Breaking Bad cast and character guide: Who plays whom in the hit AMC crime drama

Breaking Bad | Image Via: Sony Pictures Television
Breaking Bad | Image Via: Sony Pictures Television

Breaking Bad dives into the story of how a teacher’s life takes a turn after he is diagnosed with cancer. This sudden change in his life triggers him to make the decision to use his intellect to make drugs. However, soon this drug trade becomes a huge empire.

Filled with intense thrill and depth, Breaking Bad is a series worth investing your time in. The cast members of this series are the crucial part in making the story come to life and eventually making the series a worldwide phenomenon.


Breaking Bad cast and character guide

1) Bryan Cranston as Walter White

Breaking Bad | Image Via: Sony Pictures Television
Breaking Bad | Image Via: Sony Pictures Television

Bryan Cranston’s Walter White quickly transforms from a simple teacher to a drug lord when his life takes a turn. He uses his intellect to spread his business and becomes unstoppable. Throughout the series, there is a slow and steady growth of his character.

This aspect leaves a lasting impact. At the heart of Breaking Bad, Bryan Cranston’s performance shines bright throughout the series. Besides his performance as Walter White in the series, each and every role that he took on resonated deeply with the viewers. Some of Cranston’s best works include Trumbo, Malcolm in the Middle, All the Way, The Studio, Your Honor, etc.


2) Betsy Brandt as Marie Schrader

Breaking Bad | Image Via: Sony Pictures Television
Breaking Bad | Image Via: Sony Pictures Television

Betsy Brandt’s Marie is quite an intriguing character in the series. With her multitude of advice for others, she knows how to navigate through the complications with ease.

In the series, Betsy Brandt’s performance adds a layer of complexity to Marie’s character. With projects like Life in Pieces, Soulmates, and many more, her acting prowess extends to voice acting roles as well.


3) RJ Mitte as Walter White Jr.

Breaking Bad | Image Via: Sony Pictures Television
Breaking Bad | Image Via: Sony Pictures Television

RJ Mitte’s performance as Walter White Jr. in the series comes with a distinct significance. This is because the actor also struggles with cerebral palsy himself. To achieve the subtle nuances of Walter White Jr.’s character, Mitte had to go through intense training to perfectly portray the character.

It cannot be denied that his performance creates a permanent place in the hearts of the viewers for his character. After his performance in this series, he quickly became booked and busy with many projects, such as Switched at Birth, Now Apocalypse, The Guardians of Justice, etc.


4) Dean Norris as Hank Schrader

Breaking Bad | Image Via: Sony Pictures Television
Breaking Bad | Image Via: Sony Pictures Television

Dean Norris’ Hank Schrader goes through a lot of trouble because of Walter White. He initially works as a DEA agent and later gets promoted to a prestigious post in the department. Finding out the true identity of Heisenberg was a challenge that he had to take on.

This aspect of his storyline adds a layer of intrigue to his character. Dean Norris perfectly captures the struggle that Hank goes through. This can be seen in Hank's struggle because of the pressure of the drug cartels that constantly threaten him. Dean Norris’ other projects that definitely deserve a place in your watchlist are Under the Dome, Claws, United States of Al, and many more.


5) Anna Gunn as Skyler White

Breaking Bad | Image Via: Sony Pictures Television
Breaking Bad | Image Via: Sony Pictures Television

There is a distinct grounding aspect in Anna Gunn’s Skylar White, which makes her such a fan favorite character. The care she feels towards her husband is often overlooked by Walter. Walter’s behavior towards Skylar slowly forms a rift in their relationship. The distance between the two of them eventually leads to a breaking point. Anna Gunn’s performance shines bright with authenticity. Some of her other notable works include The Practice, Red State, Deadwood: The Movie, and many more.


6) Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman

Breaking Bad | Image Via: Sony Pictures Television
Breaking Bad | Image Via: Sony Pictures Television

Aaron Paul’s performance as Jesse Pinkman is truly the heart of Breaking Bad. He witnessed Walter’s growth. From just a chemistry teacher to becoming a drug lord, he was beside him. A stark difference between Walter and Jesse is how each of them handles the world of crime.

Jesse’s empathetic nature created a hindrance in Walter’s path, which eventually led them to part ways. Some of Aaron Paul’s other projects that depict how competent he is as an actor are Dual, The Path, Westworld, etc.


Some of the other cast members of the series include:

  • Giancarlo Esposito
  • Bob Odenkirk
  • Jonathan Banks
  • Laura Fraser

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Edited by KOUSHIKI ROY