Anthony Hopkins Praises Bryan Cranston's Performance in Breaking Bad

After binge-watching all five seasons of Breaking Bad, Anthony Hopkins was so moved by the series that he penned a personal letter to its lead actor, Bryan Cranston. This heartfelt correspondence has gained notoriety, showcasing the high regard in which Hopkins holds Cranston's performance.

Hopkins, renowned for his portrayal of Hannibal Lecter and a two-time Oscar winner, chose to highlight Cranston's unforgettable performance as Walter White rather than discussing his own illustrious career. His admiration for Cranston's work in Breaking Bad is profound, prompting him to reach out after consuming the entire series created by Vince Gilligan in just a few weeks.

A Letter of Admiration

The story dates back to 2013 when the letter made its way online, notably shared by Steven Michael Quezada, who played Steven Gomez in Breaking Bad. The authenticity of the letter was later confirmed by Hopkins's representative.

In his letter, Hopkins described the experience of watching the show as transformative, stating:

"Dear Mr. Cranston,

(...)

I just finished a Breaking Bad marathon—from the first episode of season one to the last of the final season. Two weeks of purely addictive viewing.

(...)

I have never seen anything like it. It’s brilliant! And your performance as Walter White is the best I have ever seen. (...) Your portrayal is spectacular, absolutely magnificent.

(...)

What began as a dark comedy transformed into a labyrinth of blood and Mephistophelean destruction. The series is like a Jacobean play, or Shakespeare, or a great Greek tragedy. If you have the chance, could you please convey my admiration to Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Aaron Paul, Betsy Brandt, RJ Mitte, Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Steven Michael Quezada, everyone, as each gave a true lesson in acting.

(...)

Thank you. Such quality, such craftsmanship is rare and when it is displayed like this in a series like yours, it restores confidence. You and the rest of the cast are the best actors I have ever seen perform.

(...)

My congratulations and deepest respect. You are truly a great, a very great actor.

Best,

Tony Hopkins.

This commendation carries significant weight coming from an actor of Hopkins's caliber, who has had a career spanning over six decades with notable films including The Silence of the Lambs, Dracula, The Remains of the Day, Nixon, and The Father, the latter earning him his second Oscar nearly thirty years after his first.

Cranston Reflects on the Praise

Years later, Bryan Cranston still recalls the impact of receiving such a letter from a legend in the industry. In a 2023 interview with People, he expressed his gratitude and surprise:

"He just loved Breaking Bad and thought it was phenomenal, and I was so touched by it."

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Cranston's portrayal of Walter White, a chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin, has left an indelible mark on television history. His transformation into the character, known as Heisenberg, earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. The series itself has become one of the most critically acclaimed shows, winning 16 Emmy Awards throughout its run.

A Memorable Meeting

The admiration between Hopkins and Cranston eventually led to a real-life meeting. The two actors shared a lunch in Los Angeles, accompanied by Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan. For Cranston, the experience was surreal.

He recounted:

"I’m sitting there talking to one of the greatest actors of all time, and I’m just in awe. You try not to be dazzled by the celebrity, and you don’t want to be a fanboy asking about every movie. You want to have a decent conversation. It’s both nerve-wracking and exciting."

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This encounter adds another layer to the story of Hopkins's letter, highlighting the mutual respect between two giants of the acting world. Bryan Cranston, impressed by the opportunity to dine with one of his idols, and Anthony Hopkins, recognizing Cranston's performance as one of the finest he has ever witnessed.

For those interested, the full letter from Anthony Hopkins to Bryan Cranston is available for reading.

Breaking Bad is also available for streaming in its entirety on Netflix.