Daniel A. Ziskie

Daniel A. Ziskie, known to friends and family as Dan, passed away on July 21, 2025, in New York, NY, at the age of 80. Born on August 13, 1944, in Detroit, MI, Dan was a man of remarkable talent and a keen observer of life. He was as vibrant and multifaceted as the characters he portrayed on stage and screen.
Dan's early life in Detroit revealed an outstanding athletic ability, starring in high school in both track and football. It was also at the University of Michigan where he showcased his athletic prowess, excelling in track and field, and becoming a letterman in relay races. He pursued this passion for the arts there, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in English. In a few formative years following that, he delved into several occupations that fed his zest for new experiences, including serving as a crewman on a Great Lakes freighter. His love for performance led him to the Second City of Chicago, where he honed his craft among some of the most creative performers of the era.
Throughout the decades, Dan captivated audiences with his performances in theater, film, and television. He graced the stage on Broadway in productions such as "After the Fall" and "I'm Not Rappaport," and appeared in major roles in memorable television series such as "Treme" and "House of Cards." His film credits included roles in "Zebrahead" and "Adventures in Babysitting," as well as numerous regional productions. Dan's natural talent and dedication to his craft were evident in each role he played, earning him the admiration and respect of his peers.
In addition to his acting career, Dan was a gifted photographer. 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 photo book "Cloud Chamber" is a testament to his artistic vision and continues to be cherished by readers and photography enthusiasts alike.
Dan had a wide range of interests, travelling the world and yet having the time and interest to explore complex topics such as the nature of the cosmos and quantum physics. Dan's life was not only marked by his creative achievements but also by the bonds he shared with his family. He is survived by his brother David and his wife Cynthia, his nephews Jesse, Brett, and Austin, and their six children, who will miss him deeply. Dan's legacy extends beyond his family, as his colleagues and friends will remember him as a creative, thoughtful, and interesting man whose presence enriched their lives.
In the end, Dan's journey was cut short by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, but the stories he told, the memories he created, and the lives he touched will continue to resonate. 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. 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.