Breaking Bad Actor Mark Margolis Dies at 83, Leaving Indelible TV Legacy
Mark Margolis, a veteran character actor known for his iconic roles in Scarface and Breaking Bad, has passed away at the age of 83. Margolis, who had a breakout role as a mobster in the 1983 film Scarface, became best known years later for his fearsome portrayal of Hector Tio Salamanca, a vindictive former drug kingpin, in the hit TV series Breaking Bad.
According to a statement from his son, Morgan Margolis, the actor died on Thursday at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City after a brief illness. Margolis garnered critical acclaim for his portrayal of Hector Tio Salamanca, a character who couldn’t speak following a stroke. With his brilliant use of facial expressions and the menacing sound of a barhop bell attached to his wheelchair, Margolis brought Hector to life without uttering a word.
His character’s impactful backstory unfolded further on the prequel series Better Call Saul, where Margolis guest-starred from 2016 to 2022. Drawing from his own experience of caring for a stroke victim, Margolis imbued the complex character with depth and authenticity.
Fans and colleagues took to social media to honor Margolis and his unforgettable performance as Hector. The official X (formerly Twitter) account of Breaking Bad praised the actor as immensely talented and hailed Hector Salamanca as one of the most memorable characters in television history. Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston also paid tribute to his co-actor on Instagram, describing Margolis as fun and engaging off-screen, but intimidating and frightening on set.
In addition to his notable television roles, Margolis had an extensive film career. He appeared in several films directed by Darren Aronofsky, including Requiem for a Dream, The Fountain, and Black Swan. However, it was his role as mobster Alberto The Shadow in Scarface alongside Al Pacino that first brought him recognition in the film industry.
Born in Philadelphia in 1939, Margolis studied acting under renowned teacher Stella Adler in New York City. He began his career in theater, performing in numerous off-Broadway shows and even founding his own touring theater troupe called Blue Dome. Margolis also had a prolific presence on television, with roles in series such as Oz, American Horror Story: Asylum, and The Affair.
Margolis is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jacqueline Margolis, and his son Morgan, who serves as the CEO of Knitting Factory Entertainment. The family plans to hold a private memorial and funeral service to commemorate his life and legacy.
The passing of Mark Margolis marks the end of an era for the entertainment industry. His indelible performances on both the big and small screens and his ability to captivate audiences through his nuanced portrayals will be remembered for years to come. Margolis leaves behind a remarkable television legacy and an enduring impact on the craft of acting.
