The popular actor had over 146 credits to his name, according to the IMDb website. He got his first big break on TV in 1961 when he starred in the hugely popular TV show, 'The Untouchables'.
But it wasn't until Twin Peaks that Michael Parks really became a household name. He was one of Quentin Tarantino’s favourite actors and he had parts in some of his films such as 'Kill Bill' series and 'Django Unchained'. He also appeared in 'From Dusk Till Dawn', acting alongside Tarantino, as well as appearing in a sequel of the horror franchise.
He also worked with Clerk's director Kevin Smith on his two horror movies, the scary 'Tusk' and 'Red State'.
Parks was the star of the series 'Then Came Bronson' from 1969 to 1970 and he sang the theme song for the show, "Long Lonesome Highway", which became a Top 20 Billboard Hot 100 and hit number 41 in Hot Country Songs. He went n to record several popular albums with MGM Records.
Here's a clip of Michael Parks singing on The Johnny Cash Show...

Kevin Smith paid tribute to the late actor late last night. "I hate to report that my cinematic muse #michaelparks has passed away. Michael was, and will likely forever remain, the best actor I've ever known. I wrote both #RedState and @tuskthemovie FOR Parks, I loved his acting so much," Kevin Smith stated.
In his moving tribute on social media, Kevin Smith also wrote: "He was, hands-down, the most incredible thespian I ever had the pleasure to watch perform. And Parks brought out the absolute best in me every time he got near my set. From the moment I saw him steal the opening scene of #fromdusktildawn at an advance screening at the Sunset 5 back in the mid-90's, I said to @samosier 'Could you imagine what it must be like to work with a Yoda of acting like that guy? I gotta write for him one day.'
"It took me 15 years but my dream came true on Red State (for which Parks won Best Actor at the @sitgesfestival) and then again years later with #tusk. Only Michael Parks could have delivered the line "Is man indeed a walrus at heart?" and make it scary as fuck.
"My favorite memory of Michael is watching him and #johnnydepp act with and at each other, like a couple of dueling wizards, in their shared scene in Tusk. Parks was in Heaven that day, sharing the screen with another brilliant actor and creating an unforgettable performance."

Kevin Smith added: "He elevated any flick or TV show he was in and elevated every director he ever acted for. I was so fucking blessed to have worked with this bonafide genius.
"But really, I was just lucky to have known him at all. My heart goes out to James (Michael's son), Oriana (Michael's wife), Quentin Tarantino (Michael's biggest fan) and any movie or music lover who was ever dazzled by the talents of Michael Parks. Farewell, old friend. I'll see you farther along... #KevinSmith #actor #genius #rip #walrusyes."