Mark Margolis, known for his unforgettable portrayal of the menacing Hector Salamanca in the hit television series Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, passed away on Thursday at the age of 83.
The news was confirmed by his son, Morgan Margolis.
Throughout his career, the renowned actor left an indelible mark on the Vince Gilligan television universe, with his powerful performance as the former drug kingpin, Hector Salamanca, who oversaw the Albuquerque meth trade from his nursing home, often with minimal dialogue. His exceptional acting earned him an Emmy nomination in 2012 for his role in Breaking Bad.
Margolis further showcased his talent in Better Call Saul, the prequel series led by Bob Odenkirk, where he masterfully added depth and complexity to the character of Hector “Tío” Salamanca.
Born in Philadelphia in 1939, Margolis moved to New York at a young age to pursue acting, and his early interest in theatre led him to play significant roles in numerous Off-Broadway plays, including Infidel Caesar, Uncle Sam and The Golem. His breakout film role came in Brian De Palma’s mob classic Scarface, where he portrayed the villain and bodyguard Alberto, also known as The Shadow. Additionally, Margolis collaborated with filmmaker Darren Aronofsky, appearing in several films such as Noah, Black Swan, The Wrestler and Pi, amassing an impressive filmography with over 70 credits spanning five decades.
Aside from his iconic roles in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, Margolis made lasting impressions in various television series, including The Equalizer, Oz, Kings and American Horror Story: Asylum. He also guest-starred in popular shows like Californication, Gotham, Crossing Jordan and The Affair.
Robert Kolker, Margolis’ manager, paid tribute, describing the actor as one of a kind and expressing his gratitude for having known him as a treasured client and a lifelong friend.
Thomas Schnauz, a writer and producer on “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” expressed his sadness on Twitter, remembering the moments he spent with Mark Margolis on set and conveying his condolences to the late actor’s family and friends.
The entertainment industry mourns the loss of an extraordinary talent whose legacy will continue to resonate through his remarkable body of work on screen.
