‘Breaking Bad’ Actor Mark Margolis Passes Away at Age 83

Mark Margolis, the veteran actor best known for his chilling portrayal of mobster Hector Salamanca on the hit AMC drama ‘Breaking Bad’, has died at the age of 83.

Margolis’ death was confirmed on social media by his ‘Breaking Bad’ co-star Steven Michael Quezada, who played DEA agent Steven Gomez on the show. “My dear friend, Mark Margolis has passed away,” Quezada wrote in a touching online tribute. “I will miss you so much Mark. Breaking Bad would never have been the same without you.”

Over the course of his wide-ranging acting career, Margolis brought his intense talents to a variety of movie and TV roles. But it was his minimal yet terrifying performance as Salamanca, an aging cartel kingpin confined to a wheelchair, that earned Margolis his greatest acclaim in his later years.

Although largely unable to speak except for the ominous ringing of a bell, Margolis’ facial expressions conveyed the depth of his character’s murderous rage. Hector Salamanca became one of the most memorable villains in the ‘Breaking Bad’ universe.

Margolis’ chilling small-screen persona was a far cry from his early career playing sympathetic characters in dramas like ‘Scarface’ and ‘Requiem for a Dream’. His gravitas and versatility as a performer allowed him to seamlessly switch between heroes and villains.

The New York native, born in 1939, built up an impressive resume across television and film over his six-decade career. Other notable credits include ‘Oz’, ‘The Fighter’, ‘Gone Baby Gone’ and ‘Pi’. He continued acting into his 80s, last appearing in the 2021 thriller ‘American Night’.

Margolis is survived by his wife Jeri and son Jonathan, who followed his father’s footsteps into acting. The talented character actor leaves behind a lasting legacy, having brought his trademark intensity to projects ranging from art house to mainstream hits. He will be deeply missed by his colleagues and legions of fans.