Kevin Clark, who played drummer Freddy in the film School of Rock, was hit by a car while riding a bicycle. Chicago police released a statement following the incident: “The bicyclist has been identified as a 32-year-old male. He was pronounced [dead] at Illinois Masonic at 2:04 am. The person at fault has not been determined at this time and the crash is under investigation by Area Five Detectives.”
Though School of Rock was Clark’s only acting credit, he was a drummer his entire life. He started lessons when he was five-years-old. At 12, he answered a newspaper ad that called for child musicians to star in a movie alongside Jack Black. Clark ended up landing the role of Freddy “Spazzy McGee” Jones.
Clark continued playing drums in bands such as Dreadwolf, Funk it Let’s Jam and Jess Bess and the Intentions. In addition, he taught the instrument at a Chicago-area school.
Jack Black posted a tribute to the musician on Instagram.
The post featured photos of Clark as a child in the School of Rock movie, as well as one of Jack Black with an adult Clark. It read, “Devastating news. Kevin is gone. Way too soon. Beautiful soul. So many great memories. Heartbroken. Sending love to his family and the whole School of Rock community.”
Miranda Cosgrove, Clark’s former costar, also posted a reaction to the news.
She posted several photos of the two together as children. The caption read, “Stunned and saddened by this news today. The world lost an amazing soul. I’ll always remember your spirit and how kind you were to me. I’ll never forget all the memories. You’ll always be missed Kevin.”
Clark had reportedly just played live with his new band last weekend.
He is survived by his mother and sister.
