Undeniably, there were countless unforgettable moments throughout the five-season run of Breaking Bad. However, one of the most remarkable scenes was when drug kingpin Hector Salamanca blew himself and nemesis Gus Fring up by ringing a bell connected to explosives on his wheelchair. Sadly, we bid farewell to the veteran actor who portrayed Salamanca, Mark Margolis. The Hollywood Reporter confirms that Margolis passed away at the age of 83. Morgan Margolis, CEO of Knitting Factory Entertainment and Mark’s son, confirmed the actor’s death after a brief illness at New York City’s Mount Sinai Hospital on Thursday.
Margolis, originally from Philadelphia, honed his acting skills under the tutelage of Stella Adler. In fact, he even worked as her personal assistant in exchange for acting classes. Margolis spoke fondly of Adler, stating in a 2012 interview with the Observer, “I had a real fixation with her. I was 19 years old and she was 60. That’s what a turn-on she was.” Margolis began his career on stage, appearing in numerous off-Broadway shows. He made his on-screen debut in the X-rated film The Opening of Misty Beethoven in 1976, and went on to star in films like Dressed to Kill (1980), Arthur (1981), Scarface (1983), and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994). He frequently collaborated with director Darren Aronofsky, featuring in six of his films, including Pi, Requiem for a Dream, and Black Swan. However, it was his portrayal of Hector Salamanca in Breaking Bad that propelled Margolis into the spotlight in recent years.
Interestingly, Margolis himself does not speak Spanish, despite his character’s Spanish-speaking nature. In Breaking Bad, Salamanca is paralyzed and unable to speak, communicating solely through facial expressions and ringing a service bell. Margolis revealed that he drew inspiration from caring for his mother-in-law after her stroke for his depiction of Salamanca. Margolis reprised the role in the show’s prequel, Better Call Saul, earning him an Emmy nomination. Fans and colleagues alike paid tribute to Margolis following the news of his passing. The official Breaking Bad Twitter account expressed their condolences, acknowledging Margolis’ ability to transform Hector Salamanca into an unforgettable television character with just his eyes, a bell, and minimal dialogue.
Dean Norris, who portrayed Hank Schrader on Breaking Bad, honored Margolis as a “funny guy” and a “phenomenal actor.” Bryan Cranston, who played Walter White, thanked Margolis for his remarkable body of work. Cranston took to Instagram, describing Margolis as both fun and engaging off set, yet intimidating and frightening on set. Cranston also highlighted Margolis’ mischievous nature and curious mind, as well as his love for sharing jokes. Giancarlo Esposito, who portrayed Salamanca’s archenemy Fring, expressed deep sadness at the loss of his “dear friend and dynamic human.” Esposito described Margolis as someone who made him laugh and cry, and praised his ability to provoke thought. Margolis is survived by his son, daughter-in-law, wife Jacqueline, three grandsons, and his brother and sister-in-law. (Read more Breaking Bad stories.)
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