Mark Steven Dobies, a seasoned actor recognized for his significant roles in the daytime soap operas “Guiding Light” and “One Life to Live,” passed away on March 11, 2025, in Dunellen, New Jersey. He was 65.
According to his obituary, Dobies, who lived in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, was described as a “loving father, accomplished athlete, and talented actor” whose life was defined by “passion, perseverance and love.” The cause of death has not been revealed.
Prior to acting, Dobies enjoyed a successful college football career at Delaware Valley University, contributing to the school’s first Middle Atlantic Conference football championship in 1980. His athletic skill earned him a football scholarship, marking the beginning of his academic journey.
Dobies began his notable soap opera career in 2000, joining CBS’s “Guiding Light” as Dr. Noah Chase. His character was a romantic interest for Kim Zimmer’s character, Reva Shayne. Approximately a year and a half later, Dobies transitioned to ABC’s “One Life to Live” in 2003, playing district attorney Daniel Colson until 2005.
His role on “One Life to Live” sparked significant controversy. Dobies’ character, Daniel Colson, was married to Hilary B. Smith’s character, Nora Buchanan, but was later portrayed as both unfaithful and murderous. The storyline involved Colson killing a character named Paul Cramer, who threatened to reveal Daniel’s affair with another man.
This portrayal led to protests from GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), which expressed concern that the storyline perpetuated negative stereotypes about the LGBTQ community by depicting a gay man as a murderer. Despite the controversy, the show’s executive producer, Frank Valentini, defended the narrative, stating, “the story is about intolerance and about a man not being true to himself.”
Beyond daytime television, Dobies accumulated numerous guest appearances on popular primetime shows. His credits included roles on “Home Improvement,” “Melrose Place,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “Just Shoot Me!,” “Fringe,” and “Gossip Girl.” Dobies also appeared in theater, participating in the 2004 off-Broadway revival of Larry Kramer’s “The Normal Heart.”
Colleagues remembered Dobies following news of his passing, describing him as a “genuinely good guy” whose talent and character left a lasting impact on cast and crew.
Dobies’ last acting credit was in the 2016 biographical sports drama “Greater,” concluding a diverse career that spanned television, film, and stage over several decades.
The actor is survived by his three children, his mother, and his siblings—a brother and a sister. A memorial service for Dobies is reportedly being planned, though specific details have not been disclosed.
