Bryan Cranston

A versatile and prolific actor, Bryan Cranston displayed an authoritative voice and presence that made him a perfect fit to play policemen, doctors and the occasional villain in numerous series and occasional features, long before he became a celebrated television star. A recurring turn as an eccentric dentist on "Seinfeld" (NBC, 1989-1998) and a meddling neighbor on "The King of Queens" (CBS, 1998-2007) signaled that he possessed formidable comic skills, which received a superb showcase in his Emmy-nominated performance as Hal, the manic head of the family in "Malcolm in the Middle" (Fox, 2000-06). Following that program's conclusion, Cranstonfound the role of a lifetime with a spellbinding performance as a terminally ill high school teacher who builds a meth lab to support his family in the critically-acclaimed drama "Breaking Bad" (AMC, 2008-2013). The role was a perfect opportunity for the actor to display fierce dramatic chops only previously hinted at in episodes of popular shows like "Walker, Texas Ranger" (CBS, 1993-2001), "Touched By an Angel" (CBS, 1994-2003) and "Chicago Hope" (CBS, 1994-2000). His performance on "Breaking Bad" was hailed by critics and earned him Emmy recognition while establishing Cranston as an actor deftly capable of excelling in both comedy and drama.