Clive Clerk (October 17, 1945 – June 22, 2005) was a Trinidad-born actor, dancer and painter, later known as Clive Wilson, who had a successful career as an abstract painter and interior designer. He is best known for his role as David Martin on the NBC daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives (1966–1967) and for originating the role of Larry in the original Broadway cast of the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical A Chorus Line in 1975.
Early life and education Clerk was born in Trinidad on October 17, 1945. He moved to Canada as a young boy and later, at the age of 17, relocated to New York City to pursue an acting career.
Career Acting and Dance Clive Clerk's career began with the role of Wang San in the road company of Flower Drum Song and a lead part in the 1963 film The Seven Day Idol. He moved to Los Angeles, working in film and television throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. Television appearances included Days of Our Lives (1966–1967), The Mod Squad (1968–1970), I Spy (1966), The Virginian (1966), Combat! (1965), and Happy Days (1970). He also appeared in films such as Send Me No Flowers (1964), Dear Brigitte (1965), and Billie (1965). In 1975, Clerk joined the original Broadway cast of A Chorus Line as Larry, the assistant director/choreographer, and also understudied the role of Zach. He received a special Theatre World award in 1976 for ensemble performance.
Art and Design After his performing career, Clerk, as Clive Wilson, became an abstract painter and interior designer. His art was exhibited in galleries, and his interior design work, including the apartment of Tom Tryon, was featured in Architectural Digest.
Personal life Clerk was in a relationship with actor and writer Tom Tryon during the 1970s. Tryon was intensely private about keeping his homosexuality a secret from his fans and most of his family, which became a major point of tension arose between them. In 1972, Clive and Tom broke up.
Death Clive Clerk died in Los Angeles, California, on June 22, 2005, at the age of 59.
Filmography Television YearTitleRoleNotes1964 The Lieutenant Dick Episode: Between Music and Laughter Profiles in Courage Johnson Episode: Richard T. Ely Mr. Novak Monty / Eddie / India United States Assembly Episode: Sparrow on the Wire1965 Karen Tony Episode: Karen Robs the Cradle Many Happy Returns Philip Episode: Three on Honeymoon CBC Show of the Week Himself Episode: Another Side of Young Combat! Pierre Episode: The Convict Convoy Morgan Episode: No More Souvenirs1966 The Virginian Tonka Episode: One Spring Like a Long Ago Days of Our Lives David Martin / Man 141 episodes I Spy Bashik Episode: Sparrowhawk1968 The Rat Patrol Jean-Claude Episode: The Double Jeopardy Raid The Mod Squad Gandy Schaffler / Allan Episode: Bad Man On Campus The High Chaparral Chatto Episode: The Stallion The Name of the Game Tino Torres Episode: The Revolutionary1969 Judd, for the Defense Ray Deur Episode: Between the Dark and the Daylight The New People Jack Episode: Panic in the Sand1970 Happy Days Handsome Boy Episode: 9 The Young Rebels Jonno Devery Episode: Suicide Squad1990 The Phil Donahue Show Himself 1 episode
Film YearTitleRoleNotes1964 Send Me No Flowers Vito1965 Dear Brigitte Student Billie Ted Chekas
Awards and nominations Year Award Category Result Title Ref. 1976 Special Theatre World Awards Ensemble Performance A Chorus Line
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