User:Spy-cicle/drafts/Mark York

Mark York (27 November 1965 – 19 May 2021) also known as Marcus A. York was an American actor best known for his role as Billy Merchant in NBC's The Office. He also had roles in CSI: NY, 8 Simple Rules, and A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001).

Early life
Mark York also known as Marcus A. York was born on 27 November 1965. He was raised in Ohio and graduated from Arcanum High School. He graduated from Anderson University with three majors and moved to California to pursue an acting career.

Career
York was best known for his role as Billy Merchant, the no-nonsense building manager for the Scranton business park, in NBC's The Office. He first played Merchant in the twelfth episode of the second seasons entitled "The Injury", later reprised the role in that season's finale episode "Casino Night". After his portrayal of the character, York received several positive fan letters, who praised his performance as the straight man in a hectic work environment. He reprised the role in two further episodes: "Fun Run" and "Dream Team".

York also had roles in CSI: NY, 8 Simple Rules, Passions and an uncredited appearance in A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001).

Personal life
Since 1988 until his death, York had been a paraplegic and confined to a wheelchair due to a automobile accident. He was an avid sports fan supporting the Cincinnati Reds, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Kentucky Wildcats. York served as the Southern California representative for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Research Advancement, to help find a cure via for Spinal cord injuries with non-embryonic stem cells.

He died on 19 May 2021 aged 55 at Miami Valley Hospital, Ohio, due to a "a brief and unexpected illness". Fellow The Office actors Jenna Fischer, Rainn Wilson, and Angela Kinsey, paid tribute. He is survived by his mother, father, and his three brothers.