Bryan Cranston

Bryan Cranston

Birthday: March 7
Birthplace: Canoga Park, California

Bryan Cranston won three consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Walter White on AMC's Breaking Bad. Cranston holds the honor of being the first actor in a cable series, and the second lead actor in the history of the Emmy Awards to receive three consecutive wins. His performance also earned him a fourth Emmy nomination in 2013, a Television Critics Association award, two Golden Globe nominations and a Screen Actors Guild award.

Bryan Cranston won three consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Walter White on AMC's Breaking Bad. Cranston holds the honor of being the first actor in a cable series, and the second lead actor in the history of the Emmy Awards to receive three consecutive wins. His performance also earned him a fourth Emmy nomination in 2013, a Television Critics Association award, two Golden Globe nominations and a Screen Actors Guild award.

On the big screen, Cranston won a second Screen Actors Guild award for his co-starring role in the 2012 Oscar-winning Best Picture, Argo, essaying the role of CIA operative Jack O'Donnell opposite star-director Ben Affleck.

He is currently in production on Legendary Pictures remake of Godzilla starring opposite Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen. He will also voice a character in DreamWorks Kung Fu Panda 3.

He was heard as the voice of Vitality in Madagascar 3 Europe's Most Wanted, which grossed over $730 million worldwide. He also starred in Len Wiseman's remake of Total Recall, Adam Shankman's Rock of Ages and Nicolas Winding Refn's critically acclaimed film, Drive, opposite Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan.

Cranston's additional feature film credits include: Contagion, John Carter, Larry Crowne, The Lincoln Lawyer, Little Miss Sunshine, Seeing Other People, Saving Private Ryan and That Thing You Do!

Born to a show business family and raised in Southern California, Cranston made his acting debut at the age of eight in a United Way commercial. It wasn't until he finished college that acting became a serious consideration. While on a cross-country motorcycle trip with his brother, he discovered community theater and began exploring every aspect of the stage. Soon, he was cast in a summer stock company.

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 ABC's Loving. He went on to appear in numerous television roles including a seven-year run as Hal on FOX's Malcolm in the Middle, for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe and three Emmy awards; the recurring role of Dentist, Tim Whatley on Seinfeld; HBO's acclaimed miniseries, From the Earth to the Moon, as Buzz Aldrin, and the made-for-television movie I Know My First Name is Steven, among others. He has guest starred on numerous TV programs.

Cranston continues to pursue his love for theater whenever possible. Credits include: The God of Hell, Chapter Two, The Taming of the Shrew, A Doll's House, Eastern Standard, Wrestlers, Barefoot in the Park and The Steven Weed Show, for which he won a Drama-Logue Award.

Cranston is also a dedicated screenwriter and director. He wrote the original romantic drama, Last Chance as a birthday gift for his wife, Robin Dearden, and directed and starred in the film. Cranston has also directed several episodes of Malcolm in the Middle, the Comedy Central pilot Special Unit, Breaking Bad and recently an episode of Modern Family.

In early 2011, Cranston served as executive producer and star of an exclusive online series called The Handlers for Atom.com. The comedic short series followed Cranston as the character Jack Powers and his race to win a seat on the State Senate.

Cranston also produced an instructional DVD called KidSmartz, which is designed to educate families on how to stay safe from child abduction and Internet predators. KidSmartz raises money for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

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Awards & Nominations

15 Nominations | 6 Emmys
Outstanding Guest Actor In A Comedy Series - 2018
  • Nominee
  • Bryan Cranston, as Dr. Templeton
  • Curb Your Enthusiasm
  • "Running With The Bulls"
  • HBO
  • HBO Entertainment
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Series Or Movie - 2016
  • Nominee
  • Bryan Cranston, as Lyndon B. Johnson
  • All The Way
  • HBO
  • HBO Films in association with Amblin Television, Tale Told Productions, Moonshot Entertainment and Everyman Pictures
Outstanding Television Movie - 2016
  • Nominee
  • Bryan Cranston, Executive Producer
  • All The Way
  • HBO
  • HBO Films in association with Amblin Television, Tale Told Productions, Moonshot Entertainment and Everyman Pictures
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series - 2014
  • Winner
  • Bryan Cranston, as Walter White
  • Breaking Bad
  • AMC
  • Sony Pictures Television
Outstanding Drama Series - 2014
  • Winner
  • Bryan Cranston, Producer
  • Breaking Bad
  • AMC
  • Sony Pictures Television
Outstanding Drama Series - 2013
  • Winner
  • Bryan Cranston, Producer
  • Breaking Bad
  • AMC
  • Sony Pictures Television
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series - 2013
  • Nominee
  • Bryan Cranston, as Walter White
  • Breaking Bad
  • AMC
  • Sony Pictures Television
Outstanding Drama Series - 2012
  • Nominee
  • Bryan Cranston, Producer
  • Breaking Bad
  • AMC
  • Sony Pictures Television
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series - 2012
  • Nominee
  • Bryan Cranston, as Walter White
  • Breaking Bad
  • AMC
  • Sony Pictures Television
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series - 2010
  • Winner
  • Bryan Cranston, as Walter White
  • Breaking Bad
  • AMC
  • Sony Pictures Television
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series - 2009
  • Winner
  • Bryan Cranston, as Walter White
  • Breaking Bad
  • AMC
  • Sony Pictures Television
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series - 2008
  • Winner
  • Bryan Cranston, as Walt White
  • Breaking Bad
  • AMC
  • Sony Pictures Television

