Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Bryan Cranston
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Bryan Cranston made an impact.
Bryan Cranston is a celebrated American actor, renowned for his iconic roles as Walter White in 'Breaking Bad' and Hal in 'Malcolm in the Middle.' His critically acclaimed performance in 'Breaking Bad' earned him widespread recognition and numerous accolades. Throughout his career, Cranston has garnered six Primetime Emmy Awards, two Tony Awards, and two Golden Globes. Furthermore, he has received nominations for an Academy Award and a BAFTA Award, showcasing his exceptional talent and versatility in both television and film.
1976: Network Film
Bryan Cranston portrayed the news anchor Howard Beale in the play Network, an adaptation of the 1976 film of the same name.
1983: Loving Soap Opera
In 1983, Bryan Cranston became an original cast member of the ABC soap opera Loving, playing Douglas Donovan.
1985: Departure from Loving
In 1985, Bryan Cranston concluded his appearance in the ABC soap opera Loving, after playing Douglas Donovan.
1988: The Big Turnaround
In 1988, Bryan Cranston starred in The Big Turnaround, a film directed by his father.
1988: Raising Miranda Series
In 1988, Bryan Cranston starred in the short-lived series Raising Miranda.
1989: Baywatch Appearance
In 1989, Bryan Cranston played Tom Logan in an episode of the TV series Baywatch.
1990: Total Recall Remake
In 2012, he starred in the remake of the 1990 film Total Recall.
1993: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Voice Work
In 1993, Bryan Cranston began voice work for Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
1994: Seinfeld Recurring Role
In 1994, Bryan Cranston got the recurring role of Dr. Tim Whatley on Seinfeld.
1996: That Thing You Do! Film
In 1996, Bryan Cranston played Gus Grissom in the film That Thing You Do!.
1997: Supporting Roles
In 1997, Bryan Cranston played a supporting role in Strategic Command and had a small role in Babylon 5.
1998: The X-Files and From the Earth to the Moon
In 1998, Bryan Cranston appeared in The X-Files episode "Drive" and played Buzz Aldrin in the HBO miniseries From the Earth to the Moon, as well as appearing in Saving Private Ryan.
1998: Saving Private Ryan
In 1998, Bryan Cranston appeared in the film Saving Private Ryan.
1999: Last Chance and The King of Queens
In 1999, Bryan Cranston wrote and directed the film Last Chance and made his second appearance on The King of Queens.
2000: Landing Role in Malcolm in the Middle
In 2000, Bryan Cranston secured a leading role as Hal in the comedy series Malcolm in the Middle.
2000: Malcolm in the Middle Premiere
In 2000, Bryan Cranston started in the Fox sitcom Malcolm in the Middle, playing Hal.
2001: 'Twas the Night and Gary & Mike
In 2001, Bryan Cranston starred in the Disney Channel movie 'Twas the Night and provided voice work for Gary & Mike.
2006: Little Miss Sunshine
In 2006, Bryan Cranston appeared in the film Little Miss Sunshine.
2006: Malcolm in the Middle Series Finale
In 2006, Bryan Cranston completed his performance as Hal in the Fox sitcom Malcolm in the Middle.
2006: Guest Roles and Little Miss Sunshine
In 2006, Bryan Cranston had a guest role on How I Met Your Mother and appeared in the film Little Miss Sunshine.
2006: End of Malcolm in the Middle
In 2006, Bryan Cranston's role in Malcolm in the Middle concluded, having directed several episodes and received Emmy nominations.
September 2008: Narration of Audiobook
In September 2008, Bryan Cranston narrated the audiobook Adventures with Kazmir the Flying Camel.
2008: Start of Breaking Bad
From 2008, Bryan Cranston starred in Breaking Bad as Walter White, a chemistry teacher turned drug manufacturer.
2008: Breaking Bad Premiere
In 2008, Bryan Cranston began his starring role as Walter White in the AMC series Breaking Bad, marking a significant milestone in his career.
2011: Drive and Contagion
In 2011, Bryan Cranston appeared in the films Drive and Contagion.
2011: Becomes Producer on Breaking Bad
In 2011, Bryan Cranston became a producer for Breaking Bad, later winning the award for Outstanding Drama Series.
