Stuart Margolin, Emmy Award-Winning Rockford Files Actor, Dead at 82
Stuart Margolin, best known for his Emmy Award-winning portrayal of Evelyn “Angel” Martin on The Rockford Files, has died. He was 82.
The actor’s passing was announced on social media earlier today by his stepson, actor Max Martini, who paid tribute to Margolin with an emotional Instagram post.
“The two most profound moments in my life… the birth of my kids and being bedside as my step-father passed this morning,” Martini wrote. “My mother, brother and I holding his hands. All the time in between birth and death, life, is up to us to fill with equally profound moments. Anyway, it made me realize how much time I’ve wasted on things that were never going to amount to anything. Just a profound realization I thought I’d share. Love you Stuart Margolin. A great actor/writer/producer/director. But more importantly, a profoundly gifted step-father that was always there with love and support for his family. RIP Pappy. Keep ‘em cold.”
Margolin won two Primetime Emmys for Outstanding Supporting Actor (in 1979 and 1980) for playing Rockford‘s Angel, a role he later reprised in a series of made-for-TV movies. His lengthy TV resumé includes roles on countless iconic TV shows, including The Fugitive, The Monkees, Bewitched, That Girl, The Partridge Family, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Gunsmoke, M*A*S*H, Rhoda, Magnum P.I., NCIS and The X-Files.
Margolin died of natural causes, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
How will you remember Margolin? Drop a comment with your memories of his work below.
Angel with the angels now.Up there bouncing off Garner with riffs and jokes.
Angel is now really an angel. So great I really almost everything. You gave many of us so much enjoyment. Godspeed
Rockford obnoxious but loyal friend. To a point.
RIP. He was great as the sleazy Angel on “The Rockford Files”.
A gifted actor and with all his accomplishments his portrayal of Angel Martin was nothing but sensational.
He was a friend and a golfing buddy and one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.
Would have loved a round a golf..Nothing better, than getting paired,, with another great conversation, and a min of three hours, with someone you truly enjoy the company of..
Thanks for posting about your personal experience with Mr. Margolin. Seeing that kind of post is the only nice part of losing a beloved star.
Aww…so sad! He was so great on The Rockford Files!
How could they leave out “Love American Style”?! That’s the first time I ever saw him, as a skit regular. I was a child then. Whenever I would see him afterward, that’s the first show I thought of.
RIP Mr. Margolin.
Thank You Rodney! I was about to say this and you beat me to it, I remember his crazy faces and expressions on the show. He will be missed.
Don’t forget “Death Wish”
He was a pretty good songwriter with Jerry Riopelle back in the 80’s. Amazing actor and genuine dude.
He was great in Nichols, which was also possibly one of James Garner’s best shows.
So wonderful that you remembered that show. I did, the music the ambiance of the period. It didn’t get enough of a chance!
Always respected and enjoyed the acting of Mr. Margolin. Had no idea that a Revenge series fave, Max Martini, was his stepson. Sincere condolences to Stuart’s family and friends. 🙏
Rockfish!
He was Little Joe in Kelly’s Heroes. That’s the role I remember him best for.
He was excellent in S.O.B….A little stereotypical, but, that was the point…
He will be missed…
Aw, Angel. He played that smarmy character so well, and Rockford Files is one of my favorite shows ever.
RIP Stuart
Stuart was part of my youth growing up.
My parents always liked the Rockford files, and I would watch the show with them. As I grew up I still loved the show, especially when it had Angel or Stu in it . He always played a funny part and gave me much entertainment.Its sad knowing Stuart is no longer with us.😢
He also starred with Telly Savalas and Clint Eastwood in Kelly’s Heros.
Loved his spin on his character “Angel”.
Oh man! Just started to enjoy your “Rockford Files” series, and the sad news, you r gone! Of course “Angel” u will join the holly angels now, up there. You were so cool here with your playing character, now u can take the rest, R.I.P…
Stuart Margolin was definitely a fantastic support actor..his face had the perfect expression.. for quick witted moments in the Rockford files and all the above mentioned roles..thank you brother for everything you gave us.
In the buried treasure episode, near Jimbo’s trailer, Angel got clunked in the head with a shovel. Later, he told “Jimmy” that he needed help, but “Jimmy” had been chasing skirts & gave him no help. Angel used terms that were economical in English, but inappropriate -even for the 1970s. They were hilarious for my Rockford friends & surely, some were improvised. I watch the episodes still to catch his come-back lines to “Jimmy”.
He always left me wanting to look forward to enjoying him i the next episode – very funny guy !