The US actor Mark Margolis, known among other things from the series “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul”, is dead. He died on Thursday after a short illness in a New York clinic, his son, Morgan Margolis, said on Friday with. Manager Robert Kolker confirmed the death of the 83-year-old actor to the German Press Agency. Filmmakers such as Bryan Cranston, Dean Norris and Darren Aronofsky paid tribute to the actor.
Margolis, who learned his craft in well-known acting schools in New York, began his career on theatrical stages. His film break came in Brian De Palma’s 1983 gangster film Scarface. Director Aronofsky got him in front of the camera for “Black Swan”, “The Wrestler”, “The Fountain” or “Pi”, among others. Aronofsky called Margolis a “legend” on Friday.
In the award-winning TV series “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” Margolis shone in the role of aging drug lord Hector Salamanca, who was brutally involved in a nursing home while still in a wheelchair. Silent after a stroke, he rang the bell to communicate. His performance earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2012.
“Margolis was a really good actor and a wonderful person,” wrote lead actor Bryan Cranston on Instagram. He was funny in private, but in front of the camera he could be scary. Co-star Norris hailed him as a “phenomenal” actor.