The Television Academy database lists prime-time Emmy information. Click here to learn more

Bryan Cranston speaks during the 72nd Emmy Awards.
Robin Dearden and Bryan Cranston
Bryan Cranston
Bryan Cranston and Nina Gold
2018 Performers Peer Group Celebration
2018 Performers Peer Group Celebration
Claire Danes and Bryan Cranston present an award at the 2016 Primetime Emmys.
Bryan Cranston presents the award to Sarah Paulson at the 2016 Primetime Emmys.
Robin Dearden and Bryan Cranston on the red carpet at the 2016 Primetime Emmys.
Aaron Paul, Bryan Cranston
Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad accepts an award at the 66th Emmy Awards.
Anna Gunn, Aaron Paul (c) and Bryan Cranston (r) accept the award for outstanding drama series for their work on Breaking Bad at the 66th Emmys.
Seth Meyers (l) of Late Night with Seth Meyers and Bryan Cranston (r) of Breaking Bad at the 66th Emmy Awards.
Jim Parsons (l), Julia-Louis Dreyfus (c) and Bryan Cranston (r) at the 66th Emmy Awards.
Bryan Cranston, Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Vince Gilligan (l) of Breaking Bad, Anna Gunn (c) of Gracepoint and Bryan Cranston (r) of Breaking Bad at the 66th Emmys.
Bryan Cranston (l) and Aaron Paul (r) of Breaking Bad at the 66th Emmy Awards.
Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad and his wife, Robin Dearden arrive at the 66th Emmy Awards.
Mark Harmon and Bryan Cranston hang out in the Audi Green Room at the 65th Emmy Awards.
The cast and creators of Breaking Bad at the Backstage Live Thank You Cam
Bryan Cranston and Claire Danes on stage at the 65th Emmys
Bryan Cranston and Claire Danes on stage at the 65th Emmys
Aaron Paul, Bryan Cranston, Leslie Mann and Judd Apatow on the Red Carpet at the 65th Emmys
Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul on the Red Carpet at the 65th Emmys
Actor Bryan Cranston
Bryan Cranston
Bryan Cranston, Bruce Rosenblum and Aaron Paul attend an Evening with Breaking Bad
Vince Gilligan and Bryan Cranston participate in an Evening with Breaking Bad
Bryan Cranston participates in an Evening with Breaking Bad
Bryan Cranston participates in an Evening with Breaking Bad
Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn, Aaron Paul, Giancarlo Esposito, Betsy Brandt and Dean Norris in an Evening with Breaking Bad
Bryan Cranston participates in an Evening with Breaking Bad
Bryan Cranston participates in an Evening with Breaking Bad
Pete Hammond, Vince Gilligan, Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn, Aaron Paul, Giancarlo Esposito, Betsy Brandt, Dean Norris & R.J. Mitte
Bryan Cranston and Anna Gunn participate in an Evening with Breaking Bad
Bryan Cranston participates in an Evening with Breaking Bad
Bryan Cranston arrives at an Evening with Breaking Bad
Bryan Cranston arrives at an Evening with Breaking Bad
Bryan Cranston arrives at an Evening with Breaking Bad
Bryan Cranston and Tom Hanks
Actors Bryan Cranston and Tom Hanks attend the 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre
Actor Bryan Cranston arrives at the 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Nokia Theatre
Kiefer Sutherland & Bryan Cranston at the 60th Primetime Emmys
Bryan Cranston - Charles Bush Photo Gallery 3
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Bryan Cranston speaks during the 72nd Emmy Awards.
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Bryan Cranston speaks during the 72nd Emmy Awards. 

Invision/AP
Robin Dearden and Bryan Cranston
Camera

Robin Dearden and Bryan Cranston on the red carpet 2018 Creative Arts Emmys.

Invision/AP
Bryan Cranston
Camera

Bryan Cranston presents an award at the 2018 Creative Arts Emmys.

Invision/AP
Bryan Cranston and Nina Gold
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Bryan Cranston presents an award to Nina Gold at the 2018 Creative Arts Emmys.

Invision/AP
2018 Performers Peer Group Celebration
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Alexis Denisof, Alyson Hannigan, and Bryan Cranston attend the Television Academy’s 2018 Performers Peer Group Celebration of the 70th Emmy Awards at NeueHouse Hollywood on Monday, August 20, 2018, in Los Angeles, California.

Invision/AP
2018 Performers Peer Group Celebration
Camera

Bryan Cranston at the Television Academy’s 2018 Performers Peer Group Celebration of the 70th Emmy Awards at NeueHouse Hollywood on Monday, August 20, 2018, in Los Angeles, California.

Invision/AP
Claire Danes and Bryan Cranston present an award at the 2016 Primetime Emmys.
Camera

Claire Danes and Bryan Cranston present an award at the 2016 Primetime Emmys.

