeats’ The Only Jealousy of Emer, directed by Dublin’s Ray Yeates, the Baroness in the US premiere of Lermontov’s Masquerade, and Helene Marais Rosenthal in James Bosley’s Broad Channel.

Likewise, she also had the lead role in the world premiere of Meredith Anthony’s ‘Murder on the Main Line.’ Elissa directed the play, and it was performed at Manhattan Repertory Theater.

Apart from this, Clark Middleton’s wife acted in Craig Lucas’ Reckless. Reckless was directed by her late husband, Clark Middleton.

In addition, Elissa Middleton also was the star and the producer of the one-woman play Special, directed by William Leavengood. The play centered around autism and was shown at Theatre Row.

Elissa Middleton has been working on a production of Harold Pinter’s ‘Ashes to Ashes.’ Torn is directing the play starring Elissa and Tony Torn.

Besides her long-standing career as an actress, Elissa Middle is also a well-respected writer. Recently, she published her book ‘Spirit & Time.’

The book, revolving around Jazz drummers, was published by Blue Note Records as a part of their box set, The Blue Note Review. Elissa Middleton is also an editor of Out of the Blue, Blue Note Records magazine.

She interviewed several celebrities, including drummers Victor Lewis and Billy Hart. In the interview, Lewis and Hart spoke about Tony Williams.

Who was Elissa Middleton’s Husband, Clark Middleton?

Born Clark Tinsley Middleton, Clark Middleton was an American actor. Recognized mainly for playing supporting roles in several films and TV shows, Clark Middleton has acted in Kill Bill: Vol. 2, Sin City, Fringe, Snowpiercer, and The Blacklist.

Clark Middleton was born on April 13, 1957. He was born in Bristol, Tennessee.

At four, Clark Middleton was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, the doctors were pessimistic regarding Middleton’s chance of survival and predicted that he would likely not survive another winter in his hometown’s cold, damp climate.

Middleton said in an interview about his struggles with the disease,

“At first, it distorted my hands. Then the cortisone I had to take made my cheeks fat. At 8, I lost movement in my neck. Then, when I was 15, my hip snapped. After an operation, I had to be on crutches and later, after I broke my leg falling over my dog, on canes.”

Middleton was introduced to acting after signing up for an acting class with his friends at a California junior college. While living in Los Angeles, he dabbled with a little bit of theater.

Later, Middleton relocated to New York City to study acting formally. Educated at the Herbert Bergh of Studio, Geraldine Page was his teacher.

Also, Check out the Biography of Raymond Bailey.

Clark Middleton Career

Making his debut in the TV movie Miss Lonelyhearts, Clark Middleton has also written the one-person play Miracle Mile. Detailing his lifelong struggle with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, the play was performed in several US cities, including New York.

Middleton appeared in a recurring role on Law & Order as Ellis in the 1990s. Additionally, he had a recurring role as Edward Markham in the science-fiction series, Fringe.

Middleton was mainly recognized for his recurring role on The Blacklist. The actor portrayed the role of Glen Carter in the show.

In 2017, Middleton played the role of Audrey Horne’s husband, Charlie, in the Showtime Network series, Twin Peaks: The Return. The show was a sequel to the 1990s hit TV series, Twin Peaks.

Talking to Indiewire in 2017, Middleton revealed that he did not have to audition for the role of Charlie. He said,

“I thought I would enjoy being in that world. It was the sort of world I thought I could fit in as an actor.”

Before his untimely death in October 2020, Middleton gave his final performance in July 2020. Playing the role of a Times Square hotel night clerk in Eugene O’Neill’s one-act play, Hughie. Middleton gave a powerful performance via Zoom from his bedroom.

After his death due to West Nile Virus, his character Glen was also killed off in The Blacklist, citing the exact cause of death. His character died in the eighth season’s episode, “The Wellstone Agency.”

Clark Middleton Death

At the age of 63, actor Clark Middleton died due to the West Nile Virus on October 4, 2020. The Blacklist actor’s wife, Elissa, confirmed the news about his death.

“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. Clark transitioned on October 4 due to the West Nile Virus, for which there is no known cure. Clark was a beautiful soul who defied limits and advocated for people with disabilities.”

– Elissa Middleton wrote.

The Blacklist’s creator Jon Bokenkamp released a statement discussing his reaction to Clark Middleton’s death and praised the late actor. The statement read:

“I’m heartbroken. Besides being a truly unique and gifted actor, Clark was simply an incredible guy. He was a whip-smart film nut. He loved his work with a passion. And he was insanely generous of spirit … I know his entire family at The Blacklist is devastated by this news. Clark was one of the good ones, and we lost him way too soon.”

After his death, Clark’s character of Glen was killed off The Blacklist. Unfortunately, just like Clark, his character also died due to West Nile Virus.

After Clark’s funeral, Elissa shared a tweet via Clark Middleton’s Twitter thanking all of Clark’s fans and followers for their love for the late actor. She tweeted,

“Hi. Elissa here, Clark’s wife. Thank you for your love and support for My Mister. I cannot count the 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.”

Children

Clark and Elissa Middleton do not have any children, biological or adopted.

Elissa Middleton Net Worth

As of 2023, Elissa Middleton has an estimated net worth of approximately USD 1 million. She has accumulated impressive earnings due to her successful career as an actress.

Social Media

Elissa Middleton Instagram

On Instagram, Elissa Middleton is active under the username “elissa__middleton.” The notable theater actress has over 1,023 followers on Instagram.

Elissa often shares photos of herself and her late husband and also states that her life is no longer the same without her husband, Clark Middleton.