'Dynasty’ and ‘Stranger Things’ Actor Mark Withers, 77, Dies

Mark Withers.

Mark Withers, best known for roles in Dynasty and Stranger Things, has died. He was 77.

The actor’s daughter, Jessie Withers, confirmed her father had passed away following a battle with pancreatic cancer, Variety reported on Friday, December 6.

According to the outlet, his death occurred on Friday, November 22. Mark was survived by daughter Jessie and wife Haiyan Liu Withers. The family has suggested donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to honor his memory.

Jessie honored her late father and his legacy via a touching tribute, per Variety.

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“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 wrote. “Mark’s enduring talent and commitment to the industry will be fondly remembered by colleagues, friends, and fans alike.”

During his illustrious career, Mark played Ted Dinard in the original Dynasty series, which aired from January 1981 to May 1989.

His character was a love interest for sexually confused Steven Carrington (Al Corley), one of the main family members in the soap opera.

In dramatic scenes, Steven’s father Blake Carrington (John Forsythe) accidentally murders Ted after seeing him embrace his son – marking the end of Mark’s time on the show.

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More recently, Mark portrayed Gary in Netflix’s hit supernatural series, Stranger Things. The character was coroner at the local morgue and appeared in the first season.

Throughout his acting career, Mark also clocked up credits in an array of TV shows and movies, including Castle, Criminal Minds, Dallas, Days of Our Lives, Drop Dead Diva, and Fraiser.

He also appeared 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.

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According to Variety, Mark was a star athlete before pursuing his acting career and had nabbed a football scholarship to Penn State.

In the early days of his acting career, he was able to secure gigs in commercials. Among these were roles in campaigns for McDonald’s, American Airlines, Folger’s Coffee, Irish Spring soap and Crest toothpaste.

Born June 25, 1947 in Binghamton, New York, Mark studied acting and directing at California State University, Los Angeles.

He later graduated with a Master of Fine Arts at Minnesota State University, Mankato.