Daniel A. Ziskie, who played Vice President Jim Matthews in the hit series “House of Cards,” has passed away at the age of 80. He died on July 21 in New York, according to Legacy.com, having been suffering from arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
“He was as vibrant and multifaceted as the characters he portrayed on stage and screen,” his family said in the obituary said. “Throughout the decades, Dan captivated audiences with his performances in theater, film, and television.”
“His was a life lived with passion, a life that exemplified the beauty of pursuing one’s dreams and the importance of cherishing every moment,” they added. “Dan will be profoundly missed, yet he will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him, like a cherished character in the timeless narrative of their lives.
His acting career extended to television, movies, and Broadway. Specifically in “House of Cards,” he appeared in six episodes from 2013 to 2017. He is survived by his brother David and his wife Cynthia, his nephews Jesse, Brett, and Austin, and their six children.
Dan Ziskie’s Career
Ziskie’s family detailed how growing up, he competed in track and football in high school. He then went to the University of Michigan for track and field, where he excelled and became a letterman in relay races. At the same time, he received a Bachelor of Arts in English.
After college, Ziskie had several different jobs, including “serving as a crewman on a Great Lakes freighter.” He then went to Second City of Chicago, where he began his performing career.
Ziskie appeared in Broadway shows such as “After the Fall” and “I’m Not Rappaport,” while portraying some major characters in television shows such as “Treme” and “House of Cards.”
At the same time as his acting career, Ziskie also pursued his passion for photography.
“His eye for detail and ability to capture the essence of his subjects translated into stunning photographs that he shared with the world online,” his family wrote in his obituary. “His photo book ‘Cloud Chamber’ is a testament to his artistic vision and continues to be cherished by readers and photography enthusiasts alike.”
Fans Pay Tribute To Dan Ziskie
Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Netflix“May he rest in peace,” one fan wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“#RIP Dan Ziskie. For all the great work he did as a serious actor (‘Treme,’ ‘House of Cards,’ ‘24’), the role that sticks with me was the father of the family visited by milkman Dave Chappelle in the 1950s on ‘Chappelle’s Show,” The Hollywood Reporter’s Mike Barnes said.
“Sad to hear about Dan Ziskie’s passing—he was great in *House of Cards* and *Treme,*” another fan wrote.
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‘House of Cards’ Actor Passes Away & Tributes Pour In