Jack Clay

Jack DeWayne Clay (October 20, 1926 – September 2, 2019) was an American actor, director, and acting teacher born in Decatur, Illinois. Over the course of a career spanning decades, he worked across Broadway, academia, and professional theater, becoming widely recognized as an influential figure in actor training.

Clay received his education at Northwestern University's school of speech, studying under Alvina Krause. His own training also included work with Lee Strasberg, Martha Graham, and Eric Hawkins. He made his Broadway appearances between 1950 and 1952, performing in the musical The Choir Rehearsal and in The Tower Beyond Tragedy.

Following his time on Broadway, Clay moved into higher education and professional theater. He held teaching positions at Oberlin College from 1956 to 1957, the University of Miami from 1957 to 1961, and the University of South Florida from 1961 to 1966. During his years in Dallas, he founded Stage #1, a professional acting company, and served as its artistic director for eight years. He subsequently led the Professional Actors Training Program at Southern Methodist University from 1966 to 1986, then held the equivalent position at the University of Washington from 1986 to 1991.

Among the students Clay trained were Kathy Bates, Powers Boothe, Patricia Richardson, Stephen Tobolowsky, Beth Henley, and Christopher Evan Welch. He was also a distinguished member of the College of Fellows of the American Theatre. Clay died on September 2, 2019, in Seattle.