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THE Office actor Mark York is dead at the age of 55 after he "passed of an illness."

He was on the popular NBC sitcom.

The Office actor Mark York is 'dead at 55'
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The Office actor Mark York is 'dead at 55'Credit: NBC
He was best known for playing Billy Merchant on the NBC sitcom
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He was best known for playing Billy Merchant on the NBC sitcomCredit: NBC

According to , Mark passed away last week at Miami Valley Hospital in Ohio, however while his death is said to have come quick, an exact cause of death has not been confirmed.

Mark, who was a paraplegic since 1988 after he was involved in an automobile accident, began his acting career with small TV roles, including a part in CSI: New York in 2004 as well as Fighting Words in 2007.

However, it was his incredible character on that really reeled in fans, especially due to his fantastic comedic delivery.

His memorable performance occurred on a season 2 episode titled The Injury which has 's Michael Scott inviting Mark's character to talk about people with disabilities, which turns out to be one very uncomfortable meeting.

Mark, seen here with an unknown woman, was said to have passed away at Miami Valley Hospital in Ohio, however the official cause of his death isn't confirmed
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Mark, seen here with an unknown woman, was said to have passed away at Miami Valley Hospital in Ohio, however the official cause of his death isn't confirmedCredit: Facebook
His most memorable appearance on The Office was on season 2 episode The Injury
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His most memorable appearance on The Office was on season 2 episode The InjuryCredit: NBC
The scene was an uncomfortable meeting about disabilities which led to hilarious results
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The scene was an uncomfortable meeting about disabilities which led to hilarious resultsCredit: NBC

In real life, Mark was all about leading the charge to raise money and awareness to find a cure for paralysis.

He once told how the cast and crew of The Office was all about his efforts: "The line producer, Randy Cordray, approved a ‘set visit’ for our foundation to be able to raffle off as a prize in order to bring in the needed funding to cure paralysis.

“Steve Carell even suggested that we (he) shoot a PSA right there on the set of The Office.

Billy poses with Steve Carell
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Billy poses with Steve CarellCredit: Marcus A York

“Also, Oscar Nunez verbalized to me that he is open to being included in it as well.”

Mark, who grew up in Ohio, had been focusing on his work as an inventor, and according to the outlet had already secured two patents for his inventions.

Mark is survived by his brother and his parents.

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