Veteran Jewish actor Mark Margolis, who played one of TV's most recognisable roles, has passed away at the age of 83.
Margolis, who was born to Jewish parents in Philadelphia in 1939, passed away on Thursday after a short illness, according to a statement from his publicist.
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 - turned Hector Salamanca into one of the most unforgettable characters in the history of television. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/gVt8IzxgPw
— Breaking Bad (@BreakingBad) August 4, 2023
The actor was hospitalised at Mount Sinai medical center in New York City and died following a short illness with his wife Jacqueline and son Morgan by his side.
Margolis played over 50 roles in his career and described himself as a showbusiness "journeyman."
At the age of 19, Margolis dropped out of Temple University in Philadelphia and moved to New York to pursue acting, studying under Stella Adler, scion of the Adler family of Yiddish theatre actors.
He starred in several iconic films including Scarface, Requiem for a Dream
He found fame later in life playing the notorious drug kingpin Hector Salamanca in the hit show Breaking Bad and its spinoff, Better Call Saul - which focused on an Irish lawyer who pretended to be Jewish to attract clients.
In a statement, his manager Robert Kolker said: " “He was a treasured client and a lifelong friend. I was lucky to know him.”
His co-stars on Breaking Bad paid tribute to him on social media, with Bob Odenkirk describing him as "a powerful screen presence" and Dean Norris calling him: "A phenomenal actor, a funny guy."
