TV, film actress Mary Mara’s death ruled accidental drowning, troopers say

Mary Mara drowns

Actress Mary Mara, a Syracuse native, in the 1992 movie "Mr.Saturday Night" starring Billy Crystal. Mara, 61, drowned in the St. Lawrence River on Sunday, June 26, 2022. (File photo)

Cape Vincent, N.Y. — A drowning this weekend in the St. Lawrence River of a Syracuse native who went on to become a TV and movie actress has been ruled accidental, troopers said Wednesday.

Mary T. Mara, 61, of Cape Vincent and Syracuse, drowned while swimming in the river in Cape Vincent, according to a news release from State Police.

Her autopsy revealed that her death was an accident due to asphyxiation and water drowning, troopers said.

Mara graduated from Corcoran High School in Syracuse and graduated from Yale University, according to Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard archives.

Mara had roles in TV shows including “ER,” “Hope & Gloria,” “NYPD Blue,” “Law and Order” and “Lost” as well as many others.

She appeared in movies including “Mr. Saturday Night,” directed by Billy Crystal, and “Love Potion #9″ with Sandra Bullock and “The Hard Way” with Michael J. Fox, according to IMDb, an online movie site.

In all, Mara appeared in about 20 movies and 40 television shows, according to IMDb.

Troopers responded to a “possible drowning” call in the river at 33753 Old Farm Road at about 8:10 a.m. Sunday. The body was found in the river, troopers said.

Mara was visiting her sister, said Sgt. Jack Keller, a spokesperson for the State Police.

Staff writer Rylee Kirk covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, photo, question or comment? Reach her at 315-396-5961, on Twitter @kirk_rylee, or rkirk@syracuse.com.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.