Mark Withers, a respected actor known for his parts in “Dynasty” and “Stranger Things,” died on November 22, 2024, at the age of 77, following a battle with pancreatic cancer. His death was confirmed by his daughter, Jessie Withers, who emphasized her father’s courage and dignity throughout his illness. Jessie paid tribute to her father’s abundant talent, remarkable kindness, and steadfast dedication to his acting career.
Withers was born on June 25, 1947, in Binghamton, New York. He pursued an education in the arts, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in acting and directing from California State University, Los Angeles, and a Master of Fine Arts from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Prior to his acting career, Withers excelled as an athlete, earning an NCAA football scholarship to Penn State University, where he prospered both academically and athletically.
His acting career started in the late 1970s with roles in national commercials for brands like McDonald’s, Folger’s Coffee, Irish Spring, and American Airlines. His defining role came in 1981 in “Dynasty,” where he played Ted Dinard, Steven Carrington’s ill-fated boyfriend. This role was among the earliest and most significant portrayals of an LGBTQ+ character in a key American television drama. Withers often expressed his pride in being part of a production that “challenged stereotypes and pushed societal boundaries.”
Throughout his career spanning four decades, Withers demonstrated his adaptability across various television series, including “Wonder Woman,” “Magnum, P.I.,” “The Dukes of Hazzard,” “Dallas,” “L.A. Law,” “Matlock,” “Frasier,” “Criminal Minds,” “True Blood,” “Sense8,” and “Castle.” He gained prominence in the 1980s and 1990s, appearing in both guest and recurring roles across a wide array of genres. In 2016, he captivated younger viewers with his role as coroner Gary in the first season of Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” which earned him a new generation of admirers.
Withers also featured in films such as “Basic Training,” “The Ultimate Life,” “Turn Around Jake,” and “Bolden.” Colleagues remembered Withers as a dedicated professional who brought depth and humanity to every character he played. Away from the screen, he was a keen mentor to budding actors and often took part in workshops and charity events that supported the arts.
Withers is survived by his wife, Haiyan Liu Withers, and his daughter, Jessie. The family has asked for donations in his memory to be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In a statement, the family expressed their appreciation for the outpouring of support and emphasized that Withers’ influence on the industry and those who knew him will continue to be felt for years to come.
