Mark Margolis, actor known for ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Better Call Saul,’ dead at 83
Actor Mark Margolis, known for his roles in “Better Call Saul” and “Breaking Bad,” died Thursday. He was 83.
Mark passed away at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City with his family at his side after battling a short illness, Morgan Margolis, announced.
“He was one of a kind. We won’t see his likes again,” his manager, Robert Kolker, told Page Six in a statement.
“He was a treasured client and a lifelong friend. I was lucky to know him.”
Fans will recognize Mark as the maniacal wheelchair-bound drug kingpin Hector “Tío” Salamanca on “Breaking Bad,” for which he earned an Emmy nominee in 2012.
He reprised the role for five seasons in the spin-off series “Better Call Saul,” alongside Bob Odenkirk.
Not only did he leave his mark on TV, but Mark also appeared in movies including “Scarface” with Al Pacino and many of Darren Aronofsky’s films, such as “Black Swan,” “Requiem for a Dream” and “Pi.”
Other movies he is credited with include “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” and “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2.”
Additionally, he dived into stage acting and appeared as Gus in Tony Kushner’s ”The Intelligent Homosexual’s Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures” in 2014.
His final role was starring in his “Breaking Bad” co-star Bryan Cranston’s Showtime series “Your Honor” this year, according to his IMDB profile.
Cranston paid tribute to his former co-star and friend, sharing that he was “saddened” to hear about his passing.
“Mark Margolis was a really good actor and a lovely human being. Fun and engaging off the set, and (in the case of Breaking Bad and Your Honor) intimidating and frightening on set,” Cranston wrote on Instagram on Friday.
“His quiet energy belied his mischievous nature and curious mind… And he loved sharing a good joke. I miss him already. Rest now, Mark and thank you for your friendship and your exceptional body of work.”
Mark was born in Philadelphia and studied acting under Stella Adler at the Actors Studio. He began his career in the mid-1970s before landing his breakout role as Alberto the Shadow in 1983’s “Scarface.”
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Following news of his passing, fans honored the late actor by flooding social media with tributes.
“R.I.P mark yours roles in breaking bad and better call saul were amazing May you rest easy,” one person wrote on Instagram.
“Rest in peace legend🙌❤️,” a second person wrote.
“RIP Thanks for contributing to the best show ever,” another tweeted, with another adding, “He will remain in our hearts forever.”
Mark is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, to whom he was married for 61 years, as well as his actor son, Morgan, who is also the CEO of Knitting Factory Entertainment, Morgan’s wife, Heide, and three grandchildren.
