Mark Blum, a veteran character actor who starred in the films “Desperately Seeking Susan” and “Crocodile Dundee,” as well as the recent TV series “You,” has died due to complications from the coronavirus. He was 69.
The New York theater company Playwrights Horizons first announced the news, and SAG-AFTRA executive vice president Rebecca Damon confirmed that Blum passed away due to COVID-19. Representatives for Blum additionally confirmed the news to TheWrap.
As news of his death became public, his peers and friends in the entertainment industry, including his “Desperately Seeking Susan” costars Rosanna Arquette and Madonna, paid him tribute. Read more here.
Blum was also a fixture of the New York theater community, having won an Obie Award for his performance in the Playwrights Horizons production of a play from Albert Innaurato, “Gus and Al.” He’s also appeared on Broadway in Neil Simon’s “Lost in Yonkers,” Gore Vidal’s “The Best Man” and more.
Also Read: Mark Blum Remembered by Co-Stars Madonna, Rosanna Arquette: 'A Remarkable Human'
“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,” the theater company Playwrights Horizons said in a tweet.
“He was one of the most respected actors in New York: a beacon of fierce intelligence, dry wit & deep kindness on stage and off. A tragic loss,” playwright Jack Canfora added in a tweet.
The New Jersey-born actor Blum got his start on the stage in the 1970s before pivoting to film and television, starting with a role in the 1983 film “Lovesick” followed by a turn on “St. Elsewhere” in 1984.
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In 1984, Blum played Rosanna Arquette’s husband in the 1985 comedy “Desperately Seeking Susan” alongside Arquette and Madonna. He also had a role in “Crocodile Dundee” as the newspaper editor to the film’s female lead played by Linda Kozlowski. Some of his other film credits include “Shattered Glass,” “Step Up 3D” and most recently “Coin Heist.”
“I’m sad about this. He was really very kind, was always supportive and funny, a gentle man and a great actor who loved the work,” Arquette told TheWrap. “I’m so sad for his family and all the people who love him. This is a tragedy on so many levels. Rest in peace and power, Mark Blum.”
In an Instagram post, Madonna called his death “really tragic.” She described Blum as “funny, warm, loving and professional” on set.
Blum had a substantive role as Union Bob on the Amazon series “Mozart in the Jungle,” and he recently starred in the first season of the Lifetime/Netflix drama “You” as Mr. Mooney, the bookstore owner who served a surrogate father figure to Penn Badgley’s sociopathic lead character, Joe.
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
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
There are actors whose names appear in the announcement of a play, and you instantly think, without knowing any details: This will be work worth seeing. Mark Blum was of that wonderful caliber. Made me believe, every time I saw him. It's terrible to read of his death. — Peter Marks (@petermarksdrama) March 26, 2020
In 2011 Mark Blum starred in my play Picked @vineyardtheatre, in a tricky role — a narcissistic filmmaker whose more human instincts collide with the desire to protect himself from emotional risk Mark's performance took huge risks. He was magnificent. And the kindest man. RIP pic.twitter.com/GzPPotADvT — Christopher Shinn (@chris_shinn) March 26, 2020
Mark Blum was beloved by actors, writers, theater folk, tv and movie people. As a New York stalwart, he of course appeared on L&O, SVU, and Crim Intent. I was lucky to work with him several times, and luckier to know him. Sending love to all who mourn his loss. https://t.co/AbigByIye5 — Warren(Flatten the Curve) Leight (@warrenleightTV) March 26, 2020
One of my favorite acting professors from undergrad, Mark Blum, died from COVID today. He was a lovely man and a fantastic teacher. I was deep in a depressive episode when I was studying with him and he made me feel seen and understood. Fuck guys, this is awful. — (((Rebecca Etzine))) (@Betzine) March 26, 2020
The great theatre actor Mark Blum has passed away from coronavirus. I loved so many of his performances over the years, especially in The Assembled Parties. He was known as one of the nicest guys in the business. My heart goes out to his friends, family, students & colleagues. ???? pic.twitter.com/sp7tbVjlTh — Jennifer Tepper (@jenashtep) March 26, 2020
We are devastated to hear of the passing of Mark Blum. Mark was an extraordinary actor, and a great human being. He graced our stage with brilliant performances in plays by @VogelPaula, @chris_shinn & @thenycwriter. Our deepest condolences to Janet and to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/4LOwDm3P9z — Vineyard Theatre (@vineyardtheatre) March 26, 2020
Sharon Waxman informed me of this very very hard news today I’m so deeply sad for his family and for his fans. he was a wonderful actor and a very good and kind man. May you Rest In Peace and power mark. God bless you. https://t.co/r0QUGEYwVK — Rosanna Arquette????✌???? (@RoArquette) March 26, 2020
Mark Blum, so generous, so kind, so humble,so talented. Our time together in the play The Assembled Parties at MTC was a true joy
May he rest in peace knowing that he transformed the lives of so many and was cherished by so many; me among them — JudithLight (@JudithLight) March 26, 2020
Mark Blum RIP. So sad to lose you to this horrid crisis!???????? — Bernadette Peters (@OfficialBPeters) March 26, 2020
I did a play with Mark Blum in ‘97 literally the day after wrapping the #DawsonsCreek pilot. He was SO good… and generous and kind and I learned so much from him about how to be a professional – lessons that got me through the insanity that was to come. Prayers for his family. https://t.co/7r7dLyvOeK — James Van Der Beek (@vanderjames) March 26, 2020
floppydisk777 on March 26th, 2020 at 22:25 UTC »
Mark Blum was my uncle!
He was a star not just because of his illustrious career, but because of the kindness, humility, and giving temperament in which he interacted with everyone he came in contact with. His wry and sardonic humor was the highlight of every family gathering, and his ability to balance maturity and goofiness earned him a permanent place at the kid’s table.
He was also a mentor and role model for what a career in the arts can look like. He brought me to art house movie theaters to watch films on the cutting edge. He recommended books that would push me to think deeper about my craft. And he encouraged me to create, even when I was feeling at my least creative.
I am forever grateful for who he was and who he pushed me to be. 7 years ago I went to visit him and my Aunt in New York, and he encouraged me to just “make something. You don’t need a script, we’ll improvise it all, just make something.” I’m so glad he did, because it means I got to create something silly with one of the most talented people I ever knew. Love you Uncle Mark.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhadyXWi02M&t=
SuperCoupe on March 26th, 2020 at 18:23 UTC »
The Emmys, Tonys, Oscars, and Grammys are going to have an hour long "In Memorium" reel for the next two years.
SnuggleMonster15 on March 26th, 2020 at 16:58 UTC »
Man that's awful. This guy was in a lot of stuff throughout the 80's.