10/31/2025
Nobody thought Bryan Cranston could ever be taken seriously as a “bad guy” after Malcolm in the Middle… yet he became one of the most iconic characters in modern TV history.
Aaron Paul was broke and nearly overlooked by the casting team — but Vince Gilligan believed in him. Jesse Pinkman was meant to last only one season, and instead, he became the perfect partner to Walter White.
Bob Odenkirk was directing commercials before landing the role of Saul Goodman, a character created for just a few episodes. He became so important that he got his own prequel, Better Call Saul — a series some fans even rank above Breaking Bad.
Giancarlo Esposito once hit rock bottom financially, even admitting he once thought of faking his own death so his family could survive. He went on to deliver one of the greatest villain performances ever as Gus Fring.
Jonathan Banks was originally brought in for a single episode, covering for Bob Odenkirk’s busy schedule. Instead, Mike Ehrmantraut became one of TV’s most legendary characters.
Stories like these are why Breaking Bad isn’t just a show — it’s television history.