Bryan Cranston is a name that resonates with fans of television and film alike, celebrated for his remarkable versatility and depth as an actor.
Best known for his iconic portrayal of Walter White in the critically acclaimed series Breaking Bad, his career is a tapestry woven with fascinating experiences and unexpected twists.
From his early days in a family of actors to his rise as a Hollywood powerhouse, Cranston’s journey is filled with intriguing milestones.
In this article, we delve into some lesser-known facts about this multifaceted talent, exploring his diverse roles, personal passions, and the surprising elements that have shaped his life and career.
How did Bryan Cranston become famous?
Cranston rose to fame primarily through his iconic role as Walter White in the critically acclaimed series Breaking Bad, which aired from 2008 to 2013.
This character, a chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer, showcased Cranston’s ability to portray complex emotions, earning him four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
Prior to this breakthrough, he gained recognition for his role as Hal in the sitcom Malcolm in the Middle, which also contributed to his popularity.
Cranston’s diverse career includes appearances in various television shows and films, solidifying his status as a versatile actor.
With that said let’s have a look at some interesting facts about Bryan Cranston;
1. Cranston was born on March 7, 1956 in Canoga Park, California.
2. He received an associate degree in police science from Los Angeles Valley College in 1976.
3. Cranston did not seriously pursue acting until his late 20s, as his actor parents did not want him to follow them into the business.
4. He met his wife, Robin Dearden, on the set of the 1986 TV movie Desperate Monday, where he played the villain and she was his hostage.
5. Cranston spent two years traveling around the United States by motorcycle with his brother in his younger years.
6. He always grew a beard and mustache during his hiatuses from the TV series Malcolm in the Middle.
7. Cranston became an ordained minister when he was in college as a part-time job.
8. He is an avid baseball fan and grew up supporting the Los Angeles Dodgers. His wife threw him a surprise 40th birthday party at Dodger Stadium.
9. The last name of the first Blue Ranger on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers was named after Cranston.
10. He once did voice acting for the English dubbing of Japanese animation (anime), under the name Lee Stone.
11. Cranston was singled out by frequent Malcolm in the Middle director Todd Holland during his Emmy Award speech in 2001, proclaiming he would “stand up here soon”.
12. When asked what his favorite thing is about his wife Robin Dearden, he replied, “She still gets giddy when she sees a firefly”.
13. He starred in three movies nominated for the Best Picture Oscar: Saving Private Ryan, Little Miss Sunshine and Argo, with Argo winning the category.
14. Cranston called Mark Rylance a major influence, and both actors won Tony Awards in 2014 for their Broadway performances.
15. His paternal grandfather was of Irish ancestry, partly by way of Canada (Montreal), while his paternal grandmother was of half Austrian Jewish and half German descent.
16. Both Cranston and his Breaking Bad co-star Jonathan Banks voiced the role of James Gordon in the Batman franchise.
17. He is the second of three children of actors Joe Cranston and Audrey Peggy Sell.
18. Cranston has one daughter with Robin Dearden named Taylor Dearden.
19. He was listed as “Lee Stone” in the original Armitage III: Poly-Matrix OAV episode home video version.
20. Cranston presented the “Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series” category at the 2004 Emmy Awards with his Malcolm in the Middle co-star Jane Kaczmarek.
21. He got his start at the Granada Theatre in the San Fernando Valley, California.
22. Cranston was roommates with actor Javier Grajeda early in their careers.
23. He won the 2017 Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Best Actor for his performance in the play “Network”.
24. Cranston voiced the character of Vitriolic in the animated film Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie.
25. He spent six weeks learning how to roller-skate before filming his favorite episode of Malcolm in the Middle, “Rollerskates”.
26. Cranston was named one of the “Eight Actors Who Turn Television into Art” on the cover of the New York Times magazine in 2011 for his role on Breaking Bad.
27. He co-created and executive produced the crime drama series Sneaky Pete which garnered critical acclaim.
28. Cranston won six Emmy Awards for his portrayal of Walter White in Breaking Bad, breaking records for the most wins in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series category.
29. He was singled out by the Hollywood Reporter’s Matt Belloni as the actor who would most like to have the movie Amazon Women on the Moon deleted from his IMDb filmography.
30. Cranston’s paternal grandmother, Alice Rose Bower, was of half Austrian Jewish and half German descent.
31. His maternal grandparents, Otto Frederick William Sell and Augusta Liza Marchert, were both German emigrants, Otto from Rendsburg and Augusta from Danzig.
32. He voiced the character of Dodger Pups in the animated film Air Bound.
33. Cranston’s dedication and versatility have made him a Hollywood legend.
34. He has showcased his multifaceted abilities behind the camera as well, working as a director, producer, and screenwriter.
35. Before becoming a household name, Cranston appeared in numerous TV shows and soap operas, including Days of Our Lives and Loving.
36. His transformative performance as Walter White in Breaking Bad earned him widespread recognition and numerous awards.
37. Cranston continues to captivate audiences with his exceptional performances and is a revered figure in the entertainment industry.
38. His talent, dedication, and versatility have solidified his place as one of Hollywood’s brightest stars.
Conclusion
Cranston’s journey from a young man with dreams of a different career to an acclaimed actor and filmmaker is a testament to his talent, determination, and versatility.
With a career spanning decades, he has not only captivated audiences with unforgettable performances but also inspired many with his resilience and passion for the craft.
From his iconic role as Walter White in Breaking Bad to his various endeavors in theater and film, Cranston has proven time and again that he is more than just a talented actor; he is a multifaceted artist who continues to evolve and push boundaries.
