Actor Mark Withers, who was known for appearing in TV shows including Dynasty and Stranger Things, has died at the age of 77.
Across his career, Withers also starred in shows such as Wonder Woman, The Dukes of Hazzard, Magnum P.I., Days of Our Lives, Remington Steele, Hill Street Blues and Frasier.
The star’s passing was announced by his daughter Jessie Withers – who survives him alongside his wife Haiyan Liu Withers. She confirmed the cause of death was pancreatic cancer.
“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,” she said in a statement (via Variety).
Mark Withers and actress Meg Gallagher. CREDIT: Getty/Ron Galella
“Mark’s enduring talent and commitment to the industry will be fondly remembered by colleagues, friends, and fans alike.”
Withers was born in New York in 1947, and went on to study at the California State University and Minnesota State University.
His career began after being discovered by an agent and, shortly after, starring in a national McDonald’s campaign. He then appeared in adverts for the likes of Folger’s Coffee, Tartar Control Crest and American Airlines.
As well as going on to star in the aforementioned shows, Withers was most famous for playing Ted Dinard in Dynasty, the boyfriend of Steven Carrington. The role was notable given the rarity of LGBTQ+ representation on screen at the time.
He later told the Hollywood and Beyond podcast that the show’s bosses “were brilliant in pushing the envelope” in representing an authentic gay relationship, and that the pairing was “30, 40 years ahead of its time”.
In more recent years, Withers appeared in TV series including True Blood, Sense8, Castle, Reckless and Stranger Things. In the latter show, he played coroner Gary in the first season. His film credits include Bolden, The Phoenix Incident and Basic Training.
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