Stuart Margolin, the actor best known for his award-winning portrayal of Evelyn “Angel” Martin on the 1970s series The Rockford Files, died. He was 82.
Margolin’s stepson, director Christopher Martini, narrated The Hollywood Reporter that Margolin had died of natural causes in Staunton, VA. His death was announced on an Instagram post made by his other stepson, actor Max Martini, on Monday (December 12).
“The two most profound moments of my life…giving birth to my children and being in bed when my stepdad died this morning,” he wrote. “My mother, my brother and I held his hands. All the time between birth and death, life, is up to us to fill it with equally profound moments. Anyway, I realized how much time I wasted on things that would never come to fruition. Just a profound insight that I thought I would share.”
He continued: “I love you Stuart Margolin. A great actor/writer/producer/director. But more importantly, a deeply gifted stepfather who was always there with love and support for his family. RIP Pappy. Keep them cold.”
Margolin won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in The Rockford files 1979 and 1980.
Aside from his recurring appearance in the detective drama, Margolin has appeared in episodes of other ’70s classics, including M*A*S*H, The Partridge Family and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. His talents expanded to directing several episodes of shows such as The Love Boat, Magnum PI and quantum leap.
In his film career, the actor played Julie Andrews’ personal secretary in the 1981 black comedy. SOB He also starred opposite Clint Eastwood in the 1970 film. kelly’s heroes, as well as the Charles Bronson-led thriller deathwish (1974).
Margolin is survived by his brother, two stepsons, stepdaughter Michelle Martini, and wife Pat.