Breaking Bad actor Mark Margolis has died aged 83, his family has announced.
The artist “passed away following a short illness” at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York on Thursday, relatives said in a statement.
His son Morgan and his wife Jacqueline were at his bedside when he died.
Margolis has appeared in over 100 TV shows and movies, including Scarface and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.
But he was perhaps best known for his portrayal of Hector Salamanca in breaking Badin which he played a wheelchair-bound crime boss who was unable to speak and communicated using only a hotel reception-style bell.
Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul with Margolis at an Emmy Awards afterparty in 2012. Photo: AP
Margolis, who was nominated for Best Guest Actor Emmy in 2012 for his performance on the show, later reprized the role in Breaking Bad prequel Better Call Saul.
He also won acclaim for playing an HIV-infected Sicilian mob boss in the prison drama Oz.
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Bryan Cranstonwho played Walter White in Breaking Bad, said he was “very saddened” as he led tributes.
Writing on Instagram, he added: “Mark Margolis was a very good actor and a lovely human being. Fun and engaging off set, and (in the case of Breaking Bad and Your Honor) intimidating and scary on set.
“His quiet energy belied his mischievous nature and inquisitive mind…And he liked to share a good joke. I miss him already. Rest easy now Mark and thank you for your friendship and outstanding work.”
Bob Odenkirk, who played lawyer Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, described Margolis as a “powerful screen presence”.
He said: “Mark made me laugh in the van on the way to filming with his jokes and comments and I only hope I got half his energy and focus when ‘Action’ was shouted.
“Thank you, Mark, and condolences to your family.”
Photo: AP
“Immensely talented”
Margolis’ agent Robert Atterman said: “Over the years Mark not only wowed audiences with his outstanding performances, he was also an incredibly kind man with a great sense of humor who enjoyed his family.
“His dedication to his craft is evident in the many memorable roles he has brought to life, captivating audiences with his remarkable range and skills. Beyond Mark’s on-screen accomplishments, his genuine and approachable demeanor has made a pleasure to work with him.”
He added: “As an actor and a person, Mark’s enduring excellence and kind nature have left an indelible impression on those who were fortunate enough to collaborate with and know him. He will certainly be missed. .”
Breaking Bad co-star Dean Norris, who played Hank Schrader, wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter): “So sad to hear Mark Margolis passed away. Phenomenal actor. Funny guy. RIP.
“My thoughts are with his family.”
A statement posted to the official Breaking Bad social media accounts read: “We join millions of fans in mourning the passing of the immensely talented Mark Margolis, who – with his eyes, a bell and very few words – transformed Hector Salamanca into one of the most unforgettable characters in the history of television.”