'Days of Our Lives' alum John Clarke dies at 88 from 'complications of pneumonia': reports

Actor John Clarke, who embodied Mickey Horton on "Days of Our Lives" for decades has died. 

A spokesperson for NBC issued a statement to USA TODAY Monday from Corday Productions, which produces the soap.

"It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of our dear friend and original cast member, John Clarke," the statement reads. "A beloved member of the 'Days of our Lives family,' John will always hold a special place in our hearts and the hearts of our fans. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time."

Clarke died on Oct. 16 as a result of "complications of pneumonia," per Entertainment Weekly and Deadline. Clarke was 88-years-old.

Clarke spent nearly 40 years on "Days," but made his small screen debut on the TV show "Whirlybirds," in 1959, according to IMDb. He also acted on "The Twilight Zone," "The Loretta Young Show," "Gunsmoke," and "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman." He made his "Days" debut in 1965 and made his final appearance on the show in 2004. 

Clarke, an Emmy nominee for best daytime actor, is a recipient of the Daytime Emmys Lifetime Achievement Award. 

His daughter, Melinda Clarke, 50, is an actress who portrayed Julie Cooper on "The O.C." She has also appeared in "Entourage," "Nikita" and "The Vampire Diaries."

USA TODAY has reached out to Melinda for comment.