By Stig Editor ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Cast Mourns the Loss of Beloved Co-Star, …..
June 5, 2025
The cast and crew of The Handmaid’s Tale are in mourning following the sudden passing of actor Jonathan Arlow, who played the recurring role of Commander Elijah Marks during seasons 4 and 5 of the critically acclaimed Hulu series. Arlow died unexpectedly at the age of 48. His family confirmed the news early this morning, asking for privacy as they navigate this heartbreaking loss.
Jonathan Arlow, though not a household name before his time on The Handmaid’s Tale, quickly became a fan favorite for his nuanced portrayal of a morally conflicted Gilead commander. His character, Elijah Marks, often walked the tightrope between silent complicity and quiet rebellion—earning Arlow praise for bringing unexpected depth and humanity to a role set in a dystopian nightmare.
Series star Elisabeth Moss shared a tribute on her Instagram story:
“Jonathan had such a quiet power on set. He listened more than he spoke, and when he acted, it hit you straight in the heart. We are devastated. He will be deeply missed.”
Showrunner Bruce Miller also offered his condolences in a statement to the press:
“Jonathan brought soul, dignity, and complexity to a character that was never meant to be black and white. He was a joy to direct, a light on set, and a deeply thoughtful actor who cared more about telling the truth than stealing the spotlight.”
Fans took to social media to express their grief and share favorite moments from Arlow’s performance, many calling him “an underrated pillar of the show.” The hashtag #FarewellJonathanArlow began trending within hours, as clips of his emotional scenes circulated widely.
Outside of The Handmaid’s Tale, Arlow appeared in a number of indie films and stage productions, earning a devoted following in theater circles. He was known among colleagues as a humble, deeply committed artist who valued storytelling above fame.
Jonathan Arlow is survived by his partner, Mara Lin, and their two children. In a brief message, Lin thanked the public for their kind words, saying:
“Jonathan lived to tell stories that mattered. He would have been overwhelmed by the love pouring in. Thank you.”
A private memorial service is being planned, with a public tribute reportedly in the works for fans and castmates to celebrate Arlow’s life and legacy. Hulu is also said to be preparing a special dedication in the final season of The Handmaid’s Tale.
Though his time on the series was brief, Jonathan Arlow left a lasting mark on its world—and on everyone who watched him bring a broken world to life with truth and grace.