Matthew Cowles Obituary

My husband and I remember you on All My Children forever

Happy Heavenly Birthday.

Happy Heavenly Birthday

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

In Loving Memory
Happy Heavenly Birthday

I'm grateful to have known and worked with Matthew on All My Children. He was Billy Clyde obsessed with his Dixie Bird, a nickname he came up with for my character. I found him to be a deeply thoughtful and kind man. I was always impressed with his dedication and professionalism but also his heart. I could see that it sometimes hurt his heart to have to be the bad guy to my endangered ingenue but we always found a way to have a laugh about it. I'm grateful that we were able to later cross paths in Connecticut and learn more about his poetry, his playwriting, and his love of motorcycles. He was a deep thinker and lover of life. I am so glad I got to spend a little time with him and hope to see him the next go around!

Dearest Friend,
On the 22nd it was five years since your flight, 20 days after my Pop, your second father. Quite a milestone. We buried Skip's grandson Mika Zimbalist, almost 11 (cerebral palsy), who's now teaching you football, of all things! Miss you every day, Mateo, and know your wonderful grandsons are thriving, your footprint is indelible!
Forever,
Stephanie

Christine. So sorry for your loss. Hope time will heal.

In Loving Memory

RIP

Rest in peace

A big article in the November 11, 2018 edition of the CONNECTICUT POST newspaper, page D2, was about Matthew's actress wife and long-time Connecticut resident Christine Baranski. She is involved in an effort to preserve Connecticut's waterways and forests. It caused me to do more research on Matthew's life, and I am just so impressed on learning what a great person and actor and husband and father he was. I hope to meet him in Heaven some day.

Performing in Romulus Linney play HOLY GHOSTS. Set in charismatic Pentecostal church service. Matthew shows up loud and clear on the boards each night. Helping me. I'm not kidding. God love you Matthew Cowles. Gratitude.

Jer

Happy Heavenly Birthday

I miss you.

In loving memory of a beautiful soul
Happy Birthday Matthew

To Christine and her daughters... This is for you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivM1ytYswNA

You were my brother and best friend. I will always miss you. Thank you for 35 years of friendship.

wonderful actor. You will be missed

In Loving Memory Always

Condolences to Mr Matthew Cowles loved ones. He was one of the greatest actors on All My Children. Rest in peace.

I'm very late in sending condolences, but have only just learned of Matthew's passing. So sorry for the loss of a fine actor and, I'm sure, the loss of a beloved family member. Best wishes.

I only found out today and it makes me very sad for our loss. I truly loved the Billy Clyde character. He made me a fan of a show I otherwise would not have watched.

thank you for some happy memories from my younger days...

IN LOVING MEMORY
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATTHEW

IN LOVING MEMORY OF
MATTHEW
You made this world a brighter and better
place and this world hasn't been the same
since you've been gone.
You are loved and missed
Rest in peace.

rip Matt we love u in the part as billy clyde our hearts goes out to the family god bless

While visiting NY for the first time last week,I passed your wife on the sidewalk (unbeknownst to her) on the eve of your 70th birthday. I looked you up after that encounter. My parents have watched your show, All My Children, for the past 20 years at least. We lost mom in January. Dad misses mom and your show the most of all these days b/c of all they shared together. Now he settles for, As The World Turns...I was able to visit your beautiful city for the first time ever this past week, along with a UN delegation and the Pope and a few others, like myself and my husband who took a vacay...Thanks for giving my dad and mom something to share over the years. A lot of people poo-poo these soaps, but for shut-ins (due to health issues) and the elderly for the obvious, you gave them hope!

Meant to hop on this yesterday, but I went straight to the family. Dearest friend, as the months go by, the stuff that made Matthew continues to ascend in my heart. Nobler, we, for having known you. Thank you for continuing your sweet ministry, from Heaven Above. And Happy Birthday today to your darling freewheeling Pop Chandler, who's no doubt celebrating with you and my Pop, and Katty, too, and the denizens of a gentler time. Love eternally, Stephanie Z.

FOREVER REMEMBERED
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATTHEW

To Matthew Cowles,
You were a very talented actor on the daytime soap opera All my children. My thoughts and prayers go your family and friends. Lisa Weiner

IN LOVING MEMORY
Matthew
You will Always be
Loved and missed in
the hearts of many.

