Bryan Cranston is a name that is synonymous with talent, versatility, and hard work in the entertainment industry. With a career spanning over three decades, he has proven time and again that he is one of the most versatile and talented actors in Hollywood. From his humble beginnings as a struggling actor to becoming a household name, Cranston’s journey to success is nothing short of inspiring. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the life and career of this remarkable actor, from his early days to his breakout role in Breaking Bad and everything in between. So sit back, relax, and let’s explore the incredible world of Bryan Cranston.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Bryan Lee Cranston was born on March 7, 1956, in Canoga Park, California. He was the second of three children born to Joe Cranston, an amateur actor and producer, and Peggy Sell, a radio actress. His parents’ love for acting played a significant role in shaping Cranston’s passion for performing arts. As a child, he would often accompany his father to various movie sets and watch him perform, which ignited his interest in acting.
Cranston attended Canoga Park High School, where he participated in school plays and musicals. After graduating, he went on to study police science at Los Angeles Valley College but dropped out after two years to pursue acting full-time. He initially struggled to find work, taking up odd jobs like working at a restaurant and a video store while auditioning for roles.
In 1977, Cranston got his first credited role in the TV movie “Love Without End.” Over the next decade, he appeared in several minor roles in TV shows and movies, including “CHiPs,” “Hill Street Blues,” and “Airwolf.” However, it wasn’t until 1986 that Cranston got his big break when he landed the role of Doug Donovan in the hit TV show “Falcon Crest.”
Broadway
While working on “Falcon Crest,” Cranston also pursued a career in theater. In 1988, he made his Broadway debut in the play “The Taming of the Shrew” alongside Tracey Ullman and Morgan Freeman. He continued to work on Broadway, appearing in several plays, including “A Doll’s House,” “Breaking Legs,” and “Death of a Salesman,” for which he won a Drama Desk Award.
In the early 1990s, Cranston appeared in a string of supporting roles in TV shows and movies, including “Seinfeld,” “L.A. Law,” and “That Thing You Do!” He also provided voiceovers for various commercials and video games, including “Might and Magic VI” and “The Big Guy and Rusty the Boy Robot.”
Television Star
After years of hard work and persistence, Cranston finally landed his first lead role in the sitcom “Malcolm in the Middle” in 2000. The show became an instant hit, with Cranston’s performance as the quirky father, Hal, receiving widespread critical acclaim. He earned three Emmy nominations for his role and solidified his place in Hollywood as a versatile actor.
Cranston continued to work on other projects while shooting “Malcolm in the Middle.” In 2003, he played astronaut Buzz Aldrin in the HBO miniseries “From the Earth to the Moon.” He also appeared in the acclaimed drama “Saving Private Ryan” in 1998 and the comedy “Little Miss Sunshine” in 2006.
Breaking Bad: The Role That Changed Everything
Despite his success on television, Cranston’s career took a massive leap in 2008 when he landed the role of Walter White in the AMC series “Breaking Bad.” The show, created and produced by Vince Gilligan, centered around the story of a high school chemistry teacher who turns to a life of crime after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
Role of a Lifetime
To prepare for his role as Walter White, Cranston underwent a dramatic transformation. He lost 10 pounds and shaved his head to portray the character’s physical deterioration due to cancer treatment. He also spent time with real-life cancer patients and their families to understand the emotional toll it takes on a person.
Cranston’s commitment to the character paid off when “Breaking Bad” became a massive success, both critically and commercially. The show’s five-season run attracted a cult-like following and earned numerous awards, including 16 Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards. Cranston himself won four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, cementing his status as one of the most talented actors in Hollywood.
The Complexities of Walter White
One of the key reasons behind the show’s success was Cranston’s brilliant portrayal of Walter White. As the show progressed, so did Walter’s character, from a mild-mannered chemistry teacher to a ruthless drug lord. Cranston masterfully navigated the complexities of the character, making him both relatable and detestable at the same time. His performance kept viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what Walter would do next.
Cranston’s nuanced portrayal of Walter White earned him countless accolades and solidified his place as one of the greatest TV antiheroes of all time. He even received praise from former co-star Anthony Hopkins, who wrote him a fan letter declaring him the best actor he had ever worked with.
Life After Breaking Bad
After the massive success of “Breaking Bad,” Cranston had a tough task ahead of him – topping his performance as Walter White. However, he proved that he was more than just one iconic character when he took on various challenging and diverse roles.
In 2014, he starred in the critically acclaimed biographical drama “Trumbo,” for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He also appeared in the HBO film “All The Way” as President Lyndon B. Johnson, earning another Emmy nomination for his performance.
Cranston’s post-“Breaking Bad” career has been a mix of film and television roles, including “The Infiltrator,” “Why Him?,” “Sneaky Pete,” and “Electric Dreams.” He also returned to Broadway in 2019, playing Howard Beale in the play “Network,” for which he won his second Tony Award.
Film Career and Beyond
While Cranston may be best known for his work on television, he has also made a name for himself in the world of film. In addition to “Saving Private Ryan” and “Little Miss Sunshine,” he has appeared in several other hit movies, such as “Drive,” “Argo,” and “Godzilla.” He even lent his voice to animated films like “Kung Fu Panda 3” and “Isle of Dogs.”
Becoming a Filmmaker
In 2015, Cranston made his directorial debut with the biographical drama “Last Chance.” He also executive produced the film and played a supporting role. The movie received positive reviews and earned Cranston the Hollywood International Independent Documentary Award for Best Feature Film.
Cranston’s passion for filmmaking continued when he directed and starred in the crime drama “Wakefield” in 2016. He also produced and starred in the film adaptation of “Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams.” His transition into filmmaking showcases his versatility and creativity as an artist.
Exploring New Mediums
In addition to acting, directing, and producing, Cranston has also ventured into other mediums, including writing. In 2016, he released his memoir “A Life in Parts,” which became a New York Times bestseller. The book explores his life and career, from his childhood to his time on “Breaking Bad.” It offers a glimpse into the mind of one of Hollywood’s most talented actors and is a must-read for fans.
Cranston has also lent his voice to various audiobooks, including “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien and “The Disaster Artist” by Greg Sestero and Tom Bissell. He also narrated the audiobook for his own memoir, giving listeners a more personal and intimate experience.
Philanthropy and Activism
Apart from his amazing talent, Cranston is also known for his philanthropic efforts and activism. He has been actively involved with various organizations, such as the National Center for Missing Exploited Children, Hope North, and The Adrienne Shelly Foundation, among others. He also supports several causes, including education, human rights, and environmental conservation.
Cranston has also used his platform to raise awareness about issues close to his heart. In 2018, he participated in the March for Our Lives protest against gun violence in Washington D.C. He has also been vocal about climate change and has urged people to take action to protect the planet.
Awards and Accolades
With a career spanning over three decades, Cranston has amassed numerous awards and accolades for his work in film, television, and theater. He has won six Primetime Emmy Awards, two Tony Awards, and a Golden Globe Award, among others. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to honor his contributions to the entertainment industry.
Major Awards and Nominations for Bryan Cranston
| Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series | Malcolm in the Middle | Nominated |
| Drama Desk Award | Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play | Death of a Salesman | Won |
| Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series | Breaking Bad | Nominated |
| Golden Globe Awards | Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama | Breaking Bad | Nominated |
| Tony Awards | Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play | All The Way | Won |
| Academy Awards | Best Actor | Trumbo | Nominated |
