The Office Actor Mark York Dies at 55

Mark York, who is known for his role as Billy Merchant on The Office, has died. The actor, who has been a paraplegic since 1988, died suddenly at 55.

Mark York is best known for his role Billy Merchant on the NBC sitcom The Office. York first appeared as Billy, the property manager for Dunder Mifflin’s office building. His character also used a wheelchair, but he was trying not to make a big deal out of it.

York began pursuing acting shortly after graduating from Anderson University in Loma Linda, California.

Despite being paraplegic, Mark didn’t think that would stand in the way of his dreams. And it didn’t. Mark also appeared in CSI: New York, Passions, and 8 Simple Rules.

Mark York has died in the “early morning of May 19th at Miami Valley Hospital following a brief and unexpected illness,” according to an obituary posted by Kreitzer Funeral Home. The funeral home is located near his hometown of Arcanum, Ohio, where he grew up.

His loved ones wrote in his obituary: “Mark could quote so many lines from movies and tell you who particular actors were in most movies. He spent many years living in California where he had many exciting moments pursuing his acting opportunities.”

Mark was also an avid sports fan, according to loved ones. Some of his favorite teams were Cincinnati Reds, Ohio State football and Kentucky Wildcats basketball.

“He was a competitive spirit that kept them laughing throughout their time together/ He will be deeply missed by all the lives he has touched.”

Although York had been a paraplegic since 1988, he “always tried to look at what he could accomplish and do, not what he couldn’t do,” according to loved ones.

Rainn Wilson, who played Dwight Schrute on The Office, was among the first ones to pay his respects.

R.I.P. Mark York, AKA BILLY MERCHANT from The Office: https://t.co/qAOGv6Gmqh He was a terrific human, a positive force and a dynamic actor. You will be missed.
— RainnWilson (@rainnwilson) May 25, 2021