Dan Ziskie, actor on Treme and House of Cards, dies at 80

Dan Ziskie, a prolific character actor known for his command of authority and his work across stage, television and film, died July 21 in New York City. He was 80. The family said he died of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Ziskie’s career spanned five decades, featuring recurring roles on prestige dramas such as Treme and House of Cards, as well as which audiences may remember his turn on Chappelle’s Show. He is survived by his wife Cynthia, his brother David, and nephews Jesse, Brett and Austin, along with their six children.

Born in Detroit on August 13, 1944, Ziskie demonstrated athleticism in high school and college, but his interest in the arts soon redirected his path. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan before moving to Chicago to join the Second City comedy troupe. There, he honed the improvisational skills that would inform a broad career on stage and screen. He later moved to New York, making his Broadway debut as an understudy in Mornings at Seven in 1980, followed by roles in Im Not Rappaport and other productions. His early television work included guest appearances on Remington Steele, The Equalizer, Quantum Leap and...