Spotlight on: Bryan Cranston
Published on 12 November 2025
Bryan Cranston is an actor known across generations, having starred in family sitcoms, kids TV shows, adult comedies, and acclaimed dramas. Over his long and varied career, he has won two Critics' Choice Movie Awards, a Drama Desk Award, six Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, an Olivier Award, five Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two Tony Awards, as well as nominations for an Oscar and a British Academy Film Award, and a Directors Guild of America Award. Making him one of the most successful, respected and recognisable figures in film, television, and theatre.
Who is Bryan Cranston?
Born on 7 March 1956, in Hollywood, California, Bryan Cranston began his career in the late 1970s with small TV roles and commercial work. His ability to switch between comedy and drama has made him a familiar face to audiences of all ages. Whether playing lighthearted or deeply complex characters, Cranston brings humour, heart, and emotional depth to every performance.
Where have I seen him before?
Many will remember Cranston as Hal, the well-meaning but chaotic father in the hit sitcom Malcolm in the Middle. The role showcased his impeccable comic timing and made him a household name. On stage, his last London appearance was in Network at the National Theatre, a gripping adaptation of the 1976 film. The production was a smash-hit, earning Cranston an Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Play.
Wasn’t he in Breaking Bad?
Yes! Cranston’s portrayal of Walter White in Breaking Bad became a defining television role of the 21st century. As a mild-mannered chemistry teacher who turns to drug manufacturing, Cranston delivered a performance that was both unsettling and deeply compelling. The show became a global cultural phenomenon, earning him four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, solidifying his place in TV history.
What else have I seen him in?
Beyond Malcolm in the Middle and Breaking Bad, Cranston has starred in a wide range of projects. His film credits include Trumbo - which earned him an Academy Award nomination - as well as Argo, Drive, and Godzilla. He’s also lent his voice to popular animated films such as Kung Fu Panda 3 and Isle of Dogs, proving his appeal across genres and audiences.
What’s next for Bryan Cranston?
Bryan Cranston is currently starring alongside Paapa Essiedu and Marianne Jean-Baptiste in Ivo van Hove’s adaptation of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons. This critically acclaimed production plays at Wyndham’s Theatre until 7 March 2026, giving London theatregoers another chance to see one of television and theatre’s most familiar faces live.
