Roger Clark (born Wister Somers Clark;"Former Hasson Girl Weds New York Man at Baltimore, Md.". The News-Herald. March 15, 1950. p. 9."California Death Index, 1940-1997," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VPC6-P8L : 26 November 2014), Roger Wistersomers Clark, 13 Oct 1978; Department of Public Health Services, Sacramento."California, World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1940-1945", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QGF9-DR7V : Sat Mar 09 14:26:34 UTC 2024), Entry for Wister Somers Clark and Harriett W Clark, 16 October 1940. March 16, 1908 – October 13, 1978"Obituaries: Roger W. Clark". Ventura County Star. October 16, 1978. p. A-12. Retrieved April 18, 2024.) was an American actor. He appeared in more than thirty films from 1941 to 1962.

Early life and career Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Clark was the son of Horace H. Clark and Jeannette Noble. He attended California Preparatory School and Dartmouth College.

In the fall of 1936, it was reported that Clark—described by The Charlotte Observer as "the handsome subject for nationally famous photographers","Producers Seek New Performers". The Charlotte Observer. and by The Waco Times Herald as "the nation's leading male advertising model""Leading Male Model Latest Picture Find". The Waco Times-Herald. November 22, 1936. p. 11. Retrieved April 17, 2024.—was one of many young performers being signed to long-term contracts by Universal Pictures.

Prior to making his official screen debut as "Van" Vandever in the 1941 film You Belong to Me,"Roger Clark Filmography". American Film Institute. Clark had performed exclusively under his birth name, as Wister Clark."Film's New Clark, But Not Gable!". The Palm Beach Post. January 26, 1937. Retrieved April 17, 2024."Theater—Now—A Clare Boothe Era for Baltimore". The Baltimore Sun. February 26, 1939. p. 47. Retrieved April 17, 2024."Scene From Drama at Majestic Tonight". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. April 10, 1939. p. 3. Retrieved April 17, 2024. The stage name "Roger" was said to be the brainchild of that film's star, Barbara Stanwyck, as reported by AP's Hubbard Keavy. Wister Clark, from the New York stage, on his first day in the movies had to kiss Barbara Stanwyck 26 times. When it was over, she said: 'You say your name's Wister? That doesn't fit anybody who can kiss like that.' Whereupon Barbara decided Roger Clark would be better. The studio agreed, renamed him. Clark, bewildered, agreed. But he still can't understand what difference kissing makes in his name. Stanwyck didn't have any reason for considering the name Wister inadequate. But he is Roger Clark from now on.Keavy, Hubbard (August 17, 1941). "New Type of Picture of West Promised; What's in a Name? Ha, It's Kisses!". Tulsa World. p. 37. Retrieved April 17, 2024.

Between 1944 and 1952, Clark produced, directed and/or performed in six Broadway shows."Roger Clark credits". Playbill.

Personal life and death Clark was married at least three times. In 1928, he married fellow Hartford native Helen Grace Holt and was divorced four years later on grounds of cruelty."New York, New York City Marriage Records, 1829-1938", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:24WK-W19 : Tue Feb 20 21:49:49 UTC 2024), Entry for Wister Somers Clark and Helen Grace Holt, 13 Jul 1928."Decrees Granted". Reno Gazette-Journal. p. 12. retrieved April 17, 2024."Divorces Granted". Nevada State Journal. They had one child together, a son, Roland Somers Clark."United States Census, 1930", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XMPK-8T7 : Sat Mar 09 18:09:27 UTC 2024), Entry for Wister S Clark and Helen H Clark, 1930."United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), 1936-2007", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6KMK-N3HD : 10 February 2023), Roland Somers Clark, . From July 30, 1936 until their divorce on July 19, 1945, Clark was married to actress Jan Wiley,"Actress Says Home Life Too Much Work". Hollywood Citizen-News. July 20, 1945. p. 16. Retrieved April 17, 2024.Associated Press (July 20, 1945). "Actress Jan Wiley Is Granted Divorce". Roanoke Times. p. 16. Retrieved April 17, 2024. and on March 6, 1950, he married Carolyn Louise Black.

On October 13, 1978, following a long illness, Clark died in Ojai, California, survived by his wife Louise, his son Roland, two grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

Selected filmography Year Title Role Notes 1941You Belong to MeFrederick VandemerHonolulu LuSecrets of the Lone WolfPaul Benoit 1942Daring Young ManTed JohnsonThe Lady Is WillingVictorMeet the StewartsTed GrahamTwo Yanks in TrinidadJames W. Buckingham III 1943Girls in ChainsFrank Donavan 1944Pin Up GirlSgt. George DavisFaces in the FogSgt. O'Donnell

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