The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Mark Withers, a seasoned television actor whose career spanned over four decades. Withers, who passed away at the age of 77, is perhaps best known for his memorable role on the iconic ’80s primetime soap opera Dynasty. His death, which followed a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, was confirmed by his daughter, Jessie Withers, in a statement published by Variety on December 6, 2024.
Early Career and Breakthrough Role
Born in Binghamton, New York, Mark Withers began his acting career in the 1970s, making his initial foray into the entertainment industry through commercials and guest roles in television shows. His early appearances included parts in popular series such as How the West Was Won, Kaz, and Wonder Woman. These roles helped establish Withers as a versatile actor, able to seamlessly transition between genres and formats.
However, it was his role on Dynasty that catapulted him into the spotlight. In 1981, Withers was cast as Ted Dinard, a character who was pivotal in the soap opera’s groundbreaking portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters on television. Ted Dinard was the lover of Steven Carrington, played by Al Corley, and their relationship marked one of the first instances of LGBTQ+ characters being featured in a primetime network drama without the sensationalism often associated with such portrayals. As Withers himself later noted, the show’s treatment of the characters was progressive for its time: “The character was the gay lover of Steven Carrington, played by Al Corley. The two were among the first LGBTQ+ characters featured on U.S. television without ‘sensationalism.’”
The role of Ted Dinard was just the beginning of a successful and diverse television career for Withers.
A Diverse Television Career
In the years following Dynasty, Mark Withers went on to make guest appearances on a wide range of popular shows throughout the 1980s. His credits during this period included appearances on Magnum, P.I., The Dukes of Hazzard, Remington Steele, Hill Street Blues, and Days of Our Lives. Withers also made a guest appearance on Dallas, another popular primetime soap opera, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled and reliable TV actor.
However, after a successful run in the ’80s, Withers decided to take a break from acting during much of the 1990s. This hiatus allowed him to step back from the limelight and focus on his personal life. But his love for acting never waned, and he returned to television in the early 2000s with guest roles on beloved sitcoms like Frasier and The King of Queens.
In the past decade, Withers continued to appear in a variety of roles on popular shows. He guest-starred on Drop Dead Diva, True Blood, Castle, and even appeared on the nostalgic hit series Stranger Things, where he played Gary, the coroner in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana. Despite being more selective with his roles, Withers remained a familiar face to audiences, always bringing warmth, humor, and gravitas to every performance.
A Full Career
Throughout his long career, Mark Withers often expressed gratitude for the opportunities he had and the people he worked with. In an interview with E!News, he reflected on his journey in the entertainment industry, saying, “I guess you could go for the million-dollar stuff. Me, I didn’t. I guess I would have liked to be a little more famous, but the reality is that when I look back on it and I see all the wonderful people I worked with, I’m just, wow. I’m a pretty lucky actor, I really am.” His words reveal the humility and contentment that marked his career, one that was driven not by the pursuit of fame or fortune, but by a genuine passion for acting.
Mark Withers: a Legacy
Mark Withers’ contributions to the entertainment industry extended far beyond his notable roles. His daughter, Jessie Withers, spoke about her father’s lasting impact, particularly his strength and resilience in facing his illness. “He confronted his illness with the same strength and dignity he brought to his craft,” Jessie said in her statement. “To creating a legacy of warmth, humor, and dedication, along with his remarkable ability to make every role unforgettable.”
Jessie also noted that her father’s talent and commitment to his craft would be fondly remembered by friends, colleagues, and fans alike. In addition to his daughter, Mark Withers is survived by his wife, Haiyan Liu Withers.
As fans and fellow actors reflect on his remarkable career, it is clear that Mark Withers’ legacy will continue to endure, remembered not only for his trailblazing roles but also for the authenticity and heart he brought to every character he portrayed.
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