Invision/AP
Bryan Cranston presents the award to Sarah Paulson at the 2016 Primetime Emmys.
Camera

Bryan Cranston presents the award to Sarah Paulson at the 2016 Primetime Emmys. 

Invision/AP
Robin Dearden and Bryan Cranston on the red carpet at the 2016 Primetime Emmys.
Camera

Robin Dearden and Bryan Cranston on the red carpet at the 2016 Primetime Emmys.

Invision/AP
Aaron Paul, Bryan Cranston
Camera

Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad celebrate their wins at the 66th Emmys Governors Ball.

Invision/AP
Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad accepts an award at the 66th Emmy Awards.
Camera

Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad accepts an award at the 66th Emmy Awards.

Invision/AP
Anna Gunn, Aaron Paul (c) and Bryan Cranston (r) accept the award for outstanding drama series for their work on Breaking Bad at the 66th Emmys.
Camera

Anna Gunn, Aaron Paul (c) and Bryan Cranston (r) accept the award for outstanding drama series for their work on Breaking Bad at the 66th Emmys. 

Invision/AP
Seth Meyers (l) of Late Night with Seth Meyers and Bryan Cranston (r) of Breaking Bad at the 66th Emmy Awards.
Camera

Seth Meyers (l) of Late Night with Seth Meyers and Bryan Cranston (r) of Breaking Bad at the 66th Emmy Awards.

Invision/AP
Jim Parsons (l), Julia-Louis Dreyfus (c) and Bryan Cranston (r) at the 66th Emmy Awards.
Camera

Jim Parsons (l), Julia-Louis Dreyfus (c) and Bryan Cranston (r) at the 66th Emmy Awards.

Invision/AP
Bryan Cranston, Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Camera

Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad and Julia Louis-Dreyfus of Veep backstage at the 66th Emmys.

Invision/AP
Vince Gilligan (l) of Breaking Bad, Anna Gunn (c) of Gracepoint and Bryan Cranston (r) of Breaking Bad at the 66th Emmys.
Camera

Vince Gilligan (l) of Breaking Bad, Anna Gunn (c) of Gracepoint and Bryan Cranston (r) of Breaking Bad at the 66th Emmys.

Invision/AP
Bryan Cranston (l) and Aaron Paul (r) of Breaking Bad at the 66th Emmy Awards.
Camera

Bryan Cranston (l) and Aaron Paul (r) of Breaking Bad at the 66th Emmy Awards.

Invision/AP
Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad and his wife, Robin Dearden arrive at the 66th Emmy Awards.
Camera

Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad and his wife, Robin Dearden arrive at the 66th Emmy Awards.

Invision/AP
Camera

Matthew McConaughey (l) with wife Camila Alves and Bryan Cranston (r) at the 2014 Television Critics Awards.

Mark Harmon and Bryan Cranston hang out in the Audi Green Room at the 65th Emmy Awards.
Camera
Invision/AP
The cast and creators of Breaking Bad at the Backstage Live Thank You Cam
Camera
Invision/AP
Bryan Cranston and Claire Danes on stage at the 65th Emmys
Camera
Invision/AP
Bryan Cranston and Claire Danes on stage at the 65th Emmys
Camera
Invision/AP
Aaron Paul, Bryan Cranston, Leslie Mann and Judd Apatow on the Red Carpet at the 65th Emmys
Camera
Invision/AP
Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul on the Red Carpet at the 65th Emmys
Camera
Invision/AP
Actor Bryan Cranston
Bryan Cranston
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Charles Sykes/Invision/AP
Bryan Cranston, Bruce Rosenblum and Aaron Paul attend an Evening with Breaking Bad
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Vince Gilligan and Bryan Cranston participate in an Evening with Breaking Bad
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Bryan Cranston participates in an Evening with Breaking Bad
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Bryan Cranston participates in an Evening with Breaking Bad
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Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn, Aaron Paul, Giancarlo Esposito, Betsy Brandt and Dean Norris in an Evening with Breaking Bad
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Bryan Cranston participates in an Evening with Breaking Bad
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Bryan Cranston participates in an Evening with Breaking Bad
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Pete Hammond, Vince Gilligan, Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn, Aaron Paul, Giancarlo Esposito, Betsy Brandt, Dean Norris & R.J. Mitte
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Bryan Cranston and Anna Gunn participate in an Evening with Breaking Bad
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Bryan Cranston participates in an Evening with Breaking Bad
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PictureGroup
Bryan Cranston arrives at an Evening with Breaking Bad
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Bryan Cranston arrives at an Evening with Breaking Bad
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Bryan Cranston arrives at an Evening with Breaking Bad
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Bryan Cranston and Tom Hanks
Actors Bryan Cranston and Tom Hanks attend the 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre
Actor Bryan Cranston arrives at the 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Nokia Theatre
Kiefer Sutherland & Bryan Cranston at the 60th Primetime Emmys
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Mathew Imaging
Bryan Cranston - Charles Bush Photo Gallery 3
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Charles Willliam Bush Photography
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