Crocodile Dundee star Mark Blum dies from coronavirus at 69

Veteran actor Mark Blum has died from coronavirus-related complications this week. The Crocodile Dundee star was aged 69.

New York-based theatre company, Playwrights Horizon’s shared a touching tribute via social media.

“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 statement read. “Thank you, Mark, for all you brought to our theater, and to theaters and audiences across the world. We will miss you.”

Blum enjoyed much success from roles including Desperately Seeking Susan, where he played alongside Madonna, and TV series including NYPD Blue, The Sopranos and The West Wing.

News of his passing has rocked the industry. Rosanna Arquette, who played his wife on Desperately Seeking Susan expressed her sadness this week, after being given the news by author Sharon Waxman.

“Sharon Waxman informed me of this very very hard news today,” Arquette said. “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.”

Madonna also took to Instagram to pay her respects, saying she will remember him as “funny warm, loving and professional”.

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Actress Judith Light also shared her sadness, writing: “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.”

Meanwhile, playwright Christopher Shinn took to Twitter to pay tribute to his colleague.

“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,” Shinn said. “Mark’s performance took huge risks. He was magnificent. And the kindest man. RIP.”

Blum leaves behind his wife and fellow actor, Janet Zarish, also 69, whose credentials include guest appearances on Law & Order.