Mark Margolis, an Emmy-nominated actor who portrayed the deadly former drug lord Hector Salamanca in "Breaking Bad" and its precursor "Better Call Saul," has passed away at the age of 83.
After a brief illness, the actor passed away at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, according to a statement from his son Morgan Margolis.
In 2012, Margolis received an Emmy nomination for "Breaking Bad"'s Salamanca, the old head of his drug clan who suffered a stroke and was unable to speak or move. Margolis was nominated for outstanding guest actor. He later acted out a large portion of his character's biography in the prequel "Better Call Saul," in which he appeared as a guest star from 2016 to 2022.
Margolis was also well-known for his numerous cinematic performances, including those in Darren Aronofsky's "Pi," "Noah," "Black Swan," and "The Wrestler." Additionally, he portrayed Alberto "The Shadow" in "Scarface." In addition, he played in the movies "The Thomas Crown Affair," "Gone Baby Gone," and "Stand Up Guys."
Margolis, who was born in Philadelphia in 1939, studied acting with renowned professor Stella Adler in New York City. Early in his career, he concentrated on the theatre, performing in dozens of plays both off-Broadway and on Broadway, including "Infidel Caesar," which is based on Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar." He established the traveling theater company Blue Dome.
Jacqueline Margolis, his wife of 61 years, and their son Morgan, the CEO of Knitting Factory Entertainment, are Margolis' surviving family members. A private memorial service and funeral are planned by the family.
(Source: AP)