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Ghostbusters star David Margulies dies aged 78

Ainhoa Barcelona
Content Managing Editor
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David Margulies, who was best known for playing the Mayor of New York in Ghostbusters, has died at the age of 78. The actor passed away in Manhattan, New York on Monday 11 January.

His agent Mary Harden confirmed the sad news to Deadline, while his sister Vicki revealed that the late star battled with cancer.

David is survived by his long-term partner, American actress Lois Smith, his son Jonathan and a grandson.

david margulies1 © Photo: Getty Images

David Margulies was best known for playing the Mayor in Ghostbusters

In Ghostbusters, the Brooklyn-born star played politician Lenny Clotch, who was inspired by real life Mayor Ed Koch. David also appeared in the sequel Ghostbusters II in 1989.

Apart from starring in the fantasy adventure blockbuster, David also had a score of film credits attached to his name. He was cast in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, A Stranger Among Us and Out on a Limb following his Ghostbusters debut.

Fans will also recognise the late star for his role in The Sopranos; he played mob boss Tony Soprano's lawyer Neil Mink in eight episodes. On the small screen, David also featured in Law & Order, NYPD Blue and Northern Exposure.

david margulies2 © Photo: Getty Images

The actor is survived by his long-term partner Lois Smith

At the age of 21, David made his stage debut, starring in the off-Broadway production Golden 6. His first Broadway production came years later when a thirty-something David was cast in a revival of The Iceman Cometh.

His other Broadway appearances included Wonderful Town, Brighton Beach Memoirs and 45 Seconds from Broadway.