Vale: Mary Mara

US actor Mary Mara, who had roles in ER, Nash Bridges, and Law & Order, has died, aged 61.

According to NY State Police she drowned while swimming in the St. Lawrence River on Sunday morning. Police said there was no indication of foul play and that an autopsy will be conducted to determine an official cause of death. The investigation is continuing.

“Mary was one of the finest actresses I ever met,” manager Craig Dorfman, said.

“She was electric, funny and a true individual. Everyone loved her. She will be missed.”

Mara had been staying with a sister on property that fronts the river outside Cape Vincent, he said.

She specialised in complex portrayals of often-troubled characters, probably best known for her recurring role as Loretta Sweet, a sympathetic, down-and-out prostitute and single mother, on ER.

She also portrayed a psychopathic killer in Criminal Minds as well as the vulnerable adult daughter of Billy Crystal in Mr. Saturday Night.

Other credits include The Hard Way, A Civil Action, True Colors, Love Potion No. 9, Ray Donovan, Shameless, Dexter, Secrets & Lies, Lie to Me, Bones, Nip / Tuck, Without a Trace, The Guardian, Boston Public, The West Wing, Third Watch, Practice, The Profiler, Ally McBeal, NYPD Blue and Aussie-produced Farscape.

Source: Deadline