Veteran actor Dan Ziskie, celebrated for his commanding portrayals of political power players on screen, has died at the age of 80.
His family confirmed in an obituary that he passed away on July 21 from arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Ziskie’s career spanned decades, with standout performances in critically acclaimed TV dramas such as House of Cards and Treme. In HBO’s Treme, set in post-Katrina New Orleans, he played financier C.J. Liguori, a key figure funding the city’s reconstruction.
He appeared in 26 episodes before stepping into the role of Vice President Jim Matthews on Netflix’s House of Cards, portraying an ambitious yet politically pliable leader persuaded by Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) to leave the White House and return to govern Pennsylvania.
Beyond his most famous roles, Ziskie made memorable appearances across television, from Sex and the City to Blue Bloods, Madam Secretary, and even Chappelle’s Show, where he starred in a satirical 1950s-style sketch.
On the big screen, he debuted in 1984’s Very Close Quarters and amassed over 30 film credits, including portraying NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue in the 2015 sports drama Concussion.
Off-screen, Ziskie was a passionate street photographer, capturing the essence of New York City life. In 2017, he published a striking photography collection titled Cloud Chamber. His final acting credit was in a 2019 episode of CBS’s Bull.
His family remembered him as “a man of remarkable talent and a keen observer of life,” leaving behind a legacy cherished by colleagues, audiences, and loved ones alike.