Actor Mary Mara, known for her roles in Dexter and Law & Order, has died at the age of 61.

According to CNN, the New York State Police responded to a call on Sunday, June 26 around 8:10 a.m. local time for a "possible drowning." Mara was found by troopers and the Cape Vincent Fire and Ambulance in the St. Lawrence River near Cape Vincent, in upstate New York close to the Canadian border. While the official cause of death is still pending, police state that there were no signs of foul play and that "the preliminary investigation suggests the victim drowned while swimming." The Jefferson County Medical Examiner's Office is expected to perform an autopsy to determine an official cause of death.

In a statement, her manager Craig Dorfman paid his respects to the late actor and recalled the first time he saw Mara perform. "Mary was one of the finest actresses I ever met," he said. "I still remember seeing her onstage in 1992 in Mad Forest off-Broadway. She was electric, funny, and a true individual. Everyone loved her. She will be missed."

Mara made her film debut in the 1989 television film The Preppie Murder, which was based on Robert Chambers' murder of Jennifer Levin. Mara starred as Susan Bird. Other film credits included 1991's The Hard Way with Michael J. Fox and James Woods, 1992's Mr. Saturday Night with Billy Crystal and 1996's Bound with Jennifer Tilly and Joe Pantoliano. Her last role in a feature film was 2020's Break Even.

The actor also had a lengthy career in television, including several multi-episode roles. After making one-off appearances in Law & Order and NYPD Blue, Mara booked a recurring gig as Loretta Sweet in ER. She then landed a series regular role as Inspector Bryn Carson in Nash Bridges. Mara departed the series at the start of the third season after her character was written out of the show.

She continued to appear in guest roles throughout the 1990s and 2000s, making memorable appearances in The West Wing, Third Watch, Star Trek: Enterprise, Monk, Bones, and Dexter, appearing in the latter as Valerie Hodges in Season 4. In the 2010s, she was arguably most recognizable for her recurring roles as Nance in Shameless Season 3 and Mrs. Sullivan in Ray Donovan Season 1. Her last television roles were as Judith Anderson in Criminal Minds and as Selma in General Hospital back in 2014.

Source: CNN