If you haven't seen Bryan Cranston in one of his many diverse roles, other than the happy and hairy Hal on FOX's hit comedy, Malcolm in the Middle, it is probably because you didn't recognize him! Bryan is one of those actors who is capable of wearing many different hats to suit a character.
Cranston's performance on Malcolm in the Middle has earned him two Emmy nominations, as well as, a Golden Globe Nomination. The award winning show completed 151 episodes during its seven season run.
Before joining Malcolm, Cranston was making viewer's laugh on Seinfeld, as the recurring character of Dentist Tim Whatley. He also appeared in Steven Speilberg's Saving Private Ryan, as a hardened one-armed Army Colonel, and in Tom Hanks Emmy Award winning HBO series, From the Earth to the Moon, in which he was honored to portray Buzz Aldrin.
Cranston also starred in the mini-series, I Know My First Name is Steven, and North and South Book II, among others. He has starred in the series The Louie Show and Raising Miranda; and had recurring roles on Brooklyn South, and King of Queens. He has guest starred on numerous programs such as, Chicago Hope, Touched By An Angel, X-Files, Rockford Files, 3rd Rock From the Sun, and many more.
His feature film credits include Little Miss Sunshine, Seeing Other People, That Thing You Do, Clean Slate, Kissing Miranda, Dead Space, Private Offerings, Terror Tract, just to name a few.
Born to a show business family and raised in Southern California, Cranston made his acting debut at the age of eight when he appeared in a United Way commercial. But it wasnt until he finished college that acting became a serious consideration. His earlier interests were law enforcement and sports, especially baseball. "I wanted to be a professional baseball player until I realized that I brought a new meaning to the word "mediocre," Cranston quips."
He earned a degree in Police Science, but then did some soul-searching while on a two-year cross-country motorcycle trip with his brother Kyle. Staying in Daytona Beach, Florida for the winter, they discovered community theater, and began exploring every aspect of the stage. Soon they were cast in a summer stock company. "At that point, I realized I needed to pursue what I loved, not just what I was good at, so becoming a detective was out and acting was in, Cranston conceded."
Cranston returned to Los Angeles and quickly landed a role on the television movie, Love Without End, which led to his being signed as an original cast member of the popular ABC series, Loving.
He continues to pursue his love for theater as often as time permits. Cranstons theatrical credits include starring roles in The Taming of the Shrew and A Dolls House for the Santa Cruz Shakespeare Company, as well as, Los Angeles productions of Eastern Standard, Wrestlers, Barefoot in the Park, and The Steven Weed Show, for which he won a Drama-Logue Award.
In addition to his acting capabilities, Cranston is also a dedicated screenwriter and director. He wrote the original romantic drama, Last Chance, as a birthday gift for his wife, in which he also starred and directed. Last Chance was honored at many prestigious film festivals including winning Best Film Awards at Breckenridge, Colorado and Knoxville, Tennessee, as well as, Audience Favorites in Palm Springs, California, Sarasota, Florida, and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, among others. Last Chance is available in stores and at Amazon.com. Cranston also directed several episodes of Malcolm in the Middle, and the Comedy Central pilot Special Unit.
Additionally, Cranston has produced an instructional DVD called KidSmartz, which is designed to educate families on how to stay safe from child abduction and internet predators. KidSmartz empowers families with knowledge on the subject, instead of frightening them into inactivity. Also, KidSmartz raises money for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, by donating half the proceeds from sales.
