Born: February 19, 1937 – Died: January 11, 2016
David Margulies, a venerable character actor, was born in New York City, the son of Harry David Margulies. His career, spanning several decades, marked him as a versatile and respected figure in the entertainment industry .
Early Life and Career
Raised in the bustling cultural landscape of New York, Margulies' early exposure to the arts ignited his passion for acting. He embarked on his acting journey after completing his education.
Margulies made his mark in the industry with his first professional role, laying the groundwork for a career characterized by a wide range of characters. He gained significant attention and acclaim with his portrayal of the Mayor in "Ghostbusters" (1984), a role he reprised in "Ghostbusters II" (1989). This performance not only showcased his talent but also brought him into the mainstream spotlight.
Throughout his career, Margulies was known for his ability to bring depth and authenticity to every role, earning him respect and admiration within the industry. He didn't seek major awards but remained a consistent and reliable presence in both film and television.
In his personal life, Margulies was married to Carol Grant, and the couple had one child. He was also a longtime companion of Lois Smith. Beyond acting, he had diverse interests and was known for his work with Sidney Lumet, showcasing his ability to collaborate effectively with renowned figures in the industry.
David Margulies' contribution to Hollywood was marked by his versatility and ability to bring life to a wide array of characters. His roles, especially in the "Ghostbusters" franchise, left a lasting impact on audiences and solidified his place as a respected and memorable actor in the entertainment industry.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Adam Bloom | Harris Sutton |
| 2016 | Our Time | Jacob |
| 2016 | Curmudgeons (Short) | Ralph |
| 2016 | Madoff (TV Mini Series) | Elie Wiesel |
| 2015 | Happyish (TV Series) | Walter |
| 2015 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (TV Series) | Dr. Eric Setrakian |
| 2014 | A Most Violent Year | Saul Lefkowitz |
| 2014 | The Girl on the Train | Morris Herzman |
| 2013 | Fading Gigolo | Chief Rebbe |
| 2013 | Double Header (Short) | Nick Senior |
| 2013 | A Case of You | Henry |
| 2013 | Blue Bloods (TV Series) | Solomon |
| 2012 | The Good Wife (TV Series) | Richard |
| 2012 | Political Animals (TV Mini Series) | Dinner Party Guest |
| 2011 | Skin Deep (Short) | Lou |
| 2011 | Roadie | Don Muller |
| 2010 | The Robber Barons of Wall Street (Short) | Oldest Rioter |
| 2010 | All Good Things | Mayor |
| 2010 | Gareeb Nawaz's Taxi (Short) | Austin |
| 2008 | Canterbury's Law (TV Series) | Dr. Ian Harris |
| 2007 | Noise | Heart Attack Man |
| 2000–2007 | The Sopranos (TV Series) | Neil Mink |
| 2006 | Ira & Abby | Dr. Arnold Friedman |
| 2005 | Whiskey School | Rex Michaels |
| 1991–2004 | Law & Order (TV Series) | Dr. Jack Clayburg | Dr. Jordan Delbert | Tommy Zanescu ... |
| 2004 | Invitation to a Suicide | Roman Malek |
| 2004 | American Masters (TV Series) | Joseph L. Mankiewicz - Director | Writer (voice) |
| 2003 | Bought & Sold | Kutty Nazarian |
| 2001 | Touched by an Angel (TV Series) | Sam Silverstein |
| 2001 | 100 Centre Street (TV Series) | Sweeney |
| 2000 | Looking for an Echo | Dr. Ludwig |
| 2000 | Welcome to New York (TV Series) | Jerry |
| 1999 | The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones (TV Series) | Carl Laemmle |
| 1999 | Man of the Century | Mr. Meyerscholtz |
| 1998 | Celebrity | Counselor Adelman |
| 1997 | Hudson River Blues | Stan |
| 1997 | Lifebreath | Abe Gross |
| 1997 | Melvyn Schmatzman: Freudian Dentist (Short) | Unknown |
| 1997 | New York Undercover (TV Series) | Frederick Jones |
| 1996 | The City (TV Series) | Marty Burns |
| 1996 | NYPD Blue (TV Series) | Theodore Wisotski |
| 1995 | Chicago Hope (TV Series) | Taubler's Attorney |
| 1994 | The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones: Hollywood Follies (TV Movie) | Carl Laemmle |
| 1994 | CBS Schoolbreak Special (TV Series) | Chop Kleinfeld |
| 1994 | Ace Ventura: Pet Detective | Doctor |
| 1993 | Northern Exposure (TV Series) | Herb Fleischman |
| 1993 | Family Prayers | Uncle Sam |
| 1992 | Le grand pardon II | (English version, voice) |
| 1992 | Out on a Limb | Mr. Buchenwald |
| 1992 | A Stranger Among Us | Lt. Oliver |
| 1991 | All My Children (TV Series) | Frank Foglia (credit only) |
| 1991 | Stat (TV Series) | Leonard Sorkin |
| 1991 | An Inconvenient Woman (TV Mini Series) | Manning |
| 1991 | Never Forget (TV Movie) | Rabbi Hier |
| 1990 | Largo Desolato (TV Movie) | First Visitor |
| 1990 | Funny About Love | Dr. Benjamin |
| 1989 | Kojak: Ariana (TV Movie) | Papas the Chef |
| 1989 | Perfect Witness (TV Movie) | Rudnick |
| 1989 | The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd (TV Series) | Juror |
| 1989 | Ghostbusters II | The Mayor of NY |
| 1989 | Gideon Oliver (TV Series) | Max French |
| 1989 | A Man Called Hawk (TV Series) | Mick |
| 1988 | Running on Empty | Dr. Jonah Reiff |
| 1988 | American Playhouse (TV Series) | Yudwitz |
| 1987 | Spenser: For Hire (TV Series) | Lou De Franco | Karl Shore |
| 1987 | Candy Mountain | Lawyer |
| 1987 | Magic Sticks | Goldfarb |
| 1987 | Ishtar | Mr. Clarke |
| 1987 | ABC Afterschool Specials (TV Series) | Justin |
| 1986 | Brighton Beach Memoirs | Mr. Farber |
| 1985–1986 | The Equalizer (TV Series) | Eugene Whitman | Macklin |
| 1986 | 9½ Weeks | Harvey |
| 1985 | Tales from the Darkside (TV Series) | Gil Hurn |
| 1984 | Ghostbusters | Mayor |
| 1984 | A Doctor's Story (TV Movie) | Russell |
| 1983 | Daniel | Dr. Duberstein |
| 1982 | I'm Dancing as Fast as I Can | Walter Kress |
| 1980 | Times Square | Dr. Zymansky |
| 1980 | Dressed to Kill | Dr. Levy |
| 1980 | Hide in Plain Sight | Detective Reilly |
| 1979 | All That Jazz | Larry Goldie |
| 1979 | My Old Man (TV Movie) | Chubby |
| 1979 | Night-Flowers | Psychiatrist |
| 1979 | Last Embrace | Rabbi Josh Drexel |
| 1977 | Kojak (TV Series) | Midge Piper |
| 1976 | The Front | William Phelps |
| 1972 | Scarecrow in a Garden of Cucumbers | Walter Mitty |