Vale: Stuart Margolin

US character actor Stuart Margolin, best known for The Rockford Files, has died aged 82.

His stepson Max Martini said on social media, “A profoundly gifted step-father that was always there with love and support for his family. RIP Pappy. Keep ‘em cold.” He did not provide a cause of death or other details.

Margolin had a recurring role as Evelyn “Angel” Martin in The Rockford Files from 1974 – 1979, a shady-but-endearing character constantly seeking Rockford’s help after getting mixed up with former criminal associates. Margolin won two Emmys and reprised his Angel role in eight Rockford Files TV movies during the 1990s, a tribute to the show’s enduring popularity.

Yet he racked up more than 120 career screen credits with appearances on The Fugitive, Ben Casey, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Gunsmoke, Ironside, The Virginian, The Monkees, Bewitched, The F.B.I., The Partridge Family, Love American Style, Bret Maverick, Mr. Smith, Hill Street Blues, Crazy Like a Fox, The Tracey Ullman Show, Mom P.I., Touched by an Angel, 30 Rock, NCIS, Beggars and Choosers, Stone Undercover, The X Files.

He once said, “I was being sought after as a young character actor and comedian until I had a choice to be on The Mary Tyler Moore Show or on Nichols with Jim Garner. I chose to work with Jim Garner because I thought I’d have more fun, which I never regretted.

“It was a great series with great writers and the favorite show Jim ever did. It closed down after a year, and then I was approached by Jim’s executive producer and Stephen J. Cannell to be part of The Rockford Files. So my career got a little bigger, I won a couple of Emmys, and I’ve had a real steady career over the years with a lot of parts.”

Source: Deadline