US soap star Mark Mortimer has died at the age of 59 after what his family described as "a fearless journey with cancer." The actor, best known for his role on the NBC soap Another World, passed away peacefully on September 23 following a two-year battle with the disease. His death was announced on Tuesday, October 6.
Family tribute to a multifaceted life
In a heartfelt obituary, his family reflected on his varied career, describing him as an army veteran, a model, an entrepreneur, and a builder. While he held many titles throughout his life, they highlighted his primary roles as a husband and father, which were most meaningful to him. They remembered him as a man defined by his curiosity, determination and willingness to embrace new challenges.
Born in Saint Charles, Illinois, on April 15, 1967, Mortimer was called to serve in the US Army before discovering his love of modelling and acting.
Career on Another World and beyond
The actor made his television debut on Another World in 1996, taking on the role of Nick Hudson, which he played until the show's final episode in 1999. He was the third actor to portray Michael Hudson's surprise son and the half-brother of twins Vicky and Marley, succeeding Grey's Anatomy star Justin Chambers and Kevin McClatchy.
In a 1999 interview with Soap Opera Weekly ahead of the final episode, Mortimer reflected on his time on the soap, saying: "My fondest memory of being on the show was getting an opportunity to work with fine actors like Jensen Buchanan, Eric Morgan Stuart, Anna Stuart - they've really been great."
He added: "Kale Browne was like a father to me; Tomy Eplin really helped me out a lot, and so did Tim Gibbs when he was around. When I came on the show, I didn't know much about acting, but they've been very helpful to me. It's been like one big class for me, which has been really rewarding. I like Nick and where he's gone in the last year and a half. I've enjoyed the challenges he's had to face."
His first acting credit after the show ended was a 1999 episode of the ABC sitcom Spin City, and his last credit dates back to 2005 in The Nowhere Man.
Business and foundation work
Away from the cameras, Mortimer, his business partner Dave, and his wife of 25 years, Christie, founded a successful construction company, Inside Out Construction, more than 20 years ago.
After he was diagnosed with cancer in 2024, he and Christie created the Integrative Access Foundation. According to its statement, "the foundation exists to ensure that cancer patients are not confined to a single path simply because of barriers beyond their control. We believe patients deserve transparency, education, and support when exploring integrative and unconventional care options. Healing should not be dictated by access alone."
The foundation provided financial support and access to integrative therapies for cancer patients who might otherwise struggle to afford such treatments. According to his family, this initiative became a central mission for the couple during his medical journey, transforming his personal experience into a resource for other families in need.
The actor is survived by his wife Christie and their daughter, Hunter, as well as his parents, Sharlene Pearson and Emil Mortimer, stepmother Belinda, and his siblings, Michael, Michele, Martin, Melissa, David, Tyler, John, Barbara, Chad, and Beth.
