Veteran TV star Mark Withers, best known for his role in the original series of Dynasty, has died aged 77.
The actor’s daughter, Jessie Withers, confirmed the news of his death to Variety, revealing her father had battled pancreatic cancer.
“He confronted his illness with the same strength and dignity he brought to his craft,” she said in a statement to the outlet. “To creating a legacy of warmth, humour, and dedication, along with his remarkable ability to make every role unforgettable.”
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Jessie concluded: “Mark’s enduring talent and commitment to the industry will be fondly remembered by colleagues, friends, and fans alike.”
Withers’ impressive career began when he was discovered by an agent and starred in a national campaign for McDonald’s.
From there, he starred in commercials for major brands such as American Airlines, Irish Spring, Floger’s Coffee and Tartar Control Crest.
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Throughout the 1970s, the New York native began acting in television shows such as Kaz, How the West Was Won and Wonder Woman.
Withers got his big break playing Ted Dinard on Dynasty, where he went on to star in several episodes.
In the beloved series, the actor’s role would go on to be a first in television history, portraying the first LGBTQ+ character featured on US television.
Withers played the role of Steve Carrington’s lover, who was played by Al Corley.
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His career was just beginning, and throughout the ’80s, he appeared on the television series The Dukes of Hazzard, Days of Our Lives, Remington Steel, and Magnum P.I.
Throughout the 1990s, the actor took a break from acting before landing roles in Frasier and The King Of Queens.
Most recently, Withers appeared in Stranger Things, playing Gary, a coroner at the morgue in the town of Hawkins.
Withers is survived by his wife, Haiyan Liu Withers, and his daughter, Jessie Withers.
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