Dan Ziskie, a famous American actor known for his roles in productions such as House of Cards and Treme, has died at the age of 80. His family confirmed the passing, which was due to an illness he had been suffering from. This is everything we know about his death.
How did Dan Ziskie die?
The acclaimed actor passed away on July 21; however, the news of his death only began circulating this Friday, August 15. According to his family, Ziskie’s cause of death was atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
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What is atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which Dan Ziskie suffered from?
According to heart.org, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease occurs when plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries, leading to various conditions. Among them are:
- Coronary artery disease, which includes heart attacks, angina, and narrowing of the coronary arteries.
- Cerebrovascular disease, such as transient ischemic attacks, strokes, and narrowing of the carotid artery.
- Peripheral artery disease, which may manifest as claudication or pain while walking.
- Atherosclerotic conditions of the aorta, including abdominal and descending thoracic aneurysms.
This disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In response, the American Heart Association works to promote preventive measures and encourage healthy lifestyle habits, aiming for people to enjoy greater longevity and cardiovascular well-being.
Who was Dan Ziskie?
Dan Ziskie, born on August 13, 1944, was an American actor and photographer recognized for his versatility in film, television, and theater. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, and studied English at the University of Michigan, where he also participated in sports activities. Before fully dedicating himself to acting, he worked as a crew member on a cargo ship and as a journalist, experiences that enriched his artistic perspective.
His career began in Chicago, joining the famous comedy troupe Second City, where he shared the stage with talents like John Belushi and Joe Flaherty. In 1980, he debuted on Broadway, participating in notable plays such as I’m Not Rappaport alongside Judd Hirsch. In film, he appeared in movies like The Man with One Red Shoe and Twisted. Throughout his career, he participated in over 90 productions, including memorable roles in series such as House of Cards, where he played Vice President Jim Matthews, Treme, Chappelle’s Show, Law & Order, ER, and The Blacklist.
In addition to acting, Ziskie was a passionate photographer. In 2017, he published Cloud Chamber, a collection of portraits capturing the lives of New Yorkers. His artistic approach combined sensitivity and rigor.
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Dan Ziskie’s Films
Over decades as an actor, Dan Ziskie appeared in at least 30 films that defined his work in cinema. Here is his filmography:
- 1984 Very Close Quarters
- 1985 Key Exchange
- 1985 The Man with One Red Shoe
- 1985 Twisted
- 1985 O.C. and Stiggs
- 1987 Adventures in Babysitting
- 1989 Troop Beverly Hills
- 1990 Vital Signs
- 1992 Zebrahead
- 1997 The Jackal
- 2000 Isn’t She Great
- 2000 Prince of Central Park
- 2000 Thirteen Days
- 2002 Bad Company
- 2003 Undermind
- 2003 Dead Canaries
- 2004 Satan’s Little Helper
- 2004 Kinsey
- 2004 The Reawakening
- 2005 War of the Worlds
- 2006 Last Holiday
- 2006 Eight Below
- 2006 The Tokyo Trial
- 2008 Synecdoche, New York
- 2008 New York, I Love You
- 2009 The Rebound
- 2010 Step Up 3D
- 2015 Concussion
- 2015 Prism
- 2016 Mercy
