Stuart Margolin, The Rockford Files Star, Dead at 82

Stuart Margolin, veteran TV actor best known for starring in The Rockford Files, has passed away. He was 82. 

The news was confirmed on Instagram by Margolin's stepson Max Martini. "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," Martini wrote.

Margolin took home back-to-back Emmys for his role as Evelyn "Angel" Martin in The Rockford Files opposite James Garner, but his career spanned decades and over a hundred titles. He got his start with minor roles in series like The Lieutenant, The Fugitive, and The Monkees, and later starred in Nichols, Maverick, Ironside, Bewitched, The F.B.I., The Partridge Family, and Love, American Style. 

In addition to acting, he also directed episodes of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Magnum P.I., Quantum Leap, and Wonder Woman. More recently, Margolin appeared in series including Intelligence, 30 Rock, NCIS, and The X-Files revival. 

"A great actor/writer/producer/director," his stepson wrote. "But more importantly, a profoundly gifted step-father that was always there with love and support for his family. RIP Pappy. Keep 'em cold."

Jade Budowski is a freelance writer with a knack for ruining punchlines and harboring dad-aged celebrity crushes. She was previously a reporter/producer at Decider and is a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow her on Twitter: @jadebudowski.