Mark Blum racked up appearances in more than 80 television shows, films and Broadway plays during his decades-long acting career.
From starring as the husband of unfulfilled housewife Roberta Glass in Desperately Seeking Susan, to the hardened newspaper editor Richard Mason in Crocodile Dundee, he entertained audiences with a wide range of roles.
Blum acted in the likes of television series Frasier, The Sopranos, The West Wing, Billions and Law And Order. Most recently, he appeared in the popular Netflix title You and Amazon streaming show Mozart In The Jungle.
He died on Thursday aged 69, due to complications from coronavirus.
Madonna, who starred alongside Blum in Desperately Seeking Susan, wrote online: “I want to acknowledge the passing of a remarkable human, fellow actor and friend.
“This is really tragic and my heart goes out to him, his family and his loved ones.
“I remember him as funny, warm, loving and professional.”
The news was broken by the Playwrights Horizons Off-Broadway Theatre, where he spent many seasons on stage.
Blum was presented with an Obie Award in 1989 for his role in the company’s production of Albert Innaurato play Gus and Al.
A statement from the organisation said: “With love and heavy hearts, Playwrights Horizons pays tribute to Mark Blum, a dear long-time friend and a consummate artist who passed this week.
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
“Thank you, Mark, for all you brought to our theatre, and to theatres and audiences across the world.”
Blum also starred in a number of Broadway productions including the revival of Twelve Angry Men, Neil Simon’s Lost in Yonkers and The Best Man by Gore Vidal.
His contribution to the arts was recognised by Sag-Aftra, the US union for television and film actors.
President Gabrielle Carteris said: “This is a painful loss to our Sag-Aftra family.
“Mark Blum understood that all performers working in this industry share the same employers and that our strength depends on our unity. He was a visionary.
“Mark will be deeply missed, and our hearts go out to his wife, Janet Zarish, his friends and all of his loved ones.”
Blum’s final films, The Pleasure Of Your Presence and The Score, are yet to be released.
He is survived by his wife Janet Zarish.
