Mark Blum, Gary Glass in 'Desperately Seeking Susan,' Dies at 69 Due to COVID-19 Complications

Ouch, this one hurts. Was very saddened to read that gifted stage actor Mark Blum, whose performance as straight-laced Gary Glass opposite Rosanna Arquette and Madonna in "Desperately Seeking Susan" anchored the classic New Wave film, has died at 69. 

Director Susan Seidelman remembers her leading man

The New York theater company Playwrights Horizons first announced the news, and SAG-AFTRA executive vice president Rebecca Damon confirmed that the veteran actor died from complications of COVID-19. Representatives for Blum additionally confirmed the news to TheWrap. 

The old (brilliant) Roseanne, champion of the oppressed -- aka before she went nuts because a black man became president.

In addition to his standout performance in "Susan" -- "No, muchachas! No!" -- he delivered memorable guests spots on "Law and Order" and "Roseanne" (read dialogue above). 

"I didn't say I wanted to buy one. Got any pot?"

The Wrap reports that Blum was a fixture of the New York theater community, having won an Obie Award for his performance in the Playwrights Horizons production of a play from Albert Innaurato, “Gus and Al.” He’s also appeared on Broadway in Neil Simon’s “Lost in Yonkers,” Gore Vidal’s “The Best Man” and more. 

Roberta Glass remembers her estranged hubby on Twitter.

NYP reports that playwright Christopher Shinn also took to Twitter to salute Blum’s life and kindness. 

“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 wrote. “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 credits include guest appearances on “Law & Order,” “Seinfeld” and “Blue Bloods.” Such a big loss. 

UPDATE: