Gary Clarke
Actor
About Gary Clarke
Gary Clarke was a minor American actor who had a very brief career in the late 1950s, appearing almost exclusively in 1959. His most notable (and possibly only credited) role was in the American International Pictures horror film 'How to Make a Monster' (1959), directed by Herbert L. Strock. The film was part of AIP's successful series of low-budget horror productions that capitalized on the teenage drive-in market of the era. Clarke's career appears to have been extremely limited, with no substantial filmography beyond this single year of activity. Like many bit players of the studio system era, he likely appeared in uncredited roles or as background talent before leaving the industry. His brief stint in Hollywood coincided with the end of the studio system's dominance and the rise of independent film production.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'How to Make a Monster' (1959)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Gary Clarke's impact on cinema was minimal due to his extremely brief career, limited to a single film appearance in 1959. His participation in 'How to Make a Monster' places him within the context of American International Pictures' influential horror film cycle that helped establish the teen horror genre. However, as a minor player in a single production, his individual contribution to film history is negligible, and he represents the many anonymous actors who briefly passed through Hollywood during the transition from the studio system to more independent film production.
Lasting Legacy
Gary Clarke does not have a significant legacy in film history due to his limited career. His only notable appearance was in 'How to Make a Monster' (1959), which has since become a cult classic among B-movie horror enthusiasts. However, Clarke himself remains largely forgotten, serving as an example of the many actors who had fleeting careers in Hollywood during the late 1950s. His brief appearance places him as a minor footnote in the history of American horror cinema and the AIP film catalog.
Who They Inspired
Given his extremely limited filmography, Gary Clarke did not have any measurable influence on other actors or directors. He appears to have been a bit player who did not continue in the entertainment industry, leaving no discernible mark on subsequent generations of performers or filmmakers.
Off Screen
Very limited information is available about Gary Clarke's personal life, as his career was extremely brief and he did not achieve notable public recognition. Like many minor actors of the era, he appears to have left the entertainment industry shortly after his brief appearance in 1959.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in only one known film during his entire career
- His only credited role was in an American International Pictures production
- 'How to Make a Monster' was part of AIP's successful teen horror series
- The film was directed by Herbert L. Strock, who specialized in low-budget genre films
- His entire known career spanned just one year: 1959
- He should not be confused with the more well-known Gary Clarke who starred in 'The Virginian' TV series
- Like many bit players of the era, he may have appeared in uncredited roles that are not documented
- The film he appeared in has since become a cult classic among horror film enthusiasts
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Gary Clarke?
Gary Clarke was a minor American actor who had an extremely brief career in 1959, known primarily for his appearance in the horror film 'How to Make a Monster' (1959). His acting career appears to have lasted only one year with no other significant credits.
What films is Gary Clarke best known for?
Gary Clarke is known only for his appearance in 'How to Make a Monster' (1959), an American International Pictures horror film about a makeup artist who goes mad after being fired by the studio.
When was Gary Clarke born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for Gary Clarke are not publicly documented, which is common for minor actors who had very brief careers in Hollywood and did not achieve public recognition.
What awards did Gary Clarke win?
Gary Clarke did not receive any notable awards or nominations during his brief acting career, which consisted of only one known film appearance in 1959.
What was Gary Clarke's acting style?
Due to the limited documentation of his work and extremely brief career, there is insufficient information to determine Gary Clarke's specific acting style or techniques.
Did Gary Clarke work with any famous directors or actors?
Gary Clarke worked with director Herbert L. Strock on 'How to Make a Monster' and appeared alongside Robert H. Harris and Paul Brinegar, though his role was likely minor given his limited career.
Why did Gary Clarke's career end so quickly?
The reasons for Gary Clarke's abrupt departure from acting are not documented, but it was common for bit players and minor actors of the era to have brief careers before leaving the industry for other pursuits.
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Films
1 film
