NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Acclaimed actor Mark Margolis who gained recognition for his intense portrayal of the silent cartel boss Hector 'Tio' Salamanca in 'Better Call Saul' and 'Breaking Bad' has died. The Emmy-nominated actor died at the age of 83 in Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City on Thursday, August 3.
Robert Kolker of Red Letter Entertainment, Margolis' manager since 2007 paid tribute to the late actor and stated, "He was one of a kind. We won't see his likes again. He was a treasured client and a lifelong friend. I was lucky to know him."
How did Mark Margolis die?
Margolis died after a short illness, according to his son Morgan Margolis who is an actor and Knitting Factory Entertainment CEO, reported The Hollywood Reporter. The cause of his death has not been revealed. The actor is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Margolis, his son Morgan and his three grandchildren, Aiden, Ben, and Henry Margolis. The Margolis family is planning to host a private funeral and memorial. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Juvenile Diabetes Research.
Inside Mark Margolis' acting career
The prolific actor's illustrious career in the entertainment industry began in the 1950s after his appearance on the soap opera 'Guiding Light'. He then established himself through his supporting roles in the 1979 film 'Going in Style' and the 1980 film 'Dressed to Kill'. However, his mobster role Alberto the Shadow opposite Al Pacino's role Tony Montana in Brian De Palma-directed film 'Scarface' (1983) became a turning point in Margolis' acting career.
He then went on to become a regular in nearly all of Darren Aronofsky's films including 'Pi' (1998), 'The Wrestler' (2008), and the Oscar-winning film 'Black Swan' (2010). Margolis will remain remembered for his bell-ringing cartel leader character Hector 'Tio' Salamanca in which his character suffered a paralyzing stroke, leaving him unable to speak. The captivating character has left a last impression on the viewers.
Among the iconic moments of the series created and produced by Vince Gilligan included Margolis' character's memorable interactions with friends and enemies including Bryan Cranston's character, Walter White, and Giancarlo Esposito's character, Gus Fring. Leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and his potent presence on screen, 'Breaking Bad' fans remember him for his silent but deadly gestures in the final scenes of the crime drama series. Until 2022, Margolis also guest-starred in the legal crime drama series 'Better Call Saul' in seasons two through six.
