Mark Margolis, known for his memorable roles in “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” passed away at the age of 83 on Thursday at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. He was a renowned actor who played critical, bell-ringing characters like Hector Salamanca in both series. His son, Morgan Margolis, confirmed the news.
Mark Margolis was born in 1939 in Philadelphia and received acting training from the famous educator Stella Adler in New York. He began his career on the stage, gaining attention in various theater productions and even appeared on Broadway, including roles based on Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” and “Infidel Caesar.” He also founded the Blue Dome touring theater troupe.
After his stage success, Margolis appeared in numerous films and TV shows throughout his career. He gained fame for his breakout role in Brian De Palma’s mob classic “Scarface,” where he played the menacing hitman Alberto, also known as The Shadow. He collaborated extensively with director Darren Aronofsky, appearing in films like “Noah,” “Black Swan,” “The Wrestler,” and “Pi,” among others. He accumulated over 70 film credits in his five-decade-long career.
Besides his work in television and films, Margolis was a prominent figure in the TV series “Breaking Bad” and its prequel “Better Call Saul,” where he portrayed the character Hector Salamanca with his iconic bell. He was deeply loved and admired by his co-stars, and his presence on set brought joy and laughter to everyone. Thomas Schnauz, the writer and producer of “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” shared his condolences on Twitter, expressing how lucky he felt to have worked with Mark and shared his affection for Mark’s family and friends.
Mark Margolis also left his mark in other television shows, such as “The Equalizer,” “Oz,” “Kings,” and “American Horror Story: Asylum,” and he appeared recurrently in “The Good Wife” and “Californication.” He continued to contribute his talent to television with roles in “Gotham,” “Crossing Jordan,” and “The Affair.”
His manager, Robert Colker, described Mark as a treasure of a person, not just a client, but a dear friend who had an immeasurable impact on his life.
The world has lost a remarkable talent, and Mark Margolis will be fondly remembered for his exceptional performances and the joy he brought to the entertainment industry. May he rest in peace.
