Bryan Cranston’s Career: From ‘Breaking Bad’ to ‘Everything’s Going to Be Great’
Bryan Cranston is one of the most acclaimed and versatile actors of his generation. He first became a familiar face through memorable comedic roles, most notably as the bumbling dad in the sitcom ‘Malcolm in the Middle’. For years, audiences knew him for his expert timing and his ability to play lovable, quirky characters, earning him several Emmy nominations.
His career underwent a dramatic transformation when he took on the role of Walter White in ‘Breaking Bad’. The part not only redefined his career but also changed television history, earning him numerous awards and establishing him as a powerful dramatic actor. Since then, Cranston has built an impressive resume in film, television, and theater, consistently choosing complex roles that showcase his incredible range.
‘Seinfeld’ (1994–1997)
Before he was a household name, Cranston had a memorable recurring role on ‘Seinfeld’ as Dr. Tim Whatley, Jerry’s dentist. His character was known for his questionable professional practices, including converting to Judaism purely for the jokes and being labeled a “re-gifter” for re-gifting a label maker.
Dr. Whatley appeared in five episodes and became a fan-favorite guest character. Cranston’s performance was a perfect fit for the show’s cynical and absurd humor. The role is a classic example of his early talent for creating unforgettable comedic characters.
‘Saving Private Ryan’ (1998)
In Steven Spielberg’s epic war film, Cranston had a small but significant role as a War Department colonel. He appears in a pivotal scene where he argues for the mission to rescue Private Ryan, highlighting the human cost of the war to his superiors.
Though he is on screen for only a few minutes, his authoritative performance in such a prestigious and critically acclaimed film was an important step in his early career. It demonstrated his ability to handle serious dramatic material and hold his own in a major Hollywood production.
‘Malcolm in the Middle’ (2000–2006)
Cranston became a television star as Hal, the well-meaning but immature and neurotic father of a gifted boy named Malcolm. As the patriarch of a chaotic and dysfunctional family, Hal was often caught up in bizarre schemes and displayed hilarious moments of panic and childlike joy.
The role of Hal showcased Cranston’s genius for physical comedy and earned him three Emmy nominations. For seven seasons, he portrayed a lovable and goofy dad, a character that stands in stark contrast to the dramatic roles that would later define his career.
‘Little Miss Sunshine’ (2006)
In this critically acclaimed independent film, Cranston played a small but significant supporting role. He portrayed Stan Grossman, a successful businessman who is approached to help publish a self-help program created by Steve Carell’s character.
Although he only appears in a couple of scenes, his character is pivotal to the story’s development. His pragmatic and no-nonsense performance was a standout in a film celebrated for its ensemble cast, showing he could make a strong impression in any project.
‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)
Bryan Cranston delivered one of the greatest performances in television history as Walter White. The series follows a mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher who, after a cancer diagnosis, begins manufacturing methamphetamine to secure his family’s future.
Over five seasons, Cranston masterfully portrayed Walt’s transformation into the ruthless drug kingpin “Heisenberg.” The role earned him four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and turned him into a global superstar.
‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ (2011)
In this popular legal thriller, Cranston played Detective Lankford, an aggressive and antagonistic police officer. His character holds a grudge against the film’s protagonist, a slick defense attorney played by Matthew McConaughey, creating professional and personal friction.
The role showcased his ability to play tough, abrasive authority figures with a commanding presence. It was a strong supporting performance that came during the height of his ‘Breaking Bad’ fame, reinforcing his talent for intense dramatic roles.
‘Drive’ (2011)
In this stylish neo-noir thriller, Cranston played Shannon, a garage owner and mentor to the film’s nameless protagonist, the Driver. Shannon is a good-natured but flawed man who gets them both entangled with dangerous criminals, leading to tragic consequences.
His performance was gritty and grounded, fitting perfectly into the film’s dark and violent tone. The role was another example of his impressive range, proving he could excel in character-driven, independent films.
‘Contagion’ (2011)
Cranston joined the all-star ensemble cast of Steven Soderbergh’s pandemic thriller. He played Rear Admiral Lyle Haggerty of the U.S. Public Health Service, a key government official involved in the military and strategic response to the deadly virus.
His role represented the authoritative and logistical side of the crisis, adding to the film’s chilling realism. His inclusion in such a high-profile and prescient film alongside a cast of A-list actors further solidified his status as a respected dramatic actor.
‘Argo’ (2012)
Cranston played a key supporting role in this thriller, which went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. He portrayed Jack O’Donnell, the real-life CIA deputy director who supervises the risky mission to rescue six American diplomats from Iran.
As the pragmatic and authoritative O’Donnell, Cranston served as the audience’s anchor at CIA headquarters, masterfully conveying the tension and high stakes of the operation. His commanding presence was a crucial element of the film’s success.
‘Total Recall’ (2012)
In the sci-fi action remake, Cranston took on the role of the main villain, Chancellor Vilos Cohaagen. He played the ruthless and corrupt leader of the futuristic United Federation of Britain, who seeks to expand his power through military force.
This role gave him the opportunity to portray a classic, large-scale blockbuster antagonist. He brought a sense of sophisticated menace to the character, showing a different kind of villainy from the psychologically complex Walter White.
