According to a statement from the New York State Police, Mary Mara, who was best known for her work on the television shows ER and Criminal Minds, passed away at the age of 61 after appearing to drown while swimming. On the morning of June 26, the actress’s body was discovered near the St. Lawrence River at Cape Vincent, New York, and an investigation was immediately launched. The statement added, “Preliminary inquiry indicates the person drowned while swimming.” The victim’s body was taken to the Jefferson County Medical Examiner’s Office in anticipation of an autopsy to ascertain the official cause of death because it did not exhibit any symptoms of wrongdoing.
According to a second statement from Mary’s brother-in-law Scott Dailey, she was reportedly living at her sister Martha’s summer house when the “apparent swimming accident” occurred, according to PEOPLE. Craig Dorfman, Mary’s manager, also sent the publication a statement confirming her demise. “I still recall witnessing her perform in 1992’s off-Broadway production of Mad Forest. She was energizing, humorous, and truly unique. She was adored by all. She was “one of the finest actresses I ever met,” he added, adding that she “will be missed.”
Learn more about Mary and her thriving performing career in the sections that follow.
The ‘ER’ Cast’s Transformations — Photos — View Related Gallery From 1994 through 2000, Julianna Marguiles played Nurse Carol Hathaway, a role for which she received an Emmy. Despite coming back for one episode in the last season, she quit after season 6. Julianna gained notoriety after “ER” when she went on to star in the CBS drama “The Good Wife” from 2009 to 2016. Her portrayal of Alicia Florrick earned her two Emmy awards and a Golden Globe. She recently played a recurring part on “Billions” and will play the lead in “The Morning Show’s” second season.
She played several recurring parts on television.
Numerous popular television shows, such as Criminal Minds, Nash Bridges, NYPD Blue, Law & Order, Ray Donovan, The Practice, Gideon’s Crossing, Star Trek: Enterprise, Lost, Dexter, and Shameless, featured Mary on multiple occasions. She also made guest appearances in various TV shows like Nip/Tuck, Bones, The West Wing, Judging Amy, Ally McBeal, Judging Amy, and 7th Heaven. Her obituary, which PEOPLE was able to receive, said that her portrayal as Loretta Sweet on ER was likely one of her most enduring.
According to her obituary, “she excelled in intricate depictions of frequently disturbed characters; arguably the most recognizable was her recurrent role as Loretta Sweet, a sympathetic, down-and-out prostitute and single mother on the NBC series, “ER,” in the 1990s.
The Preppie Murder, Love Potion No. 9, Just Looking, K-PAX, Gridiron Gang, and Prom Night, among others, featured the outstanding actor (2008). The 2020 movie Break Even included her in its final on-screen appearance. After finishing the filming, she retired and returned to Syracuse, New York, where she had spent most of her life before moving back and forth between the east and west coasts.
She leaves behind a number of close relatives.
Mary is survived by two sisters, Martha Mara and Susan Mara, as well as their spouses, including Scott, who spoke out following her passing. She also has a stepdaughter, Katie Mersola. Additionally, she is survived by Scott’s son Christopher Dailey, who is her niece’s nephew.
Following her passing, numerous members of her family, friends, and fans posted memorials on social media.
One of the first celebrities to publish a heartfelt tweet about Mary on Twitter was the actor Jon Lindstrom, who had previously collaborated with her. It had a picture of the two of them and a sentimental yet upsetting text. “I was shocked to hear about Mary Mara’s premature passing. In 2008, we shared a stage in Malcolm Danare’s “In Heat” at the Lost Playhouse in Los Angeles. She was battling chemotherapy side effects. Uber-talented, brave, and intelligent. Without her, Earth will be much less vibrant. It said, “R.I.P.
I was devastated to hear of Mary Mara’s premature death. In 2008, we shared a stage in Malcolm Danare’s “In Heat” at the Lost Playhouse in Los Angeles. She was battling chemotherapy side effects. Uber-talented, brave, and intelligent. Without her, Earth will be much less vibrant. Pic.twitter.com/sj1U8c6hyK, R.I.P. 28th June 2022, Jon Lindstrom (@thejonlindstrom)
Additionally, fans sent heartfelt condolences to the late actress’ family. “My heart breaks for her cherished family. One person wrote, “Her fascinating charm and sweet, incredibly brilliant actress will always be missed.
Mary started a theater company.
Before starting a theater company in the Bay Area, the outstanding New York native attended Yale School of Drama and San Francisco University, according to PEOPLE. Her dedication and hard work allowed her to enjoy a great career in acting for more than three decades, which included theater parts in numerous plays.
She had one of the most enduring performances in Twelfth Night.
In the 1989 Bard production, which was part of Shakespeare in the Park, Mary starred with well-known actors including Michelle Pfeiffer and Jeff Goldblum. It paved the way for the renowned Manhattan Theatre Club of New York to make several visits.