When "All My Children" resurfaced on the Internet, I called my sister and said I have just three words: Billy Clyde TUGGLE!! She and I were avid AMC fans and were so glad they brought back such a talented actor. Over the years, I saw him in other shows and never failed to be surprised by his talent. While I didn't know your family I wanted to send a message to you, this first Christmas without your beloved husband and father. May memories of happy times with him comfort you during this season of hope. Peace to you.

Dear Family of Matthew Cowles, I have been an avid fan of Matthew throughout the years he played the character of Billy Clyde Tuggle "The Man You Loved To Hate." No other actor could have been cast to play his part as well as Matthew did. I am so very sorry for your loss. When my husband read the news on MSN I broke down and sobbed, I felt such sorrow that he was gone. I am very happy that you had many happy years together, but no matter how many, they are never enough. I pray that he is surrounded in God's loving arms and is smiling down at your family and wishing he could take away the pain of his loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers daily and I hope that the pain of your loss eases as you remember all your happy times together. Blessings from a "Forever Fan" and love to you for strength to get you through this very difficult time. My Prayers and God's Blessings to your family. My Deepest Sympathy, Debbie H.

I, too, loved to hate Billy Clyde but became an instant fan. What a wonderful actor. My sincere condolences to his wife, Christine and daughters. God be with you during this difficult time.

I was honored to be at the celebration of Matt's life. I enjoyed hearing the stories about Matt and how he impacted peoples' lives. It wasn't until a few days later that, speaking with friends, we remembered a “Matt story” that should have been told. So here it is. This happened many years ago. Bethlehem is a small town and our church communities are little hubs of connection. We had a member of our congregation, Alfred, who was an older gentleman, a bit eccentric and brilliant (not unlike Matt). He could frequently be seen riding (or pushing) his red bike through town. He was a very private man who kept to himself, but once or twice a year, he would travel to NYC. His health was failing and on his last trip to the city, he collapsed on the sidewalk. He did not know who or where he was and was being attended to by the police. Along came Matt, probably the only person in NYC who knew who Alfred was. He was able to identify Alfred, help to get him to the hospital and alert Bethlehem of what had happened. Sadly, Alfred didn't make it home, but we believe that it was no accident that Matt happened by at just the right moment. And we were comforted knowing that Alfred wasn't alone. I believe that these kinds of connections are no accident and there was something very special about Matt to put him in that place at that time.

I am still sifting through every beautiful moment of the recent celebration of Matthew's birthday. A remarkable tribute to a remarkable man.
I worked with Matthew on All My Children and again on a film "The Living Wake". We had a special connection, the kind I believe he had with everyone he met. His heart, his humor, his faith touched us all. I'm grateful to have had the time with him that I did.
I hold Christine and his family in my prayers in the coming months, knowing that the strength of his spirit will be felt always.

I had the good fortune of working with Matthew on the second season of Law and Order..he played the character of Lemonhead..a homeless dweller who lived in Central Park.It remains probably my favorite scene of the five seasons I did on the show. Matthew in just one scene defined the crazy,sad, beautiful, spirit that was NYC of the early nineties...what an artist! God bless you Matthew!

I felt honored to attend the beautiful Matthew Cowles tribute last weekend. Thank you thank you. Like so many others, I adored the man.

In '91 we shared the stage in “Ascention Day” at the Hudson Guild. About the Nat Turner rebellion. I'll never forget standing off left each night watching him pour his heart and soul into the moment and virtually levitate off the boards as Ving Rhames baptized him. We became friends, lucky me. Discovered we had several things in common, including Type I Diabetes. He provided spiritual light and laughter and love during some personally rocky times.

We lost contact for the past dozen years or so, but I never stopped thinking about him.

Mid March this year I was admitted into NYU Langone for surprise triple bypass surgery. Locked down in my room the evening before the operation feeling scared and needy and alone, when I heard a familiar voice outside my door in the hallway. I wheeled the IV to the door and there was Matthew down the hall in street clothes, talking to a nurse. “Matthew Cowles ???” He turned, and his first words, “Jerry, Oh! Oh! I've been praying for you.” I swear. I now believe in miracles.

