Breaking Bad: Every Cast Member Who Has Died

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The TV show Breaking Bad featured an exceptionally talented cast, though sadly, some of the actors have passed away. While Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul were captivating as Walter White and Jesse Pinkman over the show’s five seasons, the performers who played the supporting characters – family, friends, and rivals alike – also gave outstanding performances.

Walt and Jesse faced constant danger while dealing with criminals in Albuquerque, and many characters on Breaking Bad met tragic ends. Sadly, some of the actors who brought those characters to life have also passed away. However, their incredible performances in a truly great TV show will always be remembered.

Mark Margolis (Hector Salamanca)

November 26, 1939 – August 3, 2023

Mark Margolis, best known for his role as the ruthless drug lord Hector Salamanca in Breaking Bad, has passed away. Hector was a key villain in the series, uncle to characters like Tuco and Lalo (from Better Call Saul), and had a long-standing, bitter rivalry with Gus Fring. He’s famously remembered for his dramatic sacrifice in the Breaking Bad season four finale, where he took his own life to take down Gus.

Hector Margolis delivered a brilliant performance as Hector Salamanca, a character left speechless by a stroke, who communicated through facial expressions and the sound of a bell. While Salamanca is arguably his most recognizable role, Margolis had a long and successful career on television, with appearances in shows and films like Scarface, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Oz, and The Black Donnellys. His final role was as Carmine Conti in Bryan Cranston’s Your Honor.

I was so saddened to hear about the passing of George Margolis. He was born in Philadelphia and passed away in New York City on August 3rd, 2023, at the age of 83, after a brief illness. My thoughts are with his wife, Jacqueline, and their son, Morgan, during this difficult time.

Robert Forster

July 13, 1941 – October 11, 2019

Robert Forster, a veteran actor with a 54-year career, is best known to many for his role as Ed “The Disappearer” Galbraith in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. He played a vacuum salesman who secretly helped people disappear and start new lives. While Forster appeared in numerous films and TV shows throughout his career, Ed Galbraith remains one of his most memorable characters.

In addition to his role in Breaking Bad, Forster appeared in Twin Peaks: The Return and Me, Myself & Irene. He also received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his performance as Max Cherry, a romantic bail bondsman, in Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown.

Robert Forster was born in Rochester, New York, and passed away in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 78, due to a brain tumor. He died on October 11, 2019 – the very same day the movie El Camino: A Breaking Bad, in which he appeared, was released. He is survived by four children and, according to reports, passed away just hours after seeing the film.

James Ning (Duane Chow)

September 28, 1936 – November 22, 2022

I’ve always been fascinated by the smaller characters in Breaking Bad, and James Ning’s portrayal of Duane Chow really stuck with me. He owned Golden Moth Chemical, and it was his company that provided all the chemicals Gus Fring needed for his operation. Though he wasn’t in many episodes – just “Full Measure” in season three and “Madrigal” in season five – he played a surprisingly important role, and I always remembered him!

Though Ning didn’t appear in many films – he has seven acting credits listed on IMDb – his work is still noteworthy. He finished his acting career with a role as QI in Adam Sandler’s 2015 comedy Western, The Ridiculous 6.

Ning was born in Shanghai, China, and passed away in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at 86 years old. The reason for his death is not known. He is remembered by his son and three daughters.

Mike Batayeh (Dennis Markowski)

December 27, 1970 – June 1, 2023

Mike Batayeh was known for his role as Dennis Markoswki on Breaking Bad. Dennis managed the laundromat that Gus Fring secretly used as a meth lab. In a memorable and shocking scene, Walter White had Dennis killed in prison to stop him from giving evidence against him.

While many know him from Breaking Bad, Batayeh also appeared in other popular projects like You Don’t Mess with the Zohan, JAG, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Comedian and actor Reynaldo Gallegos Batayeh, originally from Detroit, Michigan, died in his home state on June 1, 2023, at the age of 52. While his family first believed he died of a heart attack, the medical examiner later determined his death was a suicide.

