Hollywood Heavyweights Unite to Honor Mark Margolis: Bryan Cranston, Bob Odenkirk, and Breaking Bad Writer's Heartfelt Tribute!

Summary

The Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul cast and crews are paying tribute to late actor Mark Margolis, known for his role as Hector Salamanca.

Co-stars fondly deem Margolis as a cherished companion, a commanding presence on screen, a captivating storyteller, and a prime example of professionalism combined with a straightforward approach.

Margolis' portrayal of Hector Salamanca elevated the character to a vital role within the Breaking Bad universe, and his remarkable performance greatly contributed to the show's immense success.

The late Mark Margolis, known for his role as Hector Salamanca in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, has been honored by the cast and crew of both shows. Margolis, a frequent collaborator of director Darren Aronofsky, passed away at the age of 83 following a brief illness at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. In response to the news, many of Margolis' friends and co-stars from the Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul universes have taken to social media to express their reactions and pay tribute to his enduring legacy. Below are some of their heartfelt responses.

Breaking Bad actor Bryan Cranston expressed his sorrow upon hearing the news of his passing, stating that he already misses him. Giancarlo Esposito, who portrayed his onscreen nemesis Gus Fring, fondly referred to Margolis as a beloved friend and a thought-provoking individual who brought laughter into his life.

Saul Goodman's Bob Odenkirk shared the announcement from the official Breaking Bad Twitter account, praising him for his commanding presence on screen. Co-creator of Better Call Saul, Peter Gould, hailed him as a remarkable and entertaining storyteller with an abundance of tales.

Working with Margolis was one of the most enriching experiences of my career, said Michael Mando, the Better Call Saul actor known for his role as Hector's close lieutenant Nacho.

Luis Moncada, who portrayed the Salamanca cousins alongside his brother Daniel in both shows, described Margolis as a "class act" with a "no BS attitude" and a great sense of humor.

Dean Norris, who played DEA Agent Hank Schrader, continued to echo his co-star’s thoughts about Margolis’ humor and expressed his condolences to his family.

How Margolis’ Hector Became One Of Breaking Bad’s Most Important Characters

In Breaking Bad season 2, the character Hector Salamanca, portrayed by Mark Margolis, was first introduced. Hector was depicted as the wheelchair-bound uncle of the menacing drug dealer Tuco (played by Raymond Cruz). Suffering from a stroke that rendered him mute and unable to walk, Hector's means of communication was limited to a bell attached to his wheelchair.

Despite his disabilities, Hector, the former drug lord, became a pivotal character in the Breaking Bad universe. It was revealed that he held a senior position in the Juárez Cartel and became a formidable rival to Gus Fring, Esposito's criminal mastermind. Even though he had the potential to recover from his initial stroke, Gus deliberately halted his therapy to keep him immobile, setting the stage for a revenge plot that ultimately resulted in the demise of one of the show's most significant figures.

Margolis, an incredibly talented actor, delivered a memorable portrayal of Hector, using his piercing gaze and the sound of a bell to convey a wealth of emotions. His performance played a crucial role in the success of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, earning him an Emmy nomination for the iconic "Face Off" episode in Breaking Bad, where he sacrificially took down Gus. His passing will be deeply felt by his colleagues, as well as the countless audience members who have greatly appreciated his work.

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