American actor Mark Margolis of Breaking Bad fame has died at the age of 83, his family has announced.
Margolis died Thursday at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City after a brief illness, according to his son, actor and Knitting Factory Entertainment CEO Morgan Margolis.
Margolis has appeared in over 100 television shows and films, including Scarface and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.
Margolis was nominated for an Emmy in 2012 for his role as Hector “Tio” Salamanca in “Breaking Bad.” Tio, a fan favorite, was a former cartel enforcer who communicated with the use of a brass bell affixed to his wheelchair. He later played Tio as a younger guy before he was in a wheelchair in the prequel series “Better Call Saul.”
In New York, the actor studied acting with Stella Adler, a famed acting teacher.
Best known for his portrayals as villains, Margolis in actuality was described as humorous and self-deprecating.
Margolis is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, his son, and several grandchildren.
Bryan Cranston, who starred as Walter White in Breaking Bad, said he was “very saddened” as he led tributes on Instagram,
“Mark Margolis was a really good actor and a lovely human being. Fun and engaging off the set, and (in the case of Breaking Bad and Your Honor) intimidating and frightening on set.
“His quiet energy belied his mischievous nature and curious mind… And he loved sharing a good joke. I miss him already. Rest now, Mark, and thank you for your friendship and your exceptional body of work.
