Australian Broadway star dies aged 40 after long battle with aggressive brain tumour

Australian Broadway star Sam Clark died earlier this year at the age of 40 after an 18-month battle with an aggressive brain tumor.

The artist tragically lost his battle with Glioblastoma – a fast-growing and deadly brain tumor – on August 22, with his friends recently revealing the heartbreaking news on social media.

‘We lost our sweet, beautiful Sam after an 18 month battle with Glioblastoma. Sam has lived many lives. He worked for many years as a professional actor and theater producer in Australia and New York City before founding his company,” according to an online tribute.

“Sam proudly became an American citizen in January 2020. He was passionate about many things, including watches, PC building, Elton John, beer, politics, the stock market and ancient history.”

He was born in Toowoomba, Queensland in 1984 and after graduating from a performing arts course, he moved to Brisbane to begin his celebrated career as a stage actor.

Clark wowed theater audiences with his incredible and vibrant stage performances in a variety of renowned productions, including David Burton’s April’s Fool, Fiona Sprott’s Often I Find That I Am Naked and Nina Raine’s Rabbit.

He should not be confused with the Neighbors actor of the same name, who played Ringo Brown on the soap opera from 2007 to 2010.

Clark performed across Brisbane from 2006 to 2013, regularly visiting area high schools to appear in short dramas showing the evils of bullying.

The Queensland native also worked behind the scenes in New York as a Broadway promoter, helping to raise awareness for many celebrated productions in the Big Apple.

Tragically, he had only married his long-term partner Susie Gannon in January, in an emotional wedding ceremony amid his health battle.

Many of Sam’s famous friends took to social media to pay tribute to the beloved actor.

‘Sam was such a force in my early life on stage – he had so much confidence, charisma, passion and charm. He worked hard but knew when to relax with a cheeky wink in his eye,” wrote Neighbors star Remy Hii.

‘Such a charming, kind and talented man. Thinking of you,” Bluey actor Sam Cotton added.

Meanwhile, Australian playwright David Burton paid tribute to Clark in a statement: “He was the steady older cousin I clicked with every few years. Always doing something bolder, brighter, better.

The artist tragically lost his battle with Glioblastoma – a fast-growing and deadly brain tumor – on August 22, with his friends recently revealing the heartbreaking news

Tragically, Clark was only married to his long-term partner Susie Gannon (left) in January, in an emotional wedding ceremony while he was in the midst of his health battle.

‘Anything was possible with Sam. That made him a good producer. A wink with the eyebrows. A grin. A wink. Like he was gently flirting with everything. Playful and friendly.’

He documented his health struggles on social media and amazed his fans with his ability to always stay positive under such difficult circumstances.

Clark is survived by his wife Susie, his parents Peter and Sheryl, his two siblings and nephews.

Elsewhere, respected Australian actor Kevin Miles died in Melbourne earlier this year at the age of 95.

The veteran artist died ‘peacefully’ at his home on the Mornington Peninsula on September 13. his cousin reported Barry.

Kevin was born in Melbourne in 1929 and worked in show business for over forty years. He has appeared in some of Australia’s most iconic TV shows and films.

His best-known role was opposite legendary actors Sam Neill and Meryl Streep in the 1988 Oscar-nominated film Evil Angels, which dramatized the trial of Lindy Chamberlain.

He received a Logie nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Series in 1984 for his work in the period drama Carson’s Law.