NEW YORK (NEWSnet/AP) — Emmy-nominated actor Mark Margolis, who played former drug kingpin Hector Salamanca in “Breaking Bad” and its spinoff “Better Call Saul,” has died at age 83.

The actor died at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City following a short illness, according to a statement from his son.

Margolis was nominated for an Emmy in 2012 for “Breaking Bad,” for outstanding guest actor, as Salamanca, the elderly don of his drug clan who was unable to speak or walk due to a stroke. Much of his character’s backstory was related on “Better Call Saul,” the prequel in which he guest-starred from 2016 to 2022.

Margolis also was known for film roles, particularly in the films of Darren Aronofsky: “Noah,” “Black Swan,” “The Wrestler” and “Pi.” He also played Alberto “The Shadow” in “Scarface.” Other film roles included “The Thomas Crown Affair,” “Gone Baby Gone,” and “Stand Up Guys.”

Margolis was born in Philadelphia in 1939 and studied acting in New York City. During his early career, he appeared in dozens of off-Broadway shows and was on Broadway in “Infidel Caesar.”

Margolis is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jacqueline Margolis, and his son Morgan. The family plans private services.

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