Mark Withers, a talented actor known for his memorable roles on television, passed away on November 22, 2024, at the age of 77 after battling pancreatic cancer. His daughter, Jessie Withers, confirmed the news and shared a heartfelt statement highlighting his strength and enduring legacy.
While Withers enjoyed a decades-long career in television, his role as Coroner Gary in the first season of Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things brought him renewed recognition in 2016. As Gary, the coroner tasked with investigating the mysterious death of Will Byers (later revealed to be a part of the Upside Down’s web), Withers played a pivotal part in setting the tone for the eerie and suspenseful world of Hawkins. His performance as Gary remains a touchstone for Stranger Things fans, blending humanity with the intrigue of the supernatural.
Stranger Things Updates shared a photo of Mark, stating, “Rest in peace Mark Withers, our Gary”.
Rest in peace Mark Withers, our Gary 🤍🕊 pic.twitter.com/6u5Nmo5xeI
— Stranger Things Updates (@Updates_SThings) December 7, 2024
A Career of Groundbreaking Roles
Withers first gained national attention for his portrayal of Ted Dinard in the 1981 primetime soap Dynasty, where he played the boyfriend of Steven Carrington, a groundbreaking LGBTQ+ character at the time. His work was hailed as ahead of its time, portraying a gay relationship on television with authenticity and sensitivity.
Beyond Stranger Things and Dynasty, Withers appeared in several iconic television shows of the 1980s and beyond, including Matlock, Magnum, P.I., Dallas, Frasier, Castle, and Criminal Minds. His versatility allowed him to seamlessly transition between daytime soap operas like Days of Our Lives and genre-defining series like Sense8.
Withers’ daughter Jessie captured his impact perfectly, saying, “Mark’s enduring talent and commitment to the industry will be fondly remembered by colleagues, friends, and fans alike.”
Everything We Know About Stranger Things Season 5
As fans reflect on Withers’ contribution to Stranger Things, anticipation for the show’s fifth and final season continues to build. With its release set for 2025, the culmination of the Hawkins saga promises to be bigger, darker, and more emotionally charged than ever before. Here’s a breakdown of everything we know so far about Stranger Things Season 5.
Delayed but Not Forgotten
The 2023 Writers’ Strike and SAG-AFTRA strike delayed production, but filming officially began in January 2024. Netflix confirmed that Stranger Things Season 5 will debut in 2025, though an exact release date has not yet been announced.
Returning Cast Members
The main cast will all return for Season 5, including:
- Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven, the telekinetic hero of Hawkins.
- Finn Wolfhard as Mike, the heart of the group.
- Noah Schnapp as Will, who is expected to play a major role in the final season.
- Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin, whose wit and heart have endeared him to fans.
- Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas, a key member of the core group.
- Sadie Sink as Max, who ended Season 4 in a coma.
- Winona Ryder as Joyce, the ever-determined mother.
- David Harbour as Hopper, the fan-favorite sheriff.
Other returning characters include Natalia Dyer as Nancy, Charlie Heaton as Jonathan, Joe Keery as Steve, Maya Hawke as Robin, and Brett Gelman as Murray. Notably, Linda Hamilton, best known for her role in The Terminator franchise, will join the cast. While her character remains under wraps, her addition has sparked significant excitement among fans.
The Plot: Back to Hawkins
Season 5 will return to Hawkins, the epicenter of the Upside Down’s horrors. The Duffer Brothers have confirmed that the season will focus on the original group dynamics, bringing the story full circle.
Noah Schnapp teased in interviews that Will Byers will take center stage, with his arc providing a fitting conclusion to the story. Matt Duffer hinted that while the season will feel contained geographically, the stakes will be higher than ever.
Episode Titles and Speculation
Netflix revealed several episode titles, including The Crawl, Shock Jock, and Escape From Camazotz. Fans are already speculating about their meanings, particularly the ominous-sounding The Vanishing of [Redacted] and how it might tie into the series finale.
High Stakes and Bigger Scale
David Harbour described the final season as “completely insane,” promising a combination of emotional depth and large-scale spectacle. Maya Hawke, who plays Robin, added that Season 5 feels like “eight movies,” with each episode delivering intense, movie-like experiences.
Despite shorter episodes than Season 4, the finale will reportedly match the length of a feature film, with Matt Duffer confirming a runtime of around two and a half hours.
Will Byers’ Story Takes the Spotlight
From the outset, Will Byers’ disappearance drove the narrative of Stranger Things. In the final season, his story will come full circle. Noah Schnapp hinted that Will’s arc is concluded “perfectly,” noting that the character’s journey will be deeply satisfying for fans.
A Return to Simplicity and Nostalgia
The Duffer Brothers have emphasized that Season 5 will harken back to the simpler dynamics of Season 1 while expanding the stakes. The familiar setting of Hawkins will serve as the backdrop for a story that weaves together threads from across the series.
A Gruesome Finale?
Speculation has arisen that Season 5 might receive a TV-MA rating, signaling a darker and more intense conclusion. While this has not been confirmed, fans are preparing for the possibility of higher stakes and significant losses.
Filming Progress and Release Timeline
As of July 2024, filming was halfway completed. During Netflix Geeked Week in September, fans were treated to behind-the-scenes glimpses of the production. According to Millie Bobby Brown, filming is expected to wrap by Christmas 2024. This aligns with Netflix’s pattern of releasing new seasons during the summer months, suggesting a likely premiere window of May to July 2025.
What’s Next for the Franchise?
While Stranger Things will conclude with Season 5, the Duffer Brothers have hinted at spin-offs and expanded storytelling within the universe. Fans can look forward to more adventures in the world of Hawkins, even as the main series reaches its epic conclusion.
A Legacy of Excellence
Mark Withers’ portrayal of Gary in Stranger Things Season 1 reminds us of how much even small roles can contribute to a series’ success. As we await Season 5, his work—and the performances of so many talented actors—will continue to resonate with fans around the world.
With the final season on the horizon, Stranger Things is preparing to leave an indelible mark on television history, much like Withers did throughout his remarkable career.
We at Disney Dining wish Mark’s friends and family our condolences during this time.
