Dan Ziskie, a celebrated character actor known for his dynamic roles in film and television, has passed away at the age of 80. His remarkable career spanned decades, leaving a lasting impact on audiences and the industry alike.
Dan Ziskie: Celebrated Actor Passes Away at 80
Dan Ziskie, a renowned character actor recognized for his portrayals of government officials and the New Orleans construction magnate CJ Liquori in HBO’s Treme, has passed away at the age of 80.
Life and Career
Ziskie died on July 21 in New York due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, as announced by his family.
“Dan was a man of remarkable talent and a keen observer of life,” they stated. “He was as vibrant and multifaceted as the characters he portrayed on stage and screen.”
The Detroit native played NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue in Peter Landesman’s Concussion (2015). His extensive filmography includes roles in Robert Altman’s O.C. and Stiggs (1985), Chris Columbus’ Adventures in Babysitting (1987), Roger Donaldson’s Thirteen Days (2000), and Charlie Kaufman’s Synecdoche, New York (2008).
Television Appearances
Ziskie portrayed Vice President Jim Mathews on Netflix’s House of Cards from 2013-2017. He also appeared as U.S. senators on CBS’ Person of Interest (2012) and NBC’s The Blacklist (2014), and as the U.S. attorney general in the fifth-season finale of Fox’s 24 (2006).
In Treme, he played Liquori, who was involved in various dealings alongside property developer Nelson Hidalgo (Jon Seda) during the show’s last three seasons (2011-2013).
Fans of Chappelle’s Show will remember him for his 2004 role as Frank Niggar in a memorable sketch featuring Dave Chappelle.
Early Life and Education
Born in Detroit on August 13, 1944, Ziskie excelled in track and football during high school and competed in relay races at the University of Michigan, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English.
After serving on a Great Lakes freighter, Ziskie briefly worked as a journalist in Chicago before joining the Second City comedy troupe in the early 1970s, collaborating with notable figures like John Belushi.
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Theater and Later Career
He made his Broadway debut in the 1980 revival of Paul Osborn’s Morning’s at Seven, later appearing in Herb Gardner’s I’m Not Rappaport and Arthur Miller’s After the Fall.
Ziskie began landing television roles in the mid-1980s, featuring in shows like Remington Steele, The Equalizer, Newhart, Hunter, and many others.
He was also a regular on the 2013 ABC series Zero Hour, which starred Anthony Edwards.
His extensive television credits include appearances on ER, The Practice, Sex and the City, NYPD Blue, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and more.
Photography and Personal Interests
Ziskie’s collection of New York street photography, titled Cloud Chamber, was published in October 2017. He expressed a passion for capturing the essence of people through his lens.
He also enjoyed traveling and delving into complex topics like the cosmos and quantum physics, as noted by his family.
He is survived by his brother David, sister-in-law Cynthia, nephews Jesse, Brett, and Austin, and their six children.
