Mark Damon Obituary, Death: Veteran Actor and Film Producer Dies at 91
Mark Damon, a veteran actor and film producer, passed away on Sunday, May 12, from natural causes in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 91. He is best known for his role in the gothic horror film “House of Usher,” directed by Roger Corman and released in 1960.
Damon was born on April 22, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, and began his acting career with minor roles in classic 1950s television series such as “Gang Busters,” “Meet Corliss Archer,” and “I Led 3 Lives.” He signed with 20th Century Fox in 1956 and continued his TV work, appearing in “Cavalcade of America,” “Alfred Hitchcock Presents,” and “Tales of Wells Fargo.”
His breakthrough role came in the 1960 horror picture “House of Usher,” where he starred alongside Vincent Price, Myrna Fahey, and Harry Ellerbe. Damon won a Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer for his performance as Philip Winthrop. The film was directed by Roger Corman, who died on Thursday, May 10.
After a few more bit parts in TV shows like “National Velvet,” “Zorro,” and “Lock Up,” Damon moved to Italy and starred in Spaghetti Westerns like “The Reluctant Saint” (1962), “The Young Racers” (1963), “The Shortest Day” (1963), “Black Sabbath” (1963), “100 Horseman” (1964), “Secret Agent 777” (1965), “Dio, Come Ti Amo!” (1966), and “Johnny Oro” (1966).
Damon transitioned away from acting in the late 1970s and entered the world of independent sales and production. He founded the Producers Sales Organization to sell American films to international distributors and promote independent films. As a producer, Damon worked on films such as “Das Boot,” “The NeverEnding Story,” “Nine 1/2 Weeks,” “8 Million Ways to Die,” “Short Circuit,” “The Lost Boys,” “The Jungle Book,” “Lone Survivor,” and many more. He also won an Academy Award in 2005 for his work on the Charlize Theron-starring serial killer movie “Monster.”
More recently, Damon served as executive producer on the 2023 films “Fast Charlie” and “Rumble Through the Dark.” His last on-screen acting role came in the 1997 movie “Liar.”
Mark Damon is survived by his wife, Maggie Markov Damon, whom he met when she starred in 1974’s “The Arena,” which he produced. He is also survived by his son Jonathan, his daughter Alexis Damon Ribaut, and his son-in-law Mathieu Ribaut.
Damon’s legacy will be remembered for his contributions to the film industry, both as an actor and a producer. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and fans.
In conclusion, Mark Damon’s passing marks the end of an era in the film industry. His contributions as an actor and producer will be remembered for years to come. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on through the many films he has worked on.
