Born on November 26, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Margolis was raised in a Jewish family. He was drawn to acting at a young age and began performing in his teens. After briefly attending Temple University, he moved to New York City to pursue his passion for acting. Under the guidance of Stella Adler and later Lee Strasberg and Barbara Loden, Margolis honed his craft at the Actors Studio.

Theater and Early Film Career

Margolis' early career was marked by his involvement in various plays, including the Broadway production of Infidel Caesar in 1962. Although the play closed in previews, it didn't deter him from pursuing his dream. He went on to found the Blue Dome, a touring theater company that performed numerous productions. Margolis then worked in over 50 Off-Broadway plays, refining his skills and building his reputation as a versatile actor.

In 1976, Margolis made his film debut as an airplane passenger in The Opening of Misty Beethoven. This marked the beginning of a prolific film career, with notable supporting roles in Scarface (1983), Short Eyes (1977), and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994).

Collaboration with Darren Aronofsky

Margolis' collaboration with director Darren Aronofsky is a testament to his enduring talent. He appeared in Aronofsky's first six films, starting with Pi (1998), Requiem for a Dream (2000), The Fountain (2006), The Wrestler (2008), Black Swan (2010), and Noah (2014). This long-standing partnership showcases Margolis' ability to adapt to diverse roles and directors.

Awards and Nominations

Margolis' performance in Breaking Bad earned him an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2012. This recognition cemented his status as a respected character actor, capable of bringing depth and nuance to his characters.