Mark Margolis, the acclaimed actor known for his portrayal of Hector Salamanca on Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, passed away at the age of 83. Margolis died on Thursday at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City after a short illness. His son, Morgan Margolis, announced his father’s death. Margolis was a protege of Stella Adler and had a prolific career in both film and television.
Born in Philadelphia on November 26, 1939, Margolis grew up in a Jewish family. He discovered his love for acting at a young age and took his first acting class at the age of 14. After a year at Temple University, he moved to New York City to study drama with Stella Adler at The Actors Studio. Margolis served as Adler’s personal assistant for nearly three years, running errands and assisting her in various tasks. He spoke highly of Adler, describing her as larger than life and attributing much of his acting knowledge to her teachings.
Despite his early training with Adler, Margolis had difficulty finding success in the acting industry. He worked odd jobs, including managing a coffee house in Greenwich Village and creating theatrical artwork installations. His onscreen debut came in the X-rated film The Opening of Misty Beethoven in 1976. He landed small roles in films such as Going in Style, Dressed to Kill, and Arthur before achieving recognition for his role as Alberto the Shadow in Scarface.
Margolis’s portrayal of the vindictive drug runner Hector Salamanca on Breaking Bad earned him critical acclaim. The character was paralyzed and could only communicate through facial expressions and a bell attached to his wheelchair. Margolis reprised this role in Better Call Saul as a younger version of Salamanca before his incapacitation. He received an Emmy nomination for outstanding guest actor in a drama series for his performance in Breaking Bad.
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In addition to his work on Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, Margolis appeared in numerous other films and television shows. He collaborated frequently with director Darren Aronofsky, appearing in Pi, Requiem for a Dream, The Fountain, The Wrestler, Black Swan, and Noah. Margolis’s body of work also included films such as The Cotton Club, The Secret of My Success, 1492: Conquest of Paradise, I Shot Andy Warhol, Absolute Power, The Thomas Crown Affair, and Stand Up Guys. He made appearances in popular TV shows such as The Equalizer, Law & Order, Californication, Person of Interest, American Horror Story, and The Affair.
Despite his accomplishments, Margolis faced financial struggles throughout his life. He expressed that many people mistakenly believed he was a wealthy actor, unaware of the challenges he had faced. Margolis is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, and his son, Morgan Margolis.
Mark Margolis leaves behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry. His remarkable performances and dedication to his craft will be remembered by fans and fellow actors alike. He will always be remembered for his iconic portrayal of Hector Salamanca and his impact on the world of television and film.
