Mark Withers, 77, Actor from ‘Dynasty’ and ‘Stranger Things,’ Passes Away
Mark Withers, renowned for his performances in "Dynasty" and "Stranger Things," has passed away at the age of 77. His daughter, Jessie Withers, confirmed that he died after a battle with pancreatic cancer, according to "Variety" on December 6.
Mark's death occurred on November 22. He is survived by his daughter, Jessie, and his wife, Haiyan Liu Withers. In honor of his memory, the family suggests making donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Jessie paid tribute to her father and his legacy. She expressed how he faced illness with resilience. "He confronted his illness with the same strength and dignity he brought to his craft," she stated. "Mark’s enduring talent and commitment to the industry will be fondly remembered by colleagues, friends, and fans alike."
Mark played Ted Dinard in the original "Dynasty," which aired from January 1981 to May 1989. This character was a love interest for Steven Carrington, portrayed by Al Corley. A dramatic moment on the show ended with Blake Carrington, Steven’s father, accidentally killing Ted, marking a significant plot twist.
Most recently, he portrayed Gary, a coroner in the Netflix series "Stranger Things." This character appeared in the show's first season, showcasing Mark's versatility.
Throughout his career, Mark appeared in various TV shows and films. His credits include "Castle," "Criminal Minds," "Dallas," "Days of Our Lives," and "Fraiser." He also had roles in "Hill Street Blues," "L.A. Law," "Magnum P.I.", "Matlock," "Remington Steele," "Sense8," "Wonder Woman," "The Dukes of Hazzard," and "The King of Queens."
Before acting, Mark was a star athlete who received a football scholarship to Penn State. Early in his acting journey, he featured in commercials for well-known brands like McDonald’s and Crest.
Born on June 25, 1947, in Binghamton, New York, Mark studied acting and directing at California State University, Los Angeles. He later earned a Master of Fine Arts from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Earlier, SSP wrote that billionaire Mark Cuban gave insights into a rich man's life.