American actor Mark Margolis, best known for his role as former drug kingpin Hector Salamanca in popular shows Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, passed away on August 4 at the age of 83.

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

In his five-decade-long acting career, Margolis acted in more than 60 films, including Brian De Palma’s Scarface, Ace Ventura and The Wrestler. He also appeared in more than 50 off-Broadway plays.

However, Megolis reached a wider audience by playing Hector Salamanca, a resentful former drug lord of the Juarez Cartel who is now unable to walk or speak because of a stroke. He was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for Breaking Bad in 2012. He also reprised the role in Breaking Bad’s spin-off show Better Call Saul from Season 2 to 6.

Several of Margolis’s co-actors and crew from the two acclaimed series paid tribute to the actor. Bob Odenkirk, who plays the titular character in Better Call Saul, wrote on Twitter, “A powerful screen presence! 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.”

Giancarlo Esposito, who played drug lord Gus Frings, tweeted, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and dynamic human Mark Margolis. You made me laugh, made me cry doubled over with laughter, but more than anything you made me think. Always honest, always true. I will miss you. I am grateful to have had time with you.”

The official Twitter handle of Breaking Bad also mourned the death of the veteran actor. “We join millions of fans in mourning the passing of the immensely talented Mark Margolis, who - with his eyes, a bell, and very few words - turned Hector Salamanca into one of the most unforgettable characters in the history of television. He will be missed.”