Mark Margolis
ActingAbout Mark Margolis
Mark Margolis (November 26, 1939 – August 3, 2023) was an American actor, who had been making films since 1976. Margolis went to Temple University briefly before moving to New York City, where he studied drama with Stella Adler and at the Actors Studio. He was perhaps most famous for his supporting roles in Scarface and the films of Darren Aronofsky: π, Requiem for a Dream, The Fountain, The Wrestler, and Black Swan. Aronofsky wrote the role of Father Avila in The Fountain specifically for Margolis. He had recurring roles on numerous TV shows, including The Equalizer, HBO's Oz, Law And Order, Crossing Jordan and most recently Showtime's Californication and Breaking Bad. He also appeared in a first season episode of Quantum Leap. In 1991, he also played Helmut Dieter in soap opera Santa Barbara.
Mark Margolis Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Mark Margolis reflects exceptional commercial consistency. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Mark Margolis's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 72% of Mark Margolis's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Memories of Manon, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Mark Margolis Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Mark Margolis's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Mark Margolis has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Abe | Benjamin | Hit | Similar → |
| 2016 | One Fall | Walter Grigg Sr. | Average | Similar → |
| 2016 | My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 | Panos | Average | Similar → |
| 2011 | Carl(a) | Grandpa | Hit | Similar → |
| 2010 | Black Swan | Mr. Fithian / Patron | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2009 | Nobody | Professor Hagel | Hit | Similar → |
| 2008 | Defiance | Jewish Elder | Hit | Similar → |
| 2008 | The Wrestler | Lenny | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2008 | Haber | Bremer | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Gone Baby Gone | Leon Trett | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | The Girl Next Door | Homeless Man Hit By Car | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Inside The Fountain: Death and Rebirth | Himself | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2006 | The Fountain | Father Avila | Hit | Similar → |
| 2006 | Umney's Last Case | Vernon Klein | Hit | Similar → |
| 2005 | Stay | Bookstore Owner | Hit | Similar → |
| 2004 | House of D | Mr. Pappass | Average | Similar → |
| 2001 | Hardball | Fink | Hit | Similar → |
| 2001 | The Tailor of Panama | Rafi Domingo | Average | Similar → |
| 2001 | Hannibal | Perfume Expert | Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Requiem for a Dream | Mr. Rabinowitz | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Dinner Rush | Fitzgerald | Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Fast Food Fast Women | Graham | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | Flawless | Vinnie | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | End of Days | Pope | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | Madonna: The Video Collection 93:99 | Bartender (segment "Bad Girl") | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Jakob the Liar | Fajngold | Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | The Thomas Crown Affair | Heinrich Knutzhorn | Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Above Freezing | Mob Boss | Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Side Streets | Bartender | Average | Similar → |
| 1998 | Pi | Sol Robeson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Absolute Power | Red | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | I Shot Andy Warhol | Louis Solanas | Average | Similar → |
| 1994 | Squanto: A Warrior's Tale | Captain Hunt | Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | Ace Ventura: Pet Detective | Mr. Shickadance | Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | Where the Rivers Flow North | New York Money | Average | Similar → |
| 1992 | 1492: Conquest of Paradise | Bobadilla | Average | Similar → |
| 1990 | Tales from the Darkside: The Movie | Gage (segment ‘Cat From Hell’) | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | Glory | 10th Connecticut Soldier | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | Memories of Manon | Jimmy | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | The Secret of My Success | Maintenence Man | Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | The Bedroom Window | Man in Phone Booth | Average | Similar → |
| 1984 | The Cotton Club | Charlie Workman (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | Scarface | Shadow | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | Diner | Earl Mager | Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | Muggable Mary: Street Cop | Sgt. Meyers | Hit | Similar → |
| 1981 | Arthur | Wedding Guest (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | Dressed to Kill | Patient at Bellvue Hospital (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | A Jury of Her Peers | Mr. Hale | Average | Similar → |
| 1979 | Going in Style | Prison Guard | Hit | Similar → |
| 1977 | Short Eyes | Mr. Morrison | Hit | Similar → |
Mark Margolis - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Mark Margolis?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Mark Margolis is "Memories of Manon" with a rating of 8.3/10.
How many movies has Mark Margolis acted in?
Mark Margolis has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Mark Margolis?
Other notable films include "Scarface", "Inside The Fountain: Death and Rebirth", and "Requiem for a Dream".