Bryan Cranston was among those to pay tribute to Margolis who appeared in more than 100 films and TV programmes – but was perhaps best known for his portrayal of wheelchair-using crime boss Hector Salamanca.
Breaking Bad actor Mark Margolis has died at the age of 83, his family has announced.
The performer “passed away following a short illness” at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City on Thursday, relatives said in a statement.
His son Morgan and wife Jacqueline were at his bedside when he died.
Margolis appeared in more than 100 TV programmes and films, including Scarface and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.
But he was perhaps best known for his portrayal of Hector Salamanca in Breaking Bad, in which he played a wheelchair-using crime boss who was unable to speak and communicated using only a hotel reception-style bell.
Margolis, who was nominated for a best guest actor Emmy in 2012 his performance in the series, later reprised the role in Breaking Bad prequel Better Call Saul.
He also received acclaim for playing a Sicilian mob boss infected with HIV in prison drama Oz.
Writing on Instagram, he added: “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.”
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 set with his jokes and comments and I only hope I have half his energy and focus when ‘Action’ was shouted.
“Thank you, Mark, and condolences to your family.”
