Actor Mark Blum dies of complications arising from Covid-19

Actor Mark Blum has passed away, aged 69.

A statement released by the Screen Actor's Guild said that he suffered from complications relating to the Covid-19 virus. Mark was a well-known face in the industry having starred in a number of films and TV shows. He. first came to fame for his role as Gary Glass in Desperately Seeking Susan and Richard Mason in Crocodile Dundee. More recently, he played Mr Mooney in season one of Netflix series You and Bill Lockheart in Succession. Gabrielle Carteris, President of the Screen Actors Guild America Federation of TV and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), said:

"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".

SAG-AFTRA Remembers Former National Board Member Mark Blum https://t.co/hPmRFIYsqz pic.twitter.com/gBOa3UOIEO

— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) March 27, 2020

Vice President Rebecca Damon also expressed her sadness at Mark's passing. She said that he "always spoke the truth" and had a clear perception of complex situations.

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

Madonna too paid tribute to her Desperately Seeking Susan co-star, describing him as a "remarkable human".

I Want to Acknowledge the Passing of a remarkable Human, fellow actor and friend Mark Blum, who succumbed to Coronavirus. 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... https://t.co/ipPj0eChmI pic.twitter.com/k3BgKZRRa9

— Madonna (@Madonna) March 26, 2020