‘Lean On Me’ Principal Joe Clark Dies At 82, Left Legacy On School System

Joe Louis Clark, the high school principal in New Jersey who inspired the 1989 film “Lean on Me,” died Tuesday in Florida from an unspecified illness. He was 82.

Actor Morgan Freeman starred as Clark in the acclaimed film, which highlighted his unorthodox methods to reform raucous Eastside High School in Paterson in the 1980s. Clark would later be honored as one of the nation’s 10 “Principals of Leadership.”

“He was at home and surrounded by his family when he succumbed to his long battle with illness on December 29, 2020,” read a statement from Clark's family.

Clark famously walked through the halls of the school with a baseball bat and bullhorn, suspended 300 students in one day for drug possession, fighting, abusing teachers and vandalism. His methods drew praise and criticism from educators.

RIP to former principal of Eastside High in Paterson, NJ .. Joe Clark. Clark was the subject of the 1989 film Lean on Me, starring Morgan Freeman. He was known in the 1980s for his unconventional and controversial disciplinary measures as the principal of Eastside High. pic.twitter.com/oTmSu0c8bI
— Ave (@SebastianAvenue) December 30, 2020

His book, "Laying Down the Law: Joe Clark's Strategy for Saving Our Schools," was published in 1989. Clark was often interviewed by news outlets for his insight on the education system.

Clark's fame drew an offer from President Ronald Reagan to serve as a White House policy advisor.

After retiring from Eastside High School, Clark served as the director of Essex County Detention House in his hometown of Newark, where he worked with juvenile detainees.

Eileen Shafer, Paterson Superintendent of Schools released a statement following news of Clark’s death, praising him for his work.

“Joe Clark left his indelible mark on public education by being fiercely devoted to the students in his care. He demanded more from his students because he believed they could achieve more than what was expected of them,” she stated.

“But in the end, it is the many lives Joe Clark influenced for the better that have become his greatest legacy. Our hearts are deeply saddened by Joe Clark’s passing, and our prayers are with his family and friends.”

Clark received a master’s degree from Seton Hall University and had served as a U.S. Army reserve sergeant and drill instructor.

Clark is survived by his children, Hazel, Joetta, and JJ, and grandchildren, Jorell, Hazel and Talitha.