Breaking Bad Actor Mark Margolis Dies at 83
Mark Margolis, the renowned actor known for his menacing portrayal of Hector Salamanca in the hit TV series “Breaking Bad,” has passed away at the age of 83. Margolis brought a simmering air of menace to the character of Hector Salamanca, turning the innocent ding of a bellhop bell into a foreboding symbol of impending doom. The actor’s death was confirmed by his son, Morgan Margolis, in a statement on Friday.
Throughout his career, Mark Margolis amassed over 160 credits in both movies and television. He garnered attention early on with remarkable roles in films such as Brian De Palma’s “Scarface” (1983) and the Jim Carrey comedy “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” (1994). Margolis also became a frequent collaborator of director Darren Aronofsky, appearing in several of his films, including “π” (1998), “Requiem for a Dream” (2000), and “Black Swan” (2010).
However, it was his portrayal of Hector Salamanca in “Breaking Bad” that made Margolis instantly recognizable to millions of viewers. His character, an aging former drug cartel leader confined to a nursing home after a stroke, was still able to exert power and rival protagonist Walter White, played by Bryan Cranston. Margolis’ performance earned him an Emmy nomination in 2012 for outstanding guest actor.
Despite having minimal dialogue on the show, Margolis captivated audiences with his portrayal of Hector, oftentimes stealing scenes from his wheelchair. His eyes bulging with intensity, his face trembling with rage, and his incessant bell ringing made his character unforgettable. Margolis humorously referred to himself as the “second-most famous bell ringer after Quasimodo” in a 2016 interview with Vulture.
Fans of Margolis and “Breaking Bad” will undoubtedly miss his captivating presence on the screen. A full obituary honoring his remarkable career is set to be published soon.