“I realized I was giving up my power”: Walter White Actor Bryan Cranston Avoided Making One Mistake in His Auditions to Stop Getting Rejected by Filmmakers

"I realized I was giving up my power": Walter White Actor Bryan Cranston Avoided Making One Mistake in His Auditions to Stop Getting Rejected by Filmmakers
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No one can deny Bryan Cranston’s capabilities as an actor. Cranston’s versatility is undoubtedly unique and exemplary. He is arguably one of the most charismatic and talented screen actors Hollywood has ever seen. The actor has already won four Emmys, which is a very rare feat and his role as Walter White in Breaking Bad is one of the best TV characters of all time. He has also appeared in many successful and acclaimed feature films including Saving Private Ryan, Drive, Contagion, Argo, Trumbo, The Infiltrator, Wakefield, and The One and Only Ivan.

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Bryan Cranston
Bryan Cranston

Like many actors in the industry, Cranston had his fair share of rejections early on when he was trying to make it in Hollywood. He struggled to get roles and was not provided enough opportunities to show his range and talent. But he has consistently stuck to one principle that finally paid off in the end.

Also read: We just endure and tolerate”: Breaking Bad Star Bryan Cranston Compared Working With an Actor To Getting Along With One’s In-Laws For a Reason

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Bryan Cranston Always Held His Individual Power While Doing Auditions

Bryan Cranston in Breaking Bad
Bryan Cranston in Breaking Bad

Bryan Cranston faced several rejections and setbacks early in his career as he tried to make it in Hollywood. It was challenging for him as he wanted to make a name in the industry but the opportunities rarely came when he was auditioning for roles. But whenever he got them, he stuck to one principle that he religiously went by and this paid off big time later on. He told Variety,

“I had an epiphany 10 years after that. It changed my life as an actor. I used to think that an audition was a job interview, but I realized I was giving up my power because I was going into an office wanting something from them. Whenever you want something from anyone, you have relinquished your power. Holding on to power in an audition is essential for an actor. You have to be able to do exactly what you want because that’s what’s required of you to impress someone with your uniqueness and what you could bring to a character. I was going in there to present an idea, an option for them. An audition became another opportunity for me to act”

Cranston’s comments point out the significance of maintaining his/her integrity and self-respect while auditioning for roles. One must try to bring their own personality and subtleties to their role so that it becomes unique and fresh. It is always important to maintain consistency and sanity while pursuing one’s dream job.

Also read: “Someone else would’ve played Walter White” If Another Bryan Cranston Show Hadn’t Ended After 7 Seasons

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Bryan Cranston Knows When to Switch Between An Actor and A Family Man

Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul with their Emmys
Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul with their Emmys

Bryan Cranston is a versatile actor, portraying several intense and emotionally challenging roles in his career. But he does not go full method into all those roles and knows when to switch on and off between work and home. He told Independent,

“When I go to work, my body knows where we’re going, and it knows how to get there, and then you flip that switch and cleanse yourself of the toxicity of those emotions you don’t want to carry into your regular life. Actors aren’t born knowing how to use the switch. It’s a skill, and like any skill, it must be practiced.”

Cranston’s words are an absolute must for aspiring actors as they point out the importance of juggling between being an actor and one’s personal self. Being able to maintain two sides (professional and personal) and not bringing one’s baggage to the other is important to live in harmony and peace. It also ensures stability in both aspects and leads to a more productive life.

Also read: “We want the chance to get the glory”: Bryan Cranston’s Life Philosophy Helped Him Nab Emmy-Winning Role Despite Playing a Fumbling Idiot For 7 Years

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Sources: Variety, Independent

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Written by Rahul Thokchom

Articles Published: 1158

Rahul Thokchom is a senior content writer at Fandomwire who is passionate about covering the world of pop culture and entertainment. He has a Masters Degree in English that contributes to the richness and creativity in his works.