David House (Dr. Delacolvi)

December 15, 1958 – November 27, 2016

David House played Dr. Delacolvi, Walter White’s oncologist, during the first two seasons of Breaking Bad. Similar to many other actors who appeared later in the series, Breaking Bad was House’s most notable role.

Besides his well-known roles, House appeared in smaller parts in films like Paul (2011) and The Host (2013). He was also a popular voice on Albuquerque’s KUNM radio station. Born in Detroit, Michigan, he passed away in Albuquerque on November 27, 2016, at age 57, after a battle with a brain tumor.

Wolf Muser

October 23, 1950 – March 30, 2022

In season 5, episode 2 of Breaking Bad, titled “Madrigal,” actor Wolf Muser portrayed Herr Herzog. Herzog was the CEO of Madrigal Electromotive GmbH, the parent company of the Los Pollos Hermanos chain. During his single scene, he tells DEA investigators that Madrigal will fully cooperate with the investigation into Gus Fring.

Actor Muser first gained widespread recognition in 1985 for his role as Marcello Armonti on the soap opera Santa Barbara. He later became well-known for playing Ramon Veloso in Breaking Bad and for his portrayal of Adolf Hitler in the critically acclaimed sci-fi series The Man in the High Castle on Prime Video.

I was so saddened to hear about Muser’s passing. He was born in Esslingen, in the beautiful region of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. While details are scarce, I know he passed away on March 30th, 2022, at the age of 71. It’s a loss, and I wish more was known about his life.

Michael Showers (Union Rep)

March 14, 1966 – August 22, 2011

Michael Showers appeared in season 3 of Breaking Bad, episode 7, titled “One Minute,” playing a union representative. He’s had a career with small roles in several well-known TV series, like The Vampire Diaries and Treme.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Ellis Showers died in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 22, 2011, at the age of 45. He was found in the Mississippi River, and his death was determined to be an accidental drowning.

Isaac Kappy (Rowdy Prisoner)

February 17, 1977 – May 13, 2019

Isaac Kappy had a small role in season 2 of Breaking Bad, appearing as a “rowdy prisoner” in the episode “Seven Thirty-Seven.” He also played Garfunkel in the movie Fanboys, which starred Jay Baruchel and Kristen Bell, and had a part as a pet store clerk in the first Thor movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Born in Albuquerque, Kappy tragically took his own life in Bellemont, Arizona, on May 13, 2019. He was 42 years old.

Saginaw Grant

July 20, 1936 – July 27, 2021

Saginaw Grant, a well-known actor, played a Native American character in the critically acclaimed “Ozymandias” episode of Breaking Bad, which is famous for the death of Hank Schrader.

Grant was a very active actor, appearing in over 50 different projects. He was known for his roles on TV shows like My Name Is Earl, Community, and American Horror Story, and also starred in films such as The World’s Fastest Indian and The Lone Ranger. Beyond acting, Grant held a significant cultural role as the Hereditary Chief of the Sac and Fox Nation.

The actor passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 27, 2021, at the age of 85. He was born in Pawnee, Oklahoma, and the news was confirmed by his friend and publicist.

Shari Rhodes

July 14, 1938 – December 20, 2009

Shari Rhodes had a brief role on Breaking Bad, appearing as the “Bingo Lady” in one episode of season 3, titled “I.F.T.”. Interestingly, Rhodes wasn’t an actor by trade—this was her only on-screen credit. She was actually a well-known casting director and producer, with a long career that included work on famous films like Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. She also worked on Breaking Bad as a location casting director.

Shari Rhodes was born in Paris, Texas, and passed away on December 20, 2009, at the age of 71 after a battle with breast cancer. An episode of Breaking Bad that she worked on aired after her death, and the show honored her with a dedication in the credits reading, “Dedicated to our friend Shari Rhodes.“

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2025-11-29 04:02