Longtime character actor Mark Margolis died on Thursday at New York City’s Mount Sinai Hospital following a short illness, according to multiple reports. He was 83.
Perhaps best known for his role as paralyzed mob enforcer Hector “Tio” Salamanca on “Breaking Bad” — and later, “Better Call Saul” — Margolis got his start studying under Stella Adler at the Actors Studio. He began acting in the mid-1970s, before his breakthrough role as Alberto the Shadow in 1983’s iconic crime epic “Scarface”.
Other memorable performances included his roles as intimidating landlord Mr. Shickadance in “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” and HIV-infected mob boss Antonio Nappa on “Oz”. Margolis was a particular favourite of director Darren Aronofsky, appearing in six of his films: “Pi”, “Requiem for a Dream”, “The Fountain”, “The Wrestler”, “Black Swan” and “Noah”.
Margolis’ “Breaking Bad” family, including Bryan Cranston and the show’s official X (previously Twitter) account, took to social media to commemorate the late actor.
We join millions of fans in mourning the passing of the immensely talented Mark Margolis, who – with his eyes, a bell, and very few words – turned Hector Salamanca into one of the most unforgettable characters in the history of television. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/gVt8IzxgPw
— Breaking Bad (@BreakingBad) August 4, 2023
R.I.P Mark Margolis
It was an honor to have shared the screen with this powerhouse, and an honor to listen to the stories he shared about his family and his career.
Rest easy, Don Hector. pic.twitter.com/zZcjVC7SFR
— Max Arciniega (@MaxArciniega) August 4, 2023
Aronofsky also paid tribute to Margolis, calling him a “legend” as he quoted one of his character, Sol Robeson’s lines from 1998’s “Pi”.
“Once you lose your scientific rigor you are no longer a mathematician, YOU’RE A NUMEROLOGIST!” MARK MARGOLIS LEGEND! pic.twitter.com/VtyXx794hZ
— darren aronofsky (@DarrenAronofsky) August 4, 2023
Margolis’ final acting performance was a “Breaking Bad” reunion of sorts, as he appeared in two episodes of the Bryan Cranston-led legal drama “Your Honor” earlier this year.
He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, his son, actor and Knitting Factory Entertainment CEO Morgan Margolis, and two grandchildren.
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