Mark Margolis, the actor who played the menacing Hector Salamanca in the AMC series “Breaking Bad” and its prequel “Better Call Saul,” died on Thursday, August 4, 2023. He was 83.
Margolis’s son, Morgan Margolis, announced his death on Twitter. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Margolis was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1939. He began his acting career in the early 1970s, appearing in films such as “Scarface” and “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.” He also had a recurring role on the HBO series “Oz.”
In 2009, Margolis was cast as Hector Salamanca in “Breaking Bad.” The character, who was known for his distinctive bell, became a fan favorite. Margolis reprised the role in “Better Call Saul,” which premiered in 2015.
Margolis’s death was met with an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues. “Breaking Bad” creator Vince Gilligan called him “a brilliant actor and a wonderful man.”
“Mark Margolis was a force of nature,” said Bob Odenkirk, who stars in “Better Call Saul.” “He was a master of his craft, and he brought so much to the role of Hector Salamanca. He will be deeply missed.”
Margolis is survived by his wife, Dee Dee, and his son.
Who is Mark Margolis?
Mark Margolis was born on November 26, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He studied acting at the Actors Studio and made his Broadway debut in 1972 in the play “The Crucible.” He went on to appear in several other Broadway productions, including “The Iceman Cometh” and “The Elephant Man.”
Margolis also had a successful career in film and television. He appeared in films such as “Scarface,” “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” “The Thomas Crown Affair,” and “Gone Baby Gone.” He also had recurring roles on the television series “Oz,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” and “The Sopranos.”
Margolis’s most famous role was as Hector Salamanca in “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul.” The character, who was known for his distinctive bell, became a fan favorite. Margolis was nominated for an Emmy Award for his performance in “Breaking Bad.”
Margolis was a versatile actor who could play a wide range of characters. He was known for his intense performances and his ability to bring depth to even the most minor roles. He will be remembered as one of the most talented actors of his generation.
Additional Details
- Margolis was a member of the Actors Studio, a prestigious acting school and workshop in New York City.
- He was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his performance as Hector Salamanca in “Breaking Bad.”
- He was also nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series for the same role.
- Margolis was a passionate advocate for the arts and served on the boards of several arts organizations.
- He was also a mentor to young actors and helped them to launch their careers.
Mark Margolis was a talented actor who had a long and successful career. He will be remembered for his iconic role as Hector Salamanca in “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul.” He was a master of his craft and brought depth and intensity to every role he played. He will be deeply missed by his fans and colleagues.
