The entertainment world is mourning the loss of a versatile actor who left an indelible mark on both classic and contemporary television. Mark Withers, known for his roles in iconic TV shows such as Dynasty and the more recent hit Stranger Things, has passed away at the age of 77.
Withers’ daughter, Jessie, confirmed the sad news, revealing that her father succumbed to pancreatic cancer on November 22. The announcement, which came on December 6, has left fans and colleagues reflecting on the actor’s legacy and the void his departure has created.
‘He confronted his illness with the same strength and dignity he brought to his craft, creating a legacy of warmth, humour, and dedication, along with his remarkable ability to make every role unforgettable,’ Jessie said in a heartfelt statement.
Mark Withers’ career spanned several decades, with a diverse range of characters that showcased his acting prowess. He is perhaps best remembered for his role in the first season of Dynasty, where he played Ted Dinard, the boyfriend of Steven Carrington, portrayed by Al Corley.
His passing comes shortly after the death of Wayne Northrup, a fellow actor from Dynasty, who died on November 29, adding a layer of poignancy to Withers’ own departure from the world.
Before his memorable stint on Dynasty, Withers graced the small screen in the CBS courtroom drama ‘Kaz‘, which earned lead actor Ron Leibman an Emmy Award. Withers’ talent for bringing depth to supporting roles was evident throughout his career, as he appeared in a variety of popular TV series including Wonder Woman, The Greatest American Hero, Trapper John, M.D., Magnum, P.I., The Dukes of Hazzard, and Hill Street Blues.
In the late 80s, Withers continued to charm audiences with his portrayal of Coach Locke on Days of Our Lives, and he later appeared in beloved shows such as Matlock, Frasier, The King of Queens, Criminal Minds, and True Blood.
One of his final roles was in the Netflix sensation Stranger Things, where he played the coroner Gary in the show’s first season, once again proving his ability to leave a lasting impression with even a brief appearance.
Before his illustrious acting career, Withers was a football player who earned an NCAA scholarship to Penn State. His transition to acting began with a national McDonald’s ad, and he went on to feature in commercials for Folger’s Coffee, Irish Spring, Crest, and American Airlines.
Mark Withers is survived by his wife, Haiyan Liu Withers, and daughter, Jessie Withers. In honour of his memory, donations may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, as reported by Variety.Mark Withers left a lasting impact with his roles in Dynasty and Stranger Things. What scenes or moments from these shows stand out to you the most? We’d love to hear your favourite memories—share them in the comments below!
