ER Actress Mary Mara Dead at 61 After Suspected Drowning in New York River

Mary Mara, the actress who portrayed Loretta Sweet on ER, died at the age of 61 after a suspected drowning incident. Read what her rep said about the actress who was "one in a million."

By Kelly Gilmore Jun 28, 2022 2:48 AMTags
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The acting world has lost a star.

Mary Mara, an actress known for her roles in ER and Law & Order, has died at the age of 61, her rep confirms to E! News on June 27.

"Mary was one in a million—one of the best actresses I ever met," Mara's manager, Craig Dorfman, said in a statement. "I saw her for the first time off-Broadway in 1992 in Mad Forest and she was electrifying. She was unique, wickedly funny and a wonderful woman who will be missed."

Mara was found dead on June 26 after a suspected drowning incident while swimming in the St. Lawrence River, according to a New York State Police press release. Authorities said in the release that Mara's body showed no signs of foul play.

A cause of death has not yet been released, pending an investigation from the Jefferson County Medical Examiner's Office.

During her expansive career in television drama, Mara held a recurring role Loretta Sweet on ER from 1995 to 1996. Beyond the popular soap opera, Mara made appearances on Hope & Gloria, NYPD Blue and Dexter.

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Outside of TV, her film credits include 1990's Blue Steel, 1991's True Colors and 1992's Mr. Saturday Night.

Mara was remembered for her "complex portrayals of often-troubled characters" her obituary read, per People. She was last credited in the 2020 film Break Even.

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According to People, Mara is survived by her stepdaughter Katie Mersola, sisters Martha Mara and Susan Dailey, brother-in-law Scott Dailey and nephew Christopher Dailey.

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