Marc Singer, the actor who gained heartthrob status in the 1980s for his roles in "The Beastmaster" and the television series "Dallas," was recently seen in Los Angeles at the age of 78. Singer, born in Vancouver and raised in Texas, is the son of violinist and conductor Jacques Singer and concert pianist Leslie Singer. He began his screen career in the 1970s with a part in "Roots: The Next Generations."
His breakout role came in 1982 with the fantasy epic "The Beastmaster," where he played Dar, a character who could communicate with animals. The film, though not a box office success, developed a dedicated following through television reruns. Singer reprised the role in two sequels. He later starred in the 1984-1985 science fiction series "V," which focused on an alien invasion and also garnered a cult following.
During the ninth season of the popular soap opera "Dallas," Singer portrayed a friend of Patrick Duffy's character, Bobby Ewing. The season famously concluded with the revelation that the entire preceding season had been a dream experienced by Victoria Principal's character, Pamela Ewing.
Singer also notably appeared in the 1984 "Battle of the Network Stars" competition, showcasing his physique in a speedo during a swimming event. He recalled that Speedos were standard attire for Olympic swimmers at the time and that participants took the competition seriously. He joined the cast of the series "Dynasty" in 1986, acknowledging initial shyness as a newcomer to the established ensemble.
In addition to his live-action roles, Singer lent his voice to Dr. Kirk Langstrom, also known as Man-Bat, in a three-episode arc on "Batman: The Animated Series" in 1992. His career has also included guest appearances on shows such as "Murder, She Wrote," "The Twilight Zone," "The Young and the Restless," and "Arrow."
Alongside his television and film work, Singer has maintained a commitment to stage acting, working with the American Conservatory Theater (ACT) in San Francisco. His representative confirmed that he continues to audition for film and television roles. Singer was married to MAS*H actress Haunani Minn from 1974 until her death in 2014, and they have a daughter, Phoebe.