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Mary Mara, known for her roles in ER and Law & Order reportedly drowned in Cape Vincent, New York, on Sunday.
The 61-year-old was discovered in the St Lawrence River around 8.10pm, New York State Police confirmed in a report published on Monday.
Mara was staying at the summer house of her sister Martha, according to a statement from a representative, Variety writes.
The official cause of death is unknown but a preliminary investigation has suggested Mara died by drowning while swimming.
Her body has been transported to Jefferson County Medical Examiner’s Office. An autopsy will be carried out to determine the cause of the death of the beloved star.
‘One of the finest actresses I ever met’
Mara’s manager, Craig Dorfman, confirmed the tragic news of her death to the outlet.
“Mary was one of the finest actresses I ever met,” Dorfman said.
“I still remember seeing her onstage in 1992 in ‘Mad Forest’ off Broadway. She was electric, funny and a true individual. Everyone loved her. She will be missed.”
Tributes have poured in from fans on social media.
One person tweeted: “RIP Mary Mara,” with a candle emoji.
Mara Maya’s start in showbiz
Born and raised in Syracuse, NY, Mara studied at San Francisco State University and Yale.
Her film and TV career began in 1989, when she appeared in the TV movie ‘The Preppie Murder’. The beloved star had a total of 80 credits to her name for her time on the screen.
Mary Mara played a recurring role in ER as patient Loretta Sweet, as well as Inspector Bryn Carson in the police procedural ‘Nash Bridges’.
The actress also starred in NYPD Blue, Farscape, Law & Order, Ally McBeal, The West Wing, Shameless, Dexter and Criminal Minds. She also appeared in Monk and Ray Donovan.
Mara worked alongside Michelle Pfeiffer and Jeff Goldblum in a New York Festival production of the Twelfth Night.
Her film debut is credited to 1992, where she appeared in Love Potion No. 9, the same year she was paired with Billy Crystal’s daughter in Mr Saturday Night.
Her final film credit is dated in 2020, where Mara was cast in Break Even. She then retired from acting and returned to live in her hometown of Syracuse.
The star is survived by her stepdaughter Katie Mersola, as well as her sisters Martha Mara and Susan Dailey. She also is survived by her brother-in-law Scott Dailey and nephew Christopher Dailey.