After surgery he called me near daily for several weeks, when he was well enough. To check in, lift my spirits, offer prayers and words of advice about recovery, tell me a joke, share hospital stories, etc., etc. I truly believe he helped save my life. Thank God for Matthew Cowles.
Jerry Colpitts

I worked with Matthew for several years on All My Children, and knew him from around the Litchfield county area. He was always a total gentleman: gracious, thoughtful, and kind. Always had a poem or a insight worth sharing at a moments notice. I fondly recall his quirky wit, his profound compassion for others, and the strength he showed even when he felt frail. I feel so lucky we got to work together again his last year with us. He was funny, bright, and remarkable as he ever was. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends who must miss his dearly. He made me believe in angels.

Hold on to what is good,
Even if it's a handful of earth.

Hold on to what you believe,
Even if it's a tree that stands by itself.

Hold on to what you must do,
Even if it's a long way from here.

Hold on to your life,
Even if it's easier to let go.

Hold on to my hand,
Even if someday I'll be gone away from you.

Pueblo Prayer

Matthew was an amazing man so much bigger than life. He always had that twinkle in his eye. I loved his stories. He was so devoted to Christine, Lily and Isabel and loved them so much. I feel so fortunate to have known this wonderful man. I miss him.

Thanks, Stephanie, for starting this. Sure missed my old outlaw actor buddy at the recent Chekhov project. What a sweetheart. My condolences to Christine and their family, and to you.
Much love,
Guy

Matthew was an amazing man. Knowing him has enriched my life in many ways. Each time I think of him I smile, laugh or ponder something in a unique manner. Thank you my friend.
I am proud to have directed him in his final film Family On Board. It will premiere at the Big Apple Film Festival November 9th. Tickets will be available 10/15 at www.bigapplefilmfestival.com. As usual, Matthew was brilliant.

Our eternal honor to continue this guest book, Christine, for Matthew's family and friends to post words and pictures, and keep his cherished spirit always aglow...

To Matthew's family, I watched at Sandy Beach and always admired the focus Matthew had on his girls. I didn't know you were a "famous Family" then. You were so sweet sweet together, an inspiration to younger mothers. Later I was priviledged to sit in the audience at Nonnewaug to watch some amazing performances. I am so sorry for your loss. I know he will always be in your heart.

Prayers and Thoughts to one and all that Matthew touched with his gift of acting and just being a wonderful person. Your spirit will always be with all of us especially your loving family !!

Dear Christine & family,

Matthew has been such an amazing talent to watch in every role he took on. My first was watching as Billy Clyde Tuggle and then as Lemonhead were two of my favorites. It was clear that he loved acting and had such a gift to transform you into his world each and every time....we will miss him dearly. God Bless You and may he rest in peace.

You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for all you have given to the world. You will be remembered always.

Bless you all.

When you weren't acting,you were a true character always a funny and witty guy! Remembering riding the "bimmers" down the country roads,the throaty sound of R75's on a summer day.Rest in peace my friend,our little town will miss you at the Land trust events,the Historical society, and, yes indeed, the Town dump!My condolences to your children and my deepest sympathy to your wife Christine. Hope they have iron horses on the other side and we will ride again someday my friend!

RIP

To the family and friends of Matthew. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace

Christine and Family, I was shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of Matthew. I often recall the good times we enjoyed at the Tavern in Town in Bantam, years ago. I watched AMC from start to finish. I will miss Matthew. Prayers to you and your family.

I'm so glad I got to see your last incarnation as Billy Clyde. Blessings to you and your family.

My condolences to the Cowles/Baranski families. They were my customers when I worked at the bank in Bethlehem. I remember Matthew riding up to the bank and parking in front of my office on his motorcycle with his wolf or bear (can't remember which) helmet/jacket. Such great people, very fond memories.

So sorry for your loss..I was the medical assist in the predications office in New Milford...think of you all quite often..prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time

We will all miss you! As someone once said "You had to be good to be that bad"! We enjoyed Bill in his many roles! He could play any part! A looong time fan!

RIP Mr. Cowles. You will always shine bright and memorably and will be forever missed.

Peace unto you! I've watched you for over 30 years. It's like losing a member of my own family. You will be missed.

Rest In Peace

I loved to hate Billy Clyde Tuggle for many years, but loved to love Matthew Coyles a wonderful actor. My deepest condolences to Christine Baranski and their children. God Speed, thanks for all your wonderful roles.

Head to the sky...
de xxx