Dan Ziskie, actor known for TV series ‘House of Cards’ and ‘Treme,’ dies at 80

Dan Ziskie, who gained fame through his long-standing career in television, particularly recognized for his roles in “House of Cards” on Netflix and “Treme” on HBO, has sadly passed away at the age of 80.

On July 21, it was announced that actor Ziskie passed away in New York. Although his life ended prematurely due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to the obituary published on Legacy.com, his memory will continue to be cherished.

Television

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As a devoted cinephile, I’d put it this way: “My life was filled with passion, a story that showcased the splendor of chasing dreams and the significance of savoring each fleeting moment. That’s how my family remembers me. Dan may be gone, but he will forever linger in the hearts of those who knew him, just like an unforgettable character in an enduring movie script of our lives.

The political drama series ‘House of Cards,’ initially aired on Netflix in 2013 as its first scripted production, featured Ziskie portraying Vice President Jim Matthews. Over the years from 2013 to 2017, he appeared in six episodes alongside notable actors like Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, and Michael Kelly. Notably, ‘House of Cards’ garnered multiple Primetime Emmy Awards and numerous nominations.

In addition to that, Ziskie was prominently seen in the HBO drama “Treme.” He played the role of C.J. Liguori, a banker and financier from New Orleans during reconstruction. The show ran from 2010 to 2013 and boasted an impressive cast consisting of Khandi Alexander, Rob Brown, Kim Dickens, Melissa Leo, Lucia Micarelli, Clarke Peters, Wendell Pierce, Jon Seda, and Steve Zahn.

In addition, Ziskie played supporting parts in television shows such as “The Equalizer,” “Newhart,” “L.A. Law,” “Quantum Leap,” “ER” and “Law & Order: SVU,” among others. As of IMDb, his most recent role was in the miniseries “The Bite” in 2021, with plans for him to appear in the movie “Very Close Quarters.

The acclaimed musician, who excelled as a pianist, orchestra leader, and songwriter, significantly impacted the vibrant salsa music scene in New York. He also earned the distinction of being the first recipient of a Grammy Award in a Latin category.

Daniel A. Ziskie, born on August 13, 1944, in Detroit, showcased an affinity for sports during his school years, participating in both track and football. He attended the University of Michigan where he thrived in athletics, particularly track and field, and developed a passion for the performing arts. Upon receiving his bachelor’s degree in English, Ziskie held diverse roles such as a crewman on Great Lakes freighters before discovering his creative outlet at the improv theater Second City in Chicago. His acting career in film and television took off in the 1980s, leading to consistent job opportunities until the 2020s.

In addition to appearing on television, Ziskie has also been featured in various stage plays such as “After the Fall” and “I’m Not Rappaport”, as well as films like “Adventures in Babysitting”, “Eight Below”, “War of the Worlds”, and several others.

As a passionate cinephile reminiscing, I fondly recall Ziskie – a remarkable photographer whose talents shone brightly through his masterpiece, “Cloud Chamber.” Beyond his gifted lens, he was an adventurous soul who savored exploration and had a knack for delving deep into intricate subjects such as the cosmos and quantum physics.

Beyond just his immediate family, Dan’s impact is remembered by his colleagues and friends as a man who was imaginative, considerate, and captivating. His unique spirit added depth to their lives, according to the family.

According to the obituary, Ziskie is mourned by his brother David, wife Cynthia, nephews Jesse, Brett, and Austin, along with their collective six children.

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2025-08-15 22:31