Mark Blum, 'Desperately Seeking Susan' Star, Dead From Coronavirus at 69

Mark Blum
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The veteran actor was 69.

Mark Blum has died at age 69, ET confirms. Multiple outlets report Blum died from complications due to coronavirus. 

The longtime actor was recently seen in TV shows including BillionsAlmost Family, Succession, The Good FightYouElementary, and Mozart in the Jungle. Blum also starred in movies including Desperately Seeking Susan and Crocodile Dundee

Blum was also a Broadway star, appearing in shows including Lost in Yonkers and The Best Man.

Following news of his death, Madonna, who co-starred with Blum in Desperately Seeking Susan, paid tribute to the late actor. 

"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," the music legend wrote. "I remember him as funny warm, loving .and professional when we made Desperately Seeking Susan in 1985!! Another reminder that this virus is no joke, nothing to be casual about or pretend wont affect us in some way. ♥️ we need to stay grateful -be hopeful- help each other-and follow the quarantine rules! #covid_19 #markblum #desperatelyseekingsusan."

Blum's Mozart in the Jungle co-stars, Malcolm McDowell and Gael Garcia Bernal, also honored him on Twitter.

"One of our family of Mozart in the Jungle passed this morning from the corona virus. Mark Blum was a truly wonderful actor, but more importantly, was a funny sensitive, and beautiful man. RIP," McDowell wrote.

Garcia Bernal also wrote in Spanish, "One of the members of the orchestra who made us happy died. I love you and we're going to miss you so much, Mark. Thank you for always laughing and playing together. Gonna miss you, carnalo."

Off-Broadway theater company Playwright Horizons paid tribute to the late actor on Twitter.

"With love and heavy hearts, Playwrights Horizons pays tribute to Mark Blum, a dear longtime friend and a consummate artist who passed this week," the tweet read. "Thank you, Mark, for all you brought to our theater, and to theaters and audiences across the world. We will miss you."

Rebecca Damon, the Vice President of SAG-AFTRA, also tweeted about Blum.

"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," she tweeted in part. "Mark was a dedicated Screen Actors Guild and SAG-AFTRA board member serving from 2007-2013, a passionate champion for merger, and a tireless advocate for members."

"Those of us lucky enough to have known him will treasure our memories of a gifted actor, a master teacher, a loyal friend, and a beautiful human," she added. "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."

Damon concluded, "Mark was smart, funny, and a true actor’s actor. He will be deeply missed."

See more tributes below:

Blum is survived by his wife, Janet Zarish. 

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