Beloved Character Actor Mark Margolis Passes Away at 83
Mark Margolis, the talented actor known for his memorable roles in iconic films and television series, has sadly passed away at the age of 83. Margolis, who captivated audiences with his portrayal of the vindictive drug runner Hector Salamanca on the hit shows Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, died on Thursday at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City following a brief illness. The news was announced by his son, Morgan Margolis, who is also an actor and the CEO of Knitting Factory Entertainment.
Born in Philadelphia on November 26, 1939, Margolis started his acting career at a young age. He studied drama with renowned acting teacher Stella Adler and became her personal assistant for nearly three years. Margolis also studied under Lee Strasberg, and his training shaped his approach to acting. He described Adler as larger than life and credited her for everything he knew about the craft.
Margolis’s filmography is extensive and diverse, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He portrayed the Bolivian henchman Alberto the Shadow in Brian De Palma’s Scarface, the gravelly voiced landlord Mr. Shickadance in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, and the HIV-infected mob boss Antonio Nappa in HBO’s Oz. He also collaborated frequently with acclaimed filmmaker Darren Aronofsky, appearing in several of his films including Pi, Requiem for a Dream, The Wrestler, Black Swan, and Noah.
However, it was his portrayal of Hector Salamanca on Breaking Bad that brought Margolis widespread recognition and critical acclaim. Despite not speaking Spanish, Margolis delivered a powerful performance as the paralyzed character who communicated solely through facial expressions and a bell attached to his wheelchair. Margolis received an Emmy nomination for the role and developed a dedicated fanbase. He reprised his role in Better Call Saul, portraying a younger version of Salamanca.
Throughout his career, Margolis humbly referred to himself as a “journeyman actor.” He experienced the ups and downs of the industry, taking on odd jobs to make ends meet. Despite his success, Margolis remained grounded and grateful for the opportunities he had been given.
In addition to his son Morgan, Margolis is survived by his wife Jacqueline, grandsons Ben, Aidan, and Henry, his brother Jerome and his wife Ann. He will be fondly remembered for his contributions to the entertainment industry and the indelible characters he brought to life on screen.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, a cause close to Margolis’s heart. His passing is mourned by fans all over the world, who will forever cherish his talent and the impact he made in the world of acting.