There were a few professional actors on ‘Billy Jack’, and Clark Howat certainly was one of those. Like Bert Freed, Mr. Howat’s resume was long (Clark Howat’s IMDB profile). Mr. Howat was a very nice man. I didn’t speak to him often, but he was always very calm and very thoughtful. He seemed to be very much his character: a real calming influence. I don’t remember much else except being blown away at how easily Mr. Howat adapted to the improv scene in the town square.
Mr. Howat performed the scene with members of The Committee (including Howard Hessman) who had been performing that skit nightly, but didn’t miss a beat. I was very impressed that someone who seemed like a poster child of the ‘older generation’ could get so hip so easily. (There was a much bigger generation gap back then, and the two rarely crossed.)
Clark Howat on set of 'Billy Jack' as Sheriff Cole in New Mexico (1970)
Clark Howat on set of 'Billy Jack' as Sheriff Cole in New Mexico (1970)
Clark Howat was our next door neighbor until the early 70’s. he was in hundreds of tv programs, and did lots of voice over work for animation and radio, sadly i learned he passed, my condolences to his remaining family.
Oh I know I was just joshing. I liked him as the sheriff, the one in trial of billy jack I think his name was sparky? couldn’t compare to sheriff Cole, especially when he and Jean had that special “will you tell?” thing going on.
don’t dis sheriff cole, that was one of my fave scenes in billy jack. howard hessemen was a card. that whole skit was well done. wondered if it was planned or did they just wing it for the movie?
No dis ever to Clark Howat (Sheriff Cole). He was a very nice, very cool man.