The Rockford Files star Stuart Margolin has died aged 82, his stepson Max Martini has confirmed.
The actor, who won two Emmys for his role as Evelyn ‘Angel’ Martin in the American detective drama, died on Monday morning surrounded by his loved ones.
Announcing the devastating news on Instagram, Max penned: ‘The two most profound moments in my life… the birth of my kids and being bedside as my step-father passed this morning.
‘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.’
He continued: ‘Anyway, it made me realise how much time I’ve wasted on things that were never going to amount to anything. Just a profound realisation 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.’
The Rockford Files aired for six seasons between 1974 and 1980, with Margolin playing the former cellmate of Jim Rockford (James Garner).
He is one of only five actors to win two Emmys for outstanding supporting actor twice for the same role.
Margolin went on to appear in episodes of the television series M*A*S*H, The Partridge Magnum, P.I, and Touched by an Angel, to name but a few.
In May 2009, he appeared on an episode of 30 Rock, where he reunited with his M*A*S*H co-star Alan Alda.
Tributes have been flooding in for Margolin, with many sharing their memories of him on social media.
Gargoyles creator Greg Weisman said: ‘I met the amazing #StuartMargolin when he played Rabbi David Small in “Lanigan’s Rabbi”.
‘I was a kid, and they were shooting on my street. It’s a longer story, but director #LouAntonio let me hang out. Both Stuart & #ArtCarney were just so tremendously nice. R.I.P. Mr. Margolin.’
Comic book writer Jay Faerber penned: ‘Oh no!! Stuart Margolin was so great. His run on The Rockford Files was legendary. Took what could be an unbearably annoying character and made him so much fun to watch. Condolences to his friends and family.’
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