Mark Blum, ‘Desperately Seeking Susan’ Star, Dies From Coronavirus Complications
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Actor Mark Blum, who appeared in “Desperately Seeking Susan,” “Crocodile Dundee” and the TV series “You,” has died due to complications from coronavirus. He was 69.
The Playwrights Horizons theater group and SAG-AFTRA executive vice president Rebecca Damon confirmed the news on Thursday.
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It is with such deep sorrow that I’m writing to share the news that our friend and former board member Mark Blum has passed away as a result of complications from the coronavirus. Mark was a dedicated Screen Actors Guild and SAG-AFTRA board member serving from 2007-2013, pic.twitter.com/aA3yPfOwh7
— Rebecca Damon (@RebeccaDamonNYC) March 26, 2020
Blum, a New Jersey native who started acting during the 1970s, won an Obie Award for his performance in the Playwrights Horizons production of Albert Innaurato’s “Gus and Al” during the 1988-89 season. He’s also appeared on Broadway in Neil Simon’s “Lost in Yonkers,” Gore Vidal’s “The Best Man” and Richard Greenberg’s “The Assembled Parties.”
Blum played the husband of Rosanna Arquette’s character Roberta Glass in 1985’s “Desperately Seeking Susan” and Paul Hogan’s rival in 1986’s “Crocodile Dundee.” His other feature credits include “Lovesick,” “Just Between Friends,” “Blind Date” and “The Presidio.”
Blum has a recurring role on the first season of the Lifetime series “You.” His other TV credits include “Sweet Surrender,” “Capital News,” “Frasier,” “NYPD Blue,” “Mozart in the Jungle” and “Coin Heist.”
“With love and heavy hearts, Playwrights Horizons pays tribute to Mark Blum, a dear longtime friend and a consummate artist who passed this week. Thank you, Mark, for all you brought to our theater, and to theaters and audiences across the world. We will miss you,” Playwrights Horizons said in a tweet.
With love and heavy hearts, Playwrights Horizons pays tribute to Mark Blum, a dear longtime friend and a consummate artist who passed this week. Thank you, Mark, for all you brought to our theater, and to theaters and audiences across the world. We will miss you. pic.twitter.com/NMVZFB5hPb
— Playwrights Horizons (@phnyc) March 26, 2020
Blum served on the Screen Actors Guild and SAG-AFTRA national boards between 2007 and 2013.
“On a personal note — I always appreciated Mark’s clear perception of complex situations,” Damon tweeted. “He always spoke the truth and did a great service in informing members of our community about the ins and outs of the union whenever he had the opportunity. Mark was smart, funny, and a true actor’s actor. He will be deeply missed.”
On a personal note—I always appreciated Mark’s clear perception of complex situations. He always spoke the truth and did a great service in informing members of our community about the ins and outs of the union whenever he had the opportunity.
— Rebecca Damon (@RebeccaDamonNYC) March 26, 2020
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