All My Children Vet Matthew Cowles Dead at 69; Husband to Christine Baranski
Matthew Cowles, a two-time Daytime Emmy nominee during his run as iconic All My Children ne’er-do-well Billy Clyde Tuggle, passed away on May 22. He was 69.
Cowles is survived by his wife of 30 years, The Good Wife‘s Christine Baranski, and their adult daughters Lily and Isabel.
Cowles’ manager Tsu Tsu Stanton broke the sad news on Twitter, noting: “[Matthew] was a very gifted and kind man who loved life and everyone.” Onetime AMC headwriter Jean Passanante acknowledged the actor’s passing by hailing “AMC‘s one and only Billy Clyde Tuggle” as “a sweet man and a uniquely talented actor.”
Cowles’ AMC co-star Cady McClain, who played Dixie to his Billy Clyde, tweeted, “So sad. What a lovely man… I adored working with him last year. So kind.”
In addition to his AMC run — which he capped one year ago with an encore during the sudser’s Internet revival — Cowles’ TV resume included ABC’s Life on Mars, Oz, Lonesome Dove, The Bold and the Beautiful (as Curtis Love) and Loving (as Eban Japes).
Born in New York City to Broadway producer Chandler Cowles, his Great White Way credits included Malcolm (1966), The Time of Your Life and Sweet Bird of Youth. The actor also appeared in many films, and worked as a playwright.
Oh, how sad. He was so great on AMC. Wow, I remember seeing him on the online AMC revival last year. RIP. My condolences to his family.
May his family find comfort at this time. RIP
So sad. :( I loved Billy Clyde. My payers to his family.
Rip
I always loved Matthew’s character on All My Children as Billy Clyde Tuggle. He was always wreaking havoc on Pine Valley. I only watched the internet series of AMC because they revised his character. I really enjoyed seeing him again. He made me laugh.
RIP Matthew! May God bring your family comfort.
How sad. :(((( My condolences to his family!
My condolences to his wife and family. He was an entertainer with both menace and panache.
Perfectly said.
So sad to hear the news. As Billy Clyde, he portrayed one of my most favorite TV characters of all time. My deepest sympathies to his family.
My heart aches for them. That age is too young to ever be prepared for such a loss.
So sad to hear of his passing. Mathew Cowles aka Billy Clyde Tuggle was hands down my FAVORITE villian on AMC! It was great to see him again if only for a short time when AMC went online. Prayers for his family at this time.
I remember seeing him the first time in Slap Shot as the team’s trainer. Great movie. RIP.
Aww how sad and 30 yes too. You don’t hear if those marriages lasting long in LA between actors
He was the best thing about the online revival of AMC. RIP Matthew Cowles.
so sorry to hear that…..loved him on AMC. I was not aware that he was married to Christine, who is a great Broadway and TV actress….rest in peace Billy Clyde :(
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It’s always remarkable when a relationship between two stars lasts until death do us part as intended. :( He won’t be forgotten.
Sad news, indeed. RIP. And condolences to his family.
Rest in Peace, talented great.
My condolences to the family.
I had only heard about Billy Clyde from way back when on AMC, so what a treat it was when he popped into All My Children 2.0 What a one of a kind character and that’s because of Mr. Cowles. If AMC had continued I really wanted to see if Billy Clyde could “buy” himself some respectability in Pine Valley.
You will be missed “billy clyde” you were si much fun to watch on AMC.
His Billy Clyde Tuggle was truly a memorable character on All My Children (I was just a kid back then but his portrayal just stuck out). RIP.
I have always loved Billy Clyde Tuggle. His portrayal always made me cringe and laugh simultaneously. No small feat. He was indeed a very talented actor. RIP.
RIP now you are in Heaven with, Palmer Cortland, Phoebe Tyler, Mona, and any other AMC who have passed you can start your own AMC…
She was on Live with Kelly & Michael recently talking about her husband and All My Children with Kelly. What a shame. RIP.
Billy Clyde – a classic. What a talent and a very good man. RIP