The Hardest Working Man in Hollywood

For those of you who haven't seen Breaking Bad, Bryan Cranston has transformed the meek chemistry teacher, Walt White into a drug kingpin, murdering, lying, fearless monster over the course of the show's five seasons. His portrayal has earned him three Emmys, and three Golden Globe nominations. He's likely to earn another one of each for the final season of one of the best dramas that TV has seen in years.

As much of a chameleon as he is physically, he also demonstrates considerable range in his acting as well. He started out mainly in the comedy arena, and broke out as the goofy father of Malcolm in the Middle from 2000 to 2006. Before that, since the early 1980's, he has had a role in nearly every sitcom or drama that you can think of ranging from CHiPS to Seinfeld to Chicago Hope to 3rd Rock from the Sun. He had constant employment over the first 30 years of his career, and then it was 2011, 3 years into his stint as Walter White.

Cranston appeared in 6 films in 2011, and 4 television shows not counting his "regular" gig. Not bad for any actor, and although none of his roles were more than a supporting actor, Detachment, Drive, and Contagion showed his abilities as a serious film threat.

Here we are, 8 months into 2012, and he has appeared in 6 films and 3 additional television shows besides Breaking Bad. You can see where I'm going with this. We can expect a hosting gig on Saturday Night Live this year if Lorne Michaels knows what's good for him. His profile couldn't get any higher for someone trying to pad his resume. Cartoons, sitcoms, dramas, comedic cameos in film, serious roles in film. There's virtually nothing that Bryan Cranston doesn't have his hands in right now. I'd be curious to see what his W2 says for 2011 and 2012, but that's another story.

If you're new to the name, and you've had your head in a paper bag for the last few years, watch Breaking Bad. It's on the verge of becoming the best drama of all time, and AMC has become the go-to station for original programming. Walt has some big shoes to fill, and although there is still Don Draper to keep AMC afloat, the station needs to pull something epic off once Walt's legacy comes to an end.

His turn as Shannon in last year's surprise hit, Drive, is outstanding. As is his brief cameo as Mike Whitmore in this past summer's Rock of Ages. Perhaps his strongest potential for film stardom is in this October's Oscar contender, Argo where he plays opposite Ben Affleck, Alan Arkin, John Goodman, and Kyle Chandler, among others.

My point is that Bryan Cranston is doing something that most actors can only dream about, and although he is now 56 years old, he's just now coming into his prime. He has a place in the pantheon of television as one of the most loved and hated protagonists ever. I put him up there with Tony Soprano and Vic Mackey. Someone who might be considered a villain at times, but you just can't hate the guy because he is just so damn good at what he does. Shout out to Vince Gilligan who has created a gem. Let's just hope he ends it respectably.

I am expecting some critical acclaim for his performance in Argo, and some parting gifts for Breaking Bad, but don't be surprised if he takes a little bit of time off after such a busy past few years. One thing is for sure, we will see him again soon.

Nice work, Bryan Cranston for being the hardest working man in Hollywood today.