Renowned actor Mark Margolis passed away at 83 on Thursday at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City after a brief illness, as confirmed by his son, Morgan Margolis.
Mark Margolis gained fame by breaking out as a mobster in the 1983 film “Scarface.” However, he will be most remembered for his exceptional portrayal of “Hector Salamanca” in the popular series “Breaking Bad” and its spin-off “Better Call Saul.”
In “Breaking Bad,” Margolis portrayed Salamanca, an elderly and ruthless gang leader who communicated through intense facial expressions and the ominous sound of a bell attached to his wheelchair. His performance earned him an Emmy nomination for outstanding guest actor in 2012, leaving an indelible mark on television history.
The official Breaking Bad account on the social media platform formerly known as Twitter paid tribute to Margolis, recognizing his contribution to making Salamanca one of television’s most unforgettable characters.
His co-star from the series, Brian Cranston, expressed his condolences on Instagram, praising Margolis as a fun and engaging person off the set but also noting his ability to bring a sense of intimidation and fear to the character of Salamanca during filming.
Cranston further described Margolis as having a quiet energy that concealed a mischievous nature and a curious mind.
Peter Gould, a writer, and producer of Breaking Bad, spoke highly of Margolis, describing him as brilliant, funny, and a captivating storyteller with countless tales to share.
Born in Philadelphia in 1939, Margolis honed his acting skills under the tutelage of the renowned teacher Stella Adler in New York City. His early career primarily focused on-stage performances, with numerous appearances in both on and off-Broadway shows, including at the esteemed Public Theater in New York.
Margolis boasted an impressive filmography, with approximately 70 movie credits, including his most recent work in Matthew Coppola’s 2022 film “Broken Soldier” alongside Sophie Turner and the late Ray Liotta. He was also recognized for his exceptional performances in several critically acclaimed films directed by Darren Aronofsky, such as “Pi” and “Requiem for a Dream.”
Mark Margolis is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jacqueline Margolis, and their son Morgan. The family intends to hold a private memorial and funeral to honor his memory and legacy.
The entertainment world mourns the loss of this remarkable actor whose talent impacted the industry and the hearts of many fans.
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