Clark Credle: A Journey from Tragedy to Triumph in Hollywood
Clark Credle, an assistant director, has been living out the remarkable legacy of his great-grandfather, William Beaudine, until a life-altering stroke struck him on his 40th birthday in 2017. This incident transformed his life forever. "Every time I see Clark, I marvel at the miracle he is," says longtime friend Marc Adelman in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “Most people wouldn’t have survived what he has endured, let alone thrive, contribute, and remain a devoted father and husband.” Assistant director Sunday Stevens echoes this sentiment, calling Credle “a living, breathing miracle.”
Credle’s documentary, The First Family of Film, captures not only his personal journey but also the extraordinary heritage of the Beaudine family. William Beaudine is celebrated as one of early Hollywood’s most prolific directors, with a career spanning from 1909 to 1967. He is known for directing around 350 films and countless television episodes, including iconic titles like Sparrows and Billy the Kid Versus Dracula. He also served as an assistant to the legendary director D.W. Griffith on The Birth of a Nation.
Following in his father’s footsteps, William (Bill) Beaudine, Jr. also made his mark in the industry as an assistant director and production manager for several Lassie series. For the Beaudine family, Hollywood was more than just a career; it was a family tradition.
The connection to the Beaudine legacy continued with Gary Credle, who entered the film industry under the mentorship of William Beaudine. Eventually, he married Kathy Beaudine, the director’s only daughter. Gary went on to have a successful career as a production manager and line producer, particularly at Warner Bros., while raising three sons: Matt, Beau, and Clark.
While Matt and Beau gravitated towards camera operations, Clark aspired to be an assistant director, following the family lineage. At the peak of his career, he worked on major films such as Argo, American Sniper, Star Trek Into Darkness, and the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, as well as the hit TV series Shameless. Just one day before his stroke, Clark expressed to his wife, Katie, that he had finally reached his career goals. Tragically, everything changed overnight.
After the stroke, Clark faced numerous challenges—he was unable to speak for a year and relied on a wheelchair. This life-altering experience isolated him from his family, including his three young daughters. However, the film community rallied around him, providing support throughout his recovery journey. Actor Colin Farrell, who met Clark while working on Saving Mr. Banks, remarked on his resilience: “No traumatic brain injury can stop Clark from being the man he is, a devoted husband, father, and a natural storyteller. His spirit remains undiminished as he continues to chase his dreams daily.”
Director Patty Jenkins also praised Credle, stating, “Clark is one of the great ADs in our industry. I’ve watched him evolve into a director and visionary who refuses to let his struggles define him.”
Despite the challenges posed by his stroke, Clark has made significant progress in his speech and mobility, demonstrating remarkable cognitive strength. However, both he and Katie acknowledge the hidden struggles they face. “It’s intimidating for people to see what happened to Clark because it’s a nightmare scenario that could happen to anyone,” Katie explains. “Being talked down to is disheartening,” Clark adds.
Since relocating to Colorado for better medical support, Clark has faced additional distance from the silver screen he loves. Now, he is eager to return to filmmaking and honor his family by creating a heartfelt documentary that he holds dear. "It’s a labor of love," Clark shares about his project.
When asked if Hollywood still feels like a family to him, Clark’s response is unwavering: “Always.” He is making plans for a final trip to Los Angeles to complete The First Family of Film and is looking forward to presenting it to documentary buyers at HBO, Showtime, Amazon, and Netflix.
Clark Credle’s story is a testament to resilience, family legacy, and the unwavering spirit of a man determined to rise from adversity and continue his journey in the world of film.
