The soap opera community is mourning the death of actor Mark Dobies.
The former One Life to Live and Guiding Light star passed away on March 11 at the age of 65, according to a local obituary. His cause of death has yet to be revealed.
“A loving father, accomplished athlete and talented actor, Mark lived a life full of passion, perseverance and love,” the online tribute stated. “Mark’s warmth, generosity and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.”
A memorial service will be announced at a later date, according to the obituary.
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Before becoming a Hollywood actor, Dobies was a high school football star who earned an athletic scholarship to Delaware Valley University.
The athlete, however, didn’t stick to the football field. Instead, Dobies competed in several triathlons and offered personal training to his peers.
In a turn of events, Dobies landed his first onscreen role on the drama series Fame L.A. in 1997. Three years later, he booked a job on CBS’ Guiding Light playing Noah Chase.
Laura San Giacomo and Mark Dobies on ‘Just Shoot Me’ NBC/Courtesy Everett Collection
He later took on the role of District Attorney Daniel Colson on ABC’s One Life to Live between 2003 and 2005.
During his two years on the soap opera, Dobies caught the attention of viewers when it was revealed that his character (who was married to Hilary B. Smith’s Nora Buchanan) was gay.
At one point in the show, Daniel killed Paul Cramer (played by Brock Cuchna) for threatening to expose his affair with a man.
Away from the small screen, Dobies also explored the theatre world when he played Bruce Niles in the off-Broadway revival of Larry Kramer’s The Normal Heart at The Public Theater in New York City.
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“His presence on screen and stage reflected his dedication and talent as a performer,” his obituary stated.
Although sports and entertainment brought joy to his life, Dobies’ greatest role was being a son, brother and father to his three children, Francesca, 27, Olivia, 24, and Robert, 21, according to his obituary.
“Sharing the Eagles’ first Super Bowl victory with his son seven years ago was one of the fondest moments in both of their lives and also happens to be the only time Robert saw his father cry,” his obituary stated. “Mark’s family rejoices in the fact that he got to see his beloved Birds trounce their way to another decisive Super Bowl victory before he passed away.”
