The Tragic Mystery: What Was Clive Clerk's Cause Of Death?

The question of Clive Clerk's cause of death remains a profound and persistent mystery nearly two decades after the actor, dancer, and artist passed away. While the world remembers him as a pivotal original cast member of the legendary Broadway musical *A Chorus Line* and a familiar face on the daytime soap *Days of Our Lives*, the specific circumstances surrounding his final moments were never publicly disclosed, leaving fans and theater historians with an incomplete narrative as of today, December 15, 2025.

The lack of a public record regarding the exact cause of death is a common occurrence for celebrities who step away from the limelight, but for a figure as significant as Clerk, whose career spanned Broadway, television, and the art world, the silence is notable. He lived a life marked by transformation—from a dancer on the stage to an accomplished painter—and his passing in 2005 marked the quiet end of a truly unique artistic journey.

Clive Clerk: A Life in Art, Dance, and Drama (Biography)

Clive Clerk, born Clive Wilson, led a fascinating life that saw him transition through multiple creative disciplines, achieving success in each. His career is a testament to his versatile talent and commitment to the arts.

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• Full Name: Clive Wilson (Later known professionally as Clive Clerk, and then as Clive Wilson the painter).
• Date of Birth: October 17, 1945.
• Place of Birth: Trinidad.
• Date of Death: June 22, 2005.
• Age at Death: 59.
• Place of Death: Los Angeles, California, USA.
• Notable Roles: Larry in the original Broadway cast of *A Chorus Line*; David Martin on the soap opera *Days of Our Lives*.
• Spouse/Partner: Was in a long-term relationship with author and former actor Tom Tryon.
• Later Career: Successfully transitioned from acting and dancing to become a professional painter, exhibiting his work under the name Clive Wilson.
• Early Career: Moved to New York City at age 17 to pursue acting and dancing; had an early role in the road company of *Flower Drum Song*.

The Unanswered Question: Why the Silence on Clerk's Passing?

The central question for many who remember Clive Clerk is why the official cause of death was never announced. When Clerk passed away in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 59, reports confirmed his death but were vague on the details. The most common public record simply states that he "died in Los Angeles" on June 22, 2005.

This absence of specific information has led to speculation over the years, though no definitive, verified public statement from his family or estate has ever emerged. It is important to note that Clerk, later known as Clive Wilson, had largely retired from public life as an actor and dancer, dedicating himself to painting. His shift away from the Hollywood spotlight meant his later life was much more private, which is the most likely explanation for the lack of a detailed public announcement regarding his health or passing.

He was a private individual who chose a new path as an artist, and his death was handled with the same discretion that marked his final years. The most reliable sources, including obituaries and theatrical tributes, confirmed his death but consistently omitted the cause, respecting the privacy of the late artist and his loved ones.

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The Broadway Legacy: The Original 'Larry' in A Chorus Line

Clive Clerk’s most enduring legacy is his foundational role in one of Broadway’s most iconic productions: Michael Bennett's *A Chorus Line*. He was one of the dancers whose real-life stories were woven into the fabric of the show, which premiered in 1975.

Clerk originated the role of Larry, the assistant to the choreographer, Zach. This role was crucial, as Larry was the one who helped guide the other dancers through the demanding audition process. His involvement in the show was deep, stemming from the famous workshop sessions where Michael Bennett interviewed dancers about their lives and careers—the raw material that became the musical's book.

His performance as Larry solidified his status in Broadway history, placing him in the pantheon of original cast members who created a theatrical phenomenon. The success of *A Chorus Line* was unprecedented, winning nine Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

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From Soap Opera Star to Acclaimed Fine Artist

Before his Broadway fame, Clive Clerk was a recognizable face on daytime television. He played the role of David Martin on the long-running soap opera *Days of Our Lives* from 1966 to 1967.

This early television exposure showcased his acting talents and cemented his place in the industry before he returned to his roots in dance and theater. However, the most significant shift in his later life was his complete career change. After his time on Broadway, Clerk moved away from performing entirely and embraced a new identity as a fine artist.

The Art of Clive Wilson

Clerk began working professionally as a painter, adopting his birth name, Clive Wilson, for his new artistic career. His work was exhibited in galleries across California and New York, showcasing a talent that was entirely separate from his stage and screen persona.

This transition highlights the depth of his creative spirit. He was not just an actor or a dancer; he was an artist who found a new medium for expression after the intensity of a Broadway career. His paintings, often abstract or dealing with form and light, were well-received, giving him a second, quieter, but equally fulfilling career. This ability to reinvent himself, from a Trinidad-born dancer to a celebrated Broadway performer, a television actor, and finally, a respected painter, is perhaps the most remarkable aspect of his biography.

While the specific cause of his death remains unconfirmed in public records, Clive Clerk's legacy is clear. It is a legacy defined by his contributions to dance and theater as the original Larry, his brief but memorable run as David Martin, and his final, peaceful years as the dedicated painter, Clive Wilson. His life story is a powerful reminder of the multifaceted nature of artistic talent and the right to privacy, even for public figures.

Key Entities and Career Highlights

• Broadway: *A Chorus Line* (Original Cast, 1975)
• Role: Larry (Assistant Choreographer)
• Television: *Days of Our Lives* (David Martin, 1966-1967)
• Film: *Send Me No Flowers* (1964), *Billie* (1965)
• Relationship: Tom Tryon (Author/Actor)
• Choreographer: Michael Bennett (Creator of *A Chorus Line*)
• Artistic Name: Clive Wilson
• Location of Death: Los Angeles, California