Bryan Cranston, the talented American actor, writer, director, and producer, has a net worth of $40 million. He gained immense recognition for his iconic portrayal of Walter White in the hit series “Breaking Bad” (2008-2013), which earned him four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Before “Breaking Bad,” Cranston was known for his comedic role as Hal in the beloved sitcom “Malcolm in the Middle” (2000-2006). Post-“Breaking Bad,” he starred as Judge Michael Desiato in Showtime’s “Your Honor” (2020-2023).
Cranston’s career has been marked by his versatility. He has worked across genres in several films, including “Saving Private Ryan” (1998), “Drive” (2011), “Argo” (2012), and “Trumbo” (2015), the latter of which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He also lent his voice to animated films like “Madagascar 3” (2012) and “Isle of Dogs” (2018). Cranston has earned Tony Awards for his performances on Broadway in “All the Way” (2014) and “Network” (2019).
Beyond acting, Cranston has directed episodes of “Breaking Bad,” “Modern Family,” and “The Office.” As a producer, he has been involved in projects like “All the Way” (2016) and “Sneaky Pete” (2015-2019).
During the peak of “Breaking Bad,” Bryan Cranston earned $225,000 per episode. This amounted to approximately $3 million for season four (13 episodes) and $3.6 million for season five, which was split into two eight-episode halves.
Born on March 7, 1956, in Hollywood, California, Bryan Cranston’s career in acting came later in life. His father, who struggled to find stable work, left the family in 1967. Cranston’s father reappeared when Bryan was 22, and Cranston later drew on his father’s mannerisms to shape his iconic “Breaking Bad” role. An interesting childhood story Cranston shared was an encounter with Charles Manson at the age of 12 while riding horses at Spahn Ranch.
Initially not pursuing acting seriously, Cranston graduated from Los Angeles Valley College in 1976 with a degree in police science. Before acting, he worked a variety of jobs, including a minister, waiter, security guard, and video dating camera operator. Cranston landed his first significant acting role in the ABC soap opera “Loving” (1983-1985). His early career also saw him voice various characters for Japanese media, including a character in “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.”
Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Bryan continued to take on supporting roles. He appeared on the popular TV show “The X-Files” and had notable roles in movies like “Saving Private Ryan” (1998) and “That Thing You Do!” (1996). In 2000, Cranston’s career took a significant turn when he was cast as Hal on the Fox sitcom “Malcolm in the Middle.” This role earned him widespread recognition and gave him the chance to direct several episodes.
In 2008, Bryan Cranston became a global star for his portrayal of Walter White in “Breaking Bad.” The series was a game-changer for Cranston, leading to roles in major films such as “Drive” (2011) and “Godzilla” (2014), as well as starring roles in “The Infiltrator” and “The Upside.” He continued his career by directing for television and also became involved in various charitable causes. Cranston returned as Walter White in the 2019 “Breaking Bad” sequel film “El Camino,” solidifying his place in Hollywood history.
Cranston reprised his role as Walter White in 2022 for the “Breaking Bad” spinoff, “Better Call Saul.” He also made appearances in a Super Bowl commercial and an episode of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” in 2023. In the same year, he starred in the film “Asteroid City” and earned a Golden Globe nomination for his role in “Your Honor.”
Bryan Cranston’s first marriage, to Mickey Middleton, ended in 1982. He later married actress Robin Dearden, whom he met in 1984 while filming “Airwolf.” They have one daughter, Taylor Dearden, born in 1993. In 2016, Cranston published his autobiography, “A Life in Parts,” which further explored his personal and professional life.
Bryan Cranston has shared his perspective on money, stating, “I wish Americans thought more like Europeans when it comes to money and work. They take time off, they do what they love. We think work is the most valued commodity. Really the most valued commodity is time.”
Bryan Cranston has made significant investments in real estate. In 2007, he bought a beachfront property in Ventura County, California, for $2.5 million. He demolished the old house and built a custom-designed, eco-friendly home that became a “net-zero home” with solar panels and rainwater collection tanks. This home was sold in April 2021 for $5.45 million.
Additionally, Cranston purchased a two-bedroom apartment in Central Park South for $3.1 million in 2017. He listed this apartment for sale in 2024 for $3.495 million. In 2021, Cranston also bought a Central Park West co-op for $5.6 million.