2011: Supporting Roles in Films
In 2011, Bryan Cranston had supporting roles in The Lincoln Lawyer, Drive, and Contagion. He also voiced James Gordon in Batman: Year One.
2012: Argo and Madagascar 3
In 2012, Bryan Cranston appeared in Argo and voiced Vitaly in Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted.
2012: Film Roles and Academy Invitation
In 2012, Bryan Cranston appeared in John Carter, Madagascar 3, Rock of Ages, and Argo. He also joined the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
September 2013: All the Way on Stage
From September 2013, Bryan Cranston played Lyndon B. Johnson in the American Repertory Theater production of All the Way.
2013: Breaking Bad Finale
In 2013, Bryan Cranston concluded his role as Walter White in Breaking Bad.
April 2014: Broadway Cares Presentation
In April 2014, Cranston presented at Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Easter Bonnet Competition with Idina Menzel, Fran Drescher, and Denzel Washington, after raising donations at his Broadway show All the Way.
June 2014: All the Way on Broadway
Until June 2014, Bryan Cranston played Lyndon B. Johnson in the Broadway production of All the Way.
2014: New TV Projects
Following the success of Breaking Bad, reports in 2014 indicated that Bryan Cranston was developing new TV projects with Sony Pictures Television.
2015: Sneaky Pete Series
From 2015, Bryan Cranston played Vince Lonigan in the Amazon Prime Video series Sneaky Pete, where he was also a co-creator and writer.
2015: Dalton Trumbo in Trumbo
In 2015, Bryan Cranston starred as screenwriter Dalton Trumbo in the biopic Trumbo, earning his first Academy Award nomination.
October 11, 2016: A Life in Parts Publication
On October 11, 2016, Bryan Cranston's memoir, A Life in Parts, was published, became a New York Times bestseller, and received positive reviews.
2016: All the Way HBO Film
In 2016, Bryan Cranston reprised his role as President Lyndon B. Johnson in the HBO film All the Way.
2016: All the Way HBO Adaptation and Other Roles
In 2016, Bryan Cranston reprised his role in an HBO adaptation of All the Way, voiced Li in Kung Fu Panda 3, and appeared in The Infiltrator and Wakefield. He also published his memoir, A Life in Parts, on October 11, 2016.
2016: The Infiltrator and Kung Fu Panda 3
In 2016, Bryan Cranston starred in The Infiltrator and voiced a role in Kung Fu Panda 3.
2016: Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams
In 2016, Bryan Cranston starred in an episode and served as executive producer for Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams.
November 2017: Network Play
In November 2017, Bryan Cranston portrayed Howard Beale in the play Network.
2017: The Upside
In 2017, Bryan Cranston appeared in the film The Upside.
2017: Power Rangers Return
In 2017, Bryan Cranston voiced Zordon in Lionsgate's Power Rangers, marking his return to the franchise.
October 2018: Voice for Ford Commercials
In October 2018, Cranston became the voice for a new series of Ford commercials featuring the tagline 'Built Ford Proud'.
December 6, 2018: Network on Broadway
On December 6, 2018, the play Network, starring Bryan Cranston, opened on Broadway at the Belasco Theatre.
2018: Isle of Dogs
In 2018, Bryan Cranston voiced a role in Isle of Dogs.
July 2019: Dos Hombres Mezcal Release
In July 2019, Cranston and Breaking Bad co-star Aaron Paul announced the release of their signature mezcal, Dos Hombres.
2019: Sneaky Pete Series Finale
In 2019, Bryan Cranston concluded his appearance in the Amazon Prime Video series Sneaky Pete.
2020: Your Honor Series
In 2020, Bryan Cranston began starring in the drama series Your Honor.
2022: Reprising Walter White
In 2022, Cranston reprised the role of Walter White during the final season of the Breaking Bad prequel series Better Call Saul.
2023: Asteroid City
In 2023, Bryan Cranston appeared in the film Asteroid City.
2023: Your Honor Series Finale
In 2023, Bryan Cranston completed his appearance in the drama series Your Honor.
2024: Kung Fu Panda 4
In 2024, Bryan Cranston voiced a role in Kung Fu Panda 4.
2024: Campaigning for Kamala Harris
In the 2024 presidential election, Cranston stumped for the Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.