‘Godzilla’ (2014)
In the American reboot of the ‘Godzilla’ franchise, Cranston took on a leading role as Joe Brody, a nuclear physicist and former engineer. His character is obsessed with uncovering the truth behind a mysterious disaster that took place years earlier, which he believes was not a natural event.
He provided the emotional core for the first act of the blockbuster film. His intense and passionate performance brought a sense of humanity and gravitas to the monster movie, and he was praised by critics for his powerful work.
‘Trumbo’ (2015)
Cranston earned his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his portrayal of Dalton Trumbo, a real-life Hollywood screenwriter. The film tells the story of how Trumbo’s successful career was derailed in the 1940s after he was blacklisted for his political beliefs.
He delivered a transformative performance, capturing Trumbo’s eccentric personality, sharp intellect, and unwavering resilience. The role allowed him to carry a major feature film and earned him widespread acclaim, cementing his status as a leading man in Hollywood.
‘Sneaky Pete’ (2015–2019)
Cranston not only acted in this crime drama series but also served as a co-creator and executive producer. He played the recurring role of Vince Lonigan, a ruthless and menacing gangster who is hunting the show’s protagonist.
His performance as the villainous Vince was chilling and demonstrated a darker side of his acting abilities. His work behind the scenes was also significant, as he helped shape the entire series, proving his talent as a creator and producer.
‘The Infiltrator’ (2016)
Cranston starred in this tense crime drama based on a true story. He played Robert Mazur, a U.S. Customs agent who goes deep undercover to expose a money-laudering scheme involving Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.
As both the lead actor and an executive producer, Cranston delivered a powerful performance that explored the psychological toll of living a double life. The gritty role was a perfect fit for his post-‘Breaking Bad’ persona, showcasing his talent for portraying complex men in high-stakes situations.
‘Why Him?’ (2016)
Returning to his comedic roots, Cranston starred in this broad comedy opposite James Franco. He played Ned Fleming, a conservative and overprotective father who is horrified to meet his daughter’s new boyfriend, an eccentric and unfiltered tech billionaire.
The film was a commercial success and showed that Cranston could still effortlessly lead a mainstream comedy. His performance as the increasingly flustered dad was a hilarious reminder of the comedic skills that first made him famous.
‘All the Way’ (2016)
In this HBO television film, Cranston reprised his Tony Award-winning stage role as U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson. The movie focuses on Johnson’s tumultuous first year in office following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy as he fights to pass the historic Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Cranston’s portrayal of the larger-than-life president was a tour-de-force performance, earning him a Screen Actors Guild Award. He completely disappeared into the role, capturing the complex mix of political savvy, moral conviction, and crude intimidation that defined LBJ.
‘The Upside’ (2019)
Cranston co-starred with Kevin Hart in this comedy-drama, which became a major box office hit. He played Phillip Lacasse, an extremely wealthy man who is paralyzed from the neck down and hires an unqualified man with a criminal record to be his caregiver.
The role was a significant acting challenge, as he had to convey a full range of emotions using only his facial expressions and voice. His nuanced performance brought depth and dignity to the character, creating a heartwarming chemistry with Hart.
‘El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie’ (2019)
Cranston reprised his iconic role as Walter White for a special appearance in this sequel film, which focuses on Jesse Pinkman’s story after the events of the ‘Breaking Bad’ finale. He appears in a single, pivotal flashback scene set during the original series.
Though his appearance was brief, it was a powerful and nostalgic moment for fans. The scene provided new insight into Walt and Jesse’s complex relationship and served as a poignant reminder of where their journey began.
‘Your Honor’ (2020–2023)
Cranston made his return to a leading television role in this legal thriller. He played Michael Desiato, a highly respected New Orleans judge whose life unravels when his son is involved in a hit-and-run that kills the son of a powerful mob boss.
He delivered a compelling performance as a man who compromises his morals and abuses his power to protect his child. The role was another deep dive into complex, dark character psychology, similar to his work in ‘Breaking Bad’.
‘Jerry & Marge Go Large’ (2022)
In this charming film based on a true story, Cranston played Jerry Selbee. His character is a recently retired factory worker who discovers a mathematical loophole in a state lottery and, with his wife Marge, uses the winnings to revitalize their small town.
The role was a return to a lighter, more heartwarming persona for Cranston. His performance as the gentle and brilliant Jerry was praised, and the film was celebrated as a feel-good story about community and second chances.
‘Asteroid City’ (2023)
Cranston joined the ensemble cast of Wes Anderson’s film ‘Asteroid City’. He played the host of a black-and-white television program that serves as the framing device for the film’s main story, which is presented as a play.
His role as the classic 1950s-style television host was a perfect fit for Anderson’s unique, stylized world. The part showcased his versatility and his ability to collaborate with some of the most distinctive directors working today.
‘Everything’s Going to be Great’ (2025)
In the poignant family dramedy ‘Everything’s Going to be Great’, Cranston portrays a father navigating his family through loss and life’s imperfections. The film follows a group of siblings as they deal with a family diagnosis, offering an intimate look at their relationships.
This role continues Cranston’s pattern of choosing deeply human, character-driven stories. His performance provides the film with an emotional anchor, showcasing his ability to find humor and heart in difficult situations.
From comedy to tragedy, what is your definitive Bryan Cranston performance? Let us know in the comments.
