Who did Mark Withers play in 'Stranger Things'? TV actor also known for 'Dynasty' dies at 77

Mark Withers played the role of Gary, a coroner in the fictional town of Hawkins in Stranger Things has died at 77 on November 22. The actor died of pancreatic cancer, and his death was confirmed by his daughter Jessie Withers who wrote,

"He confronted his death with the same strength and dignity he brought to his craft, creating a legacy of warmth, humor and dedication, along with his remarkable abiloty to make every role unforgettable. Mark's enduring talent and commitment to the industry will be fondly remembered by colleagues and fans alike."

Although his role in Stranger Things was only for one episode, it was a pivotal role as he was responsible for the chilling examination of a seemingly dead body.

Withers began his career by starring in a national campaign for McDonald's'. He continued to star in advertisements for brands like Folger's Coffee and American Airlines until he began appearing on television in the late 1970s. The actor gained recognition for his role as Ted Dinard, Steven Carrington's boyfriend in 1981's Dynasty. His six-episode stint on the series showed his relationship with Steven coming to an end, as Steven's father Blake, played by John Forsythe, accidentally kills him in a fit of rage.

Before his acting career took off, Mark Withers was an accomplished athlete who earned an NCAA football scholarship to Penn State University.

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More about Mark Withers' television career

Born in Binghampton, New York, Mark Withers is best known for taking on small roles and guest appearances on soap operas and television shows. Other than his role as Ted Dinard in Dynasty, Mark Withers also had small roles in shows including, Wonder Woman, Death Of A Centerfold: The Dorothy Stratten Story, The Dukes Of Hazzard, Hart To Hart, Remington Steele, Dallas, and Matlock.

From 1986 to 1987 he appeared on eight episodes of Days of Our Lives as Coach Locke. He then went on to take a break from acting in the 1990s apart from one film, Souther Man in 1998 and returned to the screen with a small role on the sitcom Frasier in 2001.

He was then seen in True Blood, Castle, and Sense 8 in the 2010s. The actor was also seen in a couple of low-budget movies including Basic Training, The Ultimate Life, Turn Around Jake, and Bolden.

Withers is survived by his wife, Haiyan Liu Withers, and daughter Jessie Withers. As per Daily Mail, any donations in his memory can be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.