Acclaimed actor Mark Margolis, famous for his portrayal of the fearsome cartel chief Hector “Tio” Salamanca in the hit TV series “Breaking Bad” and its prequel “Better Call Saul,” has died at the age of 83. The news of his passing was confirmed by his son, Morgan Margolis, and his representative to CBS News on Friday. Margolis passed away on Thursday at a New York City hospital after a brief illness, with his wife of 61 years, Jacqueline Margolis, and his son Morgan by his side at Mount Sinai Hospital. His manager since 2007, Robert Kolker, paid tribute to the actor, calling him a “lifelong friend” and remarking that Margolis was truly one of a kind.
Margolis received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Hector Salamanca, earning an Emmy nomination in 2012 for his exceptional performance. The character’s unique way of communicating using a bell, as he was unable to speak due to a stroke, and his use of a wheelchair were brought to life by Margolis, who drew inspiration from his mother-in-law’s own experiences with a stroke. Even after “Breaking Bad” concluded, Margolis continued to make appearances as Hector Salamanca in “Better Call Saul,” delighting fans with his exceptional talent and leaving an indelible mark on television history.
The news of Mark Margolis’ passing has deeply saddened fans and colleagues alike. The official “Breaking Bad” Facebook page paid tribute to the actor, acknowledging his remarkable portrayal of Hector Salamanca and describing him as immensely talented. Throughout his career, Margolis showcased his versatility, playing a range of menacing characters, including the hitman Alberto “The Shadow” in the 1983 classic “Scarface” and a mobster in the popular CBS show “Person of Interest” in the early 2010s. Margolis leaves behind a legacy of exceptional performances and will be dearly missed by millions of fans worldwide.
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