Actors are all about finding the “perfect” role. The role they were born to play. Well, it’s pretty evident that Bryan Cranston hit a home run with Breaking Bad’s Walter White, and that’s not because he won three Emmys playing the character. It has more to do with the fact that Cranston has been getting ready for this part since his earlier days. However, he might have never stepped into Walter White’s shoes.
During his school days, Bryan Cranston was a member of his high school’s Chemistry Club. While we aren’t insinuating that he was cooking up ricin back then, he was certainly familiar with chemistry lab equipment and the periodic table way before assuming the role of Walter White.
Bryan Cranston Was Ready To Leave Breaking Bad For This Show
Bryan Cranston’s portrayal of Hal Wilkerson, an eccentric guy in the sitcom Malcolm in the Middle, cemented his position as a versatile actor in the industry. His character’s quirky and relatable antics made him a fan favorite, showcasing the actor’s comic timing and acting prowess.
Cranston mentioned that if Malcolm in the Middle makers were to renew the show for another season, he might have reprised his character and skipped the role of Walter White, as he would have been busy with filming. However, during the same time, Cranston came across Vince Gilligan’s script for Breaking Bad, which convinced him to take on the role.
Cranston told GQ:
“Had Malcolm in the Middle been picked up for an eighth season, someone else would’ve played Walter White, because I would not have been available. But that summer is when I first read Vince’s [Gilligan] script for Breaking Bad.”
Speaking of Cranston’s performance in Malcolm in the Middle, his unmatched timing added a layer of authenticity to his character’s parental struggles, garnering him a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. Cranston’s performance managed to carefully balance the show’s comedic and heartfelt moments, showcasing his range and also setting the ball rolling for his biggest role ever – Breaking Bad.
Aaron Paul on Bryan Cranston’s Off-screen antics
Alongside Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul also gave fans a memorable and powerful portrayal of Jesse Pinkman. He was in complete awe of Cranston’s acting skills and spoke about how his real-life persona differed from Walter White. Cranston once played a prank on Paul during a scene.
Paul told GQ:
“I don’t know. There are a lot of times where we were rolling, and he was kind of f**king [around]. On Breaking Bad, out of nowhere, he was meant to present me with a gun, but then he pulled out a water gun shaped like a pe*is and started squirting me with it.”
The instances clearly showcase that Cranston did not completely leave his comedic roots, still keeping his Malcolm in the Middle character alive in some form. It also shows that regardless how intense Breaking Bad’s tone was, things were completely different off-camera.
