Aaron Paul’s Audition That Won Him ‘Breaking Bad’ Revealed

Aaron Paul once shared the story of how he landed his career-making role as Jesse Pinkman on Breaking Bad, revealing that his audition didn’t go as smoothly as fans might imagine.

Speaking to The Guardian in 2019, Paul reflected on the impact the role had on his career. “A lot of people will always see me as Jesse, and I take that as a compliment,” he said. “The show was a game changer. At the beginning of my career, I was not great. Even at the beginning of Breaking Bad – I was OK, I got the job. But I grew so much as an actor. Everyone saw it.”

During his audition, Paul was so nervous that he flubbed a line, leaving the room convinced he had ruined his chance. “Oh my god, I just f*** this up! And so, I walk out, and I’m just biting my nails ’cause I was desperate. I mean, I really have no money.

I don’t have any money,” Paul recalled to Acting Magazine. “And so, it wasn’t just that I was in love with the material. I also had to have this happen.”

You can check out the audition on YouTube.

Despite the shaky audition, a personal connection with the show’s creator, Vince Gilligan, saved Paul’s career.

Gilligan was impressed by him and insisted he should play Jesse Pinkman, even though other decision-makers were hesitant. That vote of confidence launched Paul into the spotlight.

After Breaking Bad, Aaron Paul’s career continued to flourish. He starred in popular TV shows like HBO’s Westworld and appeared in films including Need for Speed. He also reprised his iconic role as Jesse Pinkman in Netflix’s El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, further cementing his status in television history.

Paul has since built a diverse career in both TV and film, taking on roles that show his range beyond the character that made him famous.

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