Mark Withers, known for starring in projects as diverse asDynastyandStranger Things, has died at the age of 77 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. The actor’s passing was announced by his daughter Jessie, who shared a statement announcing that he passed away on November 22. Sharing the information withVariety, the statement read:
“He confronted his illness with the same strength and dignity he brought to his craft, creating a legacy of warmth, humor, and dedication, along with his remarkable ability to make every role unforgettable. Mark’s enduring talent and commitment to the industry will be fondly remembered by colleagues, friends, and fans alike.”
One of Withers’ final roles in his long career was in the first season of Netflix hitStranger Things, in which he played Coroner Gary. The one-off appearance is probably one that went by unnoticed for many viewers, but for those who have watched the actor across the last several decades, it was another throwback cameo that the sci-fi horror series has become known for.
Mark Withers Long Career
Withers began his acting journey in the late 1970s following a sporting career as an athlete. His foray into TV work started with many TV spots for companies like McDonald’s, American Airlines, Tartar Control Crest, before leaning into TV acting, with his breakthrough role coming onDynasty, where he portrayed the ill-fated boyfriend of Steve Carrington. However, his career saw him become an actor who made many guest appearances that allowed him to brush shoulders with some of the biggest names in the business including, Jamie Lee Curtis, John Forsythe, Ted Danson, Robyn Wright, Kelsey Grammer, and Craig T. Nelson.
Across the years, Withers appeared in several of the biggest shows, starring in single episodes ofWonder Woman, Magnum P.I., Dallas, Castle, and having short runs inDays of Our Lives, True Blood,andSense8.
While he may not have become the big household name of some of his contemporaries, the actor and sportsman proved that you don’t need to be a big screen headliner to leave behind a long and prolific legacy. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.
Stranger Things
Inspired by 80s pop-culture and elements of Stephen King’s works, Stranger Things is a supernatural action-drama TV series set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. When a young boy goes missing, his group of friends stumbles upon a young girl with telekinetic powers who recently escaped from a mysterious facility. They soon realize that she may be their only chance at stopping an impending doom that threatens to engulf Hawkins whole.
