In Memoriam: Mark Margolis, Acclaimed Actor from 'Breaking Bad' and 'Better Call Saul,' Passes Away at 83

R.I.P Mark Margolis

Mark Margolis, the esteemed actor known for his iconic portrayal of Hector Salamanca in the hit television series "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul," has sadly passed away at the age of 83. The news was confirmed by his son, Morgan Margolis.

Mark Margolis left an indelible mark on the world of television with his unforgettable portrayal of the menacing bell-ringing Hector Salamanca, a former drug kingpin who continued to loom large over the Albuquerque meth trade from his nursing home. Despite having minimal dialogue, Margolis's performance was so impactful that it earned him an Emmy nomination in 2012 for his work in "Breaking Bad."

The veteran actor returned as Hector "Tío" Salamanca in "Better Call Saul," the critically acclaimed prequel series led by Bob Odenkirk. Through his exceptional acting, Margolis brought depth and richness to the character's backstory, further solidifying his position as a fan-favorite in the Vince Gilligan television universe.

Born in 1939 in Philadelphia, Margolis relocated to New York at a young age to pursue a career in acting. His early interest in theater led him to secure roles in numerous Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, including "Infidel Caesar," "Uncle Sam," and "The Golem."

Margolis's breakout role in the world of cinema came in Brian De Palma's mob classic "Scarface," where he portrayed the villain and bodyguard Alberto, also known as The Shadow. Throughout his career, he collaborated closely with filmmaker Darren Aronofsky, making appearances in films like "Noah," "Black Swan," "The Wrestler," and "Pi." With over 70 film credits spanning five decades, Mark Margolis established himself as a versatile and talented actor.

Apart from his iconic roles in "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul," Margolis had recurring appearances in various television series, including "The Equalizer," "Oz," "Kings," and "American Horror Story: Asylum." He also made guest appearances on shows like "Californication," "Gotham," "Crossing Jordan," and "The Affair."

In the wake of Margolis's passing, his manager Robert Kolker paid tribute, describing him as "one of a kind" and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to know and work with him.

Peter Gould, co-creator and showrunner of "Better Call Saul," took to Twitter to express his devastation and shared fond memories of the actor. Additionally, Thomas Schnauz, a writer and producer on "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul," expressed his sadness and reminisced about the joy Margolis brought to the sets.

Mark Margolis leaves behind a lasting legacy, having enriched the world of entertainment with his extraordinary talent and unforgettable performances. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and legions of fans around the globe.