Dan Ziskie dead at 80: House of Cards star dies in NYC

Cast members of HBO's Treme pose at a DVD signing event, representing the acclaimed series where Dan Ziskie played financier C.J. Liguori (Illustrative image) (Photo by Bill Haber/HBO Via Getty Images) Getty Images

Dan Ziskie, the veteran character actor known for his commanding performances in House of Cards and Treme, has died at the age of 80. He passed away on July 21 in New York City from arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Ziskie portrayed Vice President Jim Matthews in the early seasons of Netflix's political drama House of Cards, appearing in six episodes between 2013 and 2017 alongside Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright. He also played New Orleans financier C.J. Liguori in HBO's post-Katrina drama Treme, which aired from 2010 to 2013.

From Second City to Broadway

Born in Detroit in 1944, Ziskie's path to acting was unconventional. Before pursuing his artistic career, he worked as a university athlete, freighter crewman, and journalist.

His acting breakthrough came at Chicago's Second City, where he honed his skills alongside comedy legend John Belushi. He later moved to New York and made his Broadway debut in 1980, appearing in productions including Morning's at Seven, I'm Not Rappaport, and After the Fall.

Television and film career

Beyond his signature political roles, Ziskie appeared in numerous television series including Law and Order, The Blacklist, Sex and the City, and Chappelle's Show. His film credits included The Jackal, War of the Worlds, and the 2015 drama Concussion, where he portrayed NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue.

Ziskie was also an accomplished photographer whose work appeared in major publications. He published a photography book titled Cloud Chamber in 2017, showcasing his artistic versatility beyond acting.

Family tribute

His family described him as "a man of remarkable talent and a keen observer of life." They added: "He was as vibrant and multifaceted as the characters he portrayed on stage and screen. His was a life lived with passion, a life that exemplified the beauty of pursuing one's dreams and the importance of cherishing every moment."

Ziskie is survived by his brother David, sister-in-law Cynthia, nephews Jesse, Brett, and Austin, and their six children. His family concluded: "Dan will be profoundly missed, yet he will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him, like a cherished character in the timeless narrative of their lives."

Sources used: "Mirror", "Daily Star" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.