Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Aaron Paul
How Aaron Paul built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Aaron Paul is a highly acclaimed American actor and producer, most famous for his role as Jesse Pinkman in the hit AMC series Breaking Bad (2008–2013). His performance earned him widespread recognition and numerous accolades, including three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, a Golden Globe nomination, and a record three Saturn Awards for Best Supporting Actor on Television. He revisited his iconic role in the Netflix sequel film El Camino (2019) and in the final season of Better Call Saul (2022).
1996: International Modeling and Talent Association Competition
In 1996, Aaron Paul participated in the International Modeling and Talent Association competition in Los Angeles, where he won runner-up and signed with a manager.
2000: Appearance in Whatever It Takes
In 2000, Aaron Paul appeared in the film Whatever It Takes.
2001: Appearance in Help! I'm a Fish and K-PAX
In 2001, Aaron Paul appeared in the films Help! I'm a Fish and K-PAX.
2002: Appearance in National Lampoon's Van Wilder
In 2002, Aaron Paul appeared in National Lampoon's Van Wilder.
2005: Appearance in Bad Girls From Valley High
In 2005, Aaron Paul appeared in the film Bad Girls From Valley High.
2006: Big Love Series Debut
In 2006, Aaron Paul appeared in the HBO series Big Love.
2006: Appearance in Choking Man and Mission: Impossible III
In 2006, Aaron Paul appeared in the films Choking Man and Mission: Impossible III.
2007: Recurring Role in Big Love
In 2007, Aaron Paul secured a recurring role as Scott Quittman on the HBO series Big Love.
2008: Breaking Bad Debut
In 2008, Aaron Paul began playing Jesse Pinkman on the AMC series Breaking Bad, a role initially intended to be short-lived but extended due to his chemistry with Bryan Cranston.
2009: Appearance in The Last House on the Left
In 2009, Aaron Paul appeared in the film The Last House on the Left.
2009: Starring in The Last House on the Left Remake
In 2009, Aaron Paul starred in the remake of The Last House on the Left.
2010: Starring as "Weird Al" Yankovic in Funny or Die Short
In 2010, Aaron Paul starred as "Weird Al" Yankovic in the Funny or Die short Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.
2011: Big Love Series Conclusion
In 2011, the HBO series Big Love concluded, marking the end of Aaron Paul's recurring role as Scott Quittman.
2012: Smashed Premiere at Sundance and ESPN Interview
In 2012, Aaron Paul starred in the film Smashed, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. He also discussed his childhood as a Boise State Broncos fan and the challenges of portraying a meth addict in Breaking Bad in an interview with ESPN.
2013: Fundraising for the Kind Campaign
In 2013, Aaron Paul helped organize a contest to raise $1.6 million for his wife's non-profit anti-bullying organization, the Kind Campaign.
2013: Voice Role in Tron: Uprising
In 2013, Aaron Paul voiced the character Cyrus in Tron: Uprising.
2013: Feature on Zen Freeman's Dance Song and SNL Appearance
In 2013, Aaron Paul was featured on Zen Freeman's dance song "Dance Bitch" and made a surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live's 39th season opener as "meth nephew".
2013: Breaking Bad Conclusion
In 2013, the AMC series Breaking Bad concluded, marking the end of Aaron Paul's portrayal of Jesse Pinkman in the original series.
2014: Appearance in Need for Speed
In 2014, Aaron Paul appeared in the film Need for Speed.
2014: Starring in Need for Speed, Hellion, and Exodus: Gods and Kings
In 2014, Aaron Paul starred in Need for Speed, Hellion, and co-starred in the biblical epic Exodus: Gods and Kings.
2014: Starring in Need for Speed and Other Films
In 2014, Aaron Paul starred in films such as Need for Speed, Hellion, and Exodus: Gods and Kings.
2015: Role in Eye in the Sky
In 2015, Aaron Paul appeared in the film Eye in the Sky.
2016: Roles in The Path and Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV
In 2016, Aaron Paul began playing Eddie Lane in the Hulu series The Path and voiced the main protagonist in Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV.
2016: Roles in The 9th Life of Louis Drax and WWE Raw Appearance
In 2016, Aaron Paul played the young Louis Drax's father in The 9th Life of Louis Drax and appeared on WWE Raw to promote Need for Speed.
2016: Starring in Central Intelligence
In 2016, Aaron Paul starred in the film Central Intelligence.
2018: Joining Westworld Cast
In 2018, Aaron Paul joined the cast of the HBO science fiction western series Westworld for its third season, portraying the character Caleb Nichols.
2018: The Path Series Conclusion
In 2018, Aaron Paul's role as Eddie Lane in the Hulu drama series The Path concluded.
2019: Launch of Dos Hombres Mezcal
In 2019, Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston released their own line of mezcal called Dos Hombres.
2019: Truth Be Told Series Debut
In 2019, Aaron Paul became a regular cast member on the Apple TV+ crime drama series Truth Be Told.
2019: El Camino Release
In 2019, Aaron Paul reprised his role as Jesse Pinkman in the Netflix sequel film El Camino, continuing the Breaking Bad storyline.
2019: Positive Remarks About Asexual Community
In 2019, Aaron Paul spoke positively about the asexual community, stating he was proud to represent the community through his character Todd Chavez on BoJack Horseman.
2020: Role in Westworld
In 2020, Aaron Paul portrayed Eddie Lane in the Hulu drama series The Path and Caleb Nichols in the HBO science fiction drama series Westworld.
2022: Better Call Saul Appearance
In 2022, Aaron Paul reprised the role of Jesse Pinkman during the final season of the spin-off series Better Call Saul.
2022: Westworld Series Conclusion
In 2022, Aaron Paul's role as Caleb Nichols in the HBO science fiction drama series Westworld concluded.
2023: Starring in Black Mirror Episode
In 2023, Aaron Paul starred as Cliff in the season 6 episode of the Netflix anthology series Black Mirror, "Beyond the Sea", receiving praise for his performance.
2023: Truth Be Told Series Conclusion
In 2023, the Apple TV+ crime drama series Truth Be Told concluded, marking the end of Aaron Paul's role in the series.
