Rory Lewis Photographer - Remembering Mark Margolis: Capturing the Soul of a Hollywood Legend
In the world of acting, a great performance is immortalized on film, but a truly iconic presence can be captured in a single portrait. As a portrait photographer, I have had the immense privilege of photographing some of the finest actors in the industry—artists whose faces tell the stories of their careers, their struggles, and their triumphs. Among them was the late, great Mark Margolis, a true Hollywood legend whose impact on the industry remains indelible.
Mark was a force of nature, widely celebrated for his chilling, Emmy-nominated portrayal of Hector “Tio” Salamanca in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, as well as his unforgettable roles in Scarface, The Wrestler, and Hannibal. Through my lens, I was fortunate enough to preserve two distinct moments in time with this remarkable man.
Rory Lewis Photographer - Remembering Mark Margolis: Capturing the Soul of a Hollywood Legend
A Chance Encounter in Los Angeles
Our journey began purely by chance back in 2015. While on assignment in Los Angeles, I was staying at a hotel in Studio City. As fate would have it, Mark and his wife, Jacqueline, were staying in the exact same hotel. I spotted him in the lobby enjoying a quiet cigarette break.
Approaching an actor known for playing some of television's most intimidating villains can be daunting, but I introduced myself with genuine admiration for his work. To my delight, Mark was incredibly warm, approachable, and eager to chat. We spoke about his extensive filmography, and I was particularly keen to discuss the notorious man with the bell, Hector Salamanca.
When I proposed a portrait sitting during my time in LA, Mark and Jacqueline graciously accepted. Those spontaneous 2015 portraits revealed not just the hardened intensity we all know from his on-screen personas, but the warmth, charisma, and wisdom of the man behind the roles. It was a testament to the magic that can happen when artists seize a fleeting opportunity.
The Selah Project: Contemplation in New York
Fast forward to February 2019, when I had the honor of photographing Mark for a second and final time in New York. On this occasion, the portraits were taken for my Selah portrait project.
My artistic vision for Selah was deeply rooted in the Renaissance Italian influence, drawing inspiration from Old Master painters like Rembrandt, Caravaggio, and Titian. I wanted to masterfully recreate the dramatic light, atmosphere, and tones of classical portrait paintings.
Directing Mark, I asked him to imagine he had taken a long, arduous pilgrimage. Now reaching the end of that journey, my impetus was to capture a man of faith who is almost pensive—taking the time to meditate and reflect. Mark’s immense talent shone through instantly. He embraced the prompt, allowing me to freeze moments of profound introspection. The resulting images highlight his profound gaze—one that spoke volumes beyond words, bearing the marks of a life fully lived.
A Legacy of Intensity
Today, we remember Mark Margolis not just for the iconic characters he brought to life, but for the profound humanity he brought to his craft. Working with a legend like Mark reinforced my belief in the power of portraiture to capture an individual's true essence. His performances will forever resonate in the hearts of fans, but for me, I will always cherish the memory of the kind, collaborative artist who sat before my camera.
Rest in peace, Mark. Your talent and professionalism will be deeply missed, but your artistry will live on forever.
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Rory Lewis provides cinematic headshots and portrait photography across Los Angeles, working with actors, executives, creatives, and professionals throughout Chinatown, Echo Park, Hollywood, East Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA), Silver Lake, Koreatown, the Arts District, the Historic Core, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Studio City, Century City, Pasadena, Glendale, and Little Tokyo. Based in Los Angeles, Rory’s distinctive portrait style—known for dramatic lighting and expressive direction—attracts clients from across the city who are seeking powerful actor headshots, corporate portraits, and creative editorial photography in one of the world’s most dynamic creative capitals.