"The best acting I have seen – ever": When Anthony Hopkins spoke highly of Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston and his multi-award-winning role

In 2013, Sir Anthony Hopkins, the acclaimed actor known for roles such as Hannibal Lecter, sent a heartfelt fan letter to Bryan Cranston, praising his portrayal of Walter White in Breaking Bad. He admitted that he watched all five seasons in just 2 weeks. Hopkins described Cranston's performance as,

"The best acting I have seen—ever seen."

Breaking Bad showcases an ordinary chemistry teacher named Walter White becoming a drug kingpin when he learns that he is suffering from cancer. The character transformation from a common family man to a drug mafia, who is now not afraid to kill, to betray, in fact, has now started to enjoy the power, is commendable.

Hopkins praised the entire production, likening the series' evolution from a black comedy to a tragic narrative. He stated that work like this and the team's collective effort "restore confidence" in the industry. Read on to know what he said about Breaking Bad.

Here is what Hopkins said in the letter to the Breaking Bad actor Bryan Cranston

This praise means a lot as Hopkins is not just any fan but himself the master of the art that is acting and him praising Breaking Bad and Bryan Cranston is not just a compliment but a validation that the show is not just any show but a timeless high art.

He writes while explaining his 2-week viewing addiction, how he has never watched a show like this and how his acting is just a cherry on the cake.

"I have never watched anything like it. Brilliant! Your performance as Walter White was the best acting I have seen – ever."

He further praised the entire team of makers and producers who kept their patience to churn out something extraordinary.

"How the producers (yourself being one of them), the writers, directors, cinematographers…. every department – casting etc. managed to keep the discipline and control from beginning to the end is (that over used word) awesome."

He also requested Bryan to pass on his "admiration" to everyone involved in the show and added how performances like these restore confidence in the industry.

'"Thank you. That kind of work/artistry is rare, and when, once in a while, it occurs, as in this epic work, it restores confidence."

Explaining how compelled he was to write the email, his concluding words in the letter were,

"You are truly a great, great actor."

Hopkins' letter is truly justified, given the success and love Breaking Bad got after the release. It is often said to be one of the best-written series in a long time.

One of the scenes that perfectly depicts the character transformation of Walter White is when Walter comes to Jesse's house looking for him and finds Jesse and his girlfriend Jane overdosed on heroin. Suddenly, Jane, who is lying on her back, begins to vomit in her sleep — a side effect of the heroin. At first, Walt instinctively moves forward to help… but then he freezes. He watches, horrified… then conflicted… and then he slowly steps back. He lets her die.

Trending

She chokes on her own vomit, unable to wake up or turn her head — and Walter White, the man who could have easily saved her, chooses not to. He does this as he has grown more controlling and anxious about his meth business which is yielding money and his reliance on Jesse has increased while it's his girlfriend who is "distracting" him from the business.

Therefore, it was the discipline, subtlety, and transformation Cranston brought to Walter White — something only someone like Hopkins, with his own legacy of intense character work, can fully appreciate.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback