‘Stranger Things’ ‘Dynasty’ actor from Upstate NY dies at 77

An actor from upstate New York known for roles in “Stranger Things” and “Dynasty” has died at age 77.

Mark Withers, a native of Binghamton, N.Y., died Nov. 22 in California after a battle with pancreatic cancer, his daughter Jessie announced Friday.

“He faced his illness with the same strength and dignity that he brought to his craft, leaving behind a legacy full of warmth, humor and dedication, along with his remarkable ability to make every role unforgettable,” she said in a statement to Variety . “Colleagues, friends and fans alike will fondly remember Mark’s enduring talent and commitment to the industry.”

According to Deadline, Mark Withers memorably had a six-episode arc in the first season of Dynasty in 1981. He played Ted Dinard, the gay lover of Steven Carrington (played by Al Corley) before his untimely death.

According to E! News, Withers considered the role to be one of the first LGBTQ+ characters to be shown on U.S. television without “sensationalism.”

Withers appeared in more than 50 other films and television shows, including the first season of Stranger Things as Gary, a medical examiner at the Hawkins morgue. Additional credits include “Wonder Woman,” “Frasier,” “Dallas,” “The Dukes of Hazzard,” “Hillstreet Blues,” “Remington Steele,” “The King of Queens,” “True Blood,” “Drop Dead Diva.” , “Matlock,” “Criminal Minds,” “Castle,” “Sense8,” and “Magnum, PI.”

He also starred in national advertising campaigns for McDonald’s, Folger’s Coffee, Irish Spring, Tartar Control Crest and American Airlines, according to Variety.

“I think you could go for the million-dollar stuff. I didn’t do it,” he said, according to E! in a podcast interview about his career. News. “I guess I would have liked to be a little more famous, but the reality is, when I look back and see all the wonderful people I’ve worked with, I’m just wow. I’m actually a pretty lucky actor.”

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Withers was born June 25, 1947 in Binghamton and received a college football scholarship to Penn State University, according to Variety. He then studied acting at California State University, Los Angeles, before earning his Master of Fine Arts at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Withers is survived by his wife Haiyan Liu Withers and his daughter Jessie Withers. Donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.