Roles Actors Turned Down: Famous Actors and the Parts They Said No To
If you've ever woken up in a cold sweat wondering what could have been if Tom Cruise was Edward in Pretty Woman, then this quiz is for you.
By BrainFall Staff - Published: August 12, 2024
It’s interesting to think that one of the biggest actors of his time began as a small-time actor who was taking bit parts and doing voiceovers for dubbed versions of films. Bryan Cranston worked his way up from a beloved character actor to one of the best working actors today.
He has been nominated for an Academy Award and has won multiple Emmy Awards and Golden Globe awards for his role in the AMC crime drama Breaking Bad. But prior to that, he was known as a lovable husband on the sitcom Malcolm in the Middle. Since Breaking Bad made him an A-list star, Bryan Cranston has done a ton more work.
He has won a Tony Award and has starred in other hit movies and TV series. Bryan Cranston is iconic, and people really enjoy his work. He even had memorable guest star roles on Seinfeld, How I Met Your Mother, and more. So which Bryan Cranston character do you most relate to? Let’s find out.
Bryan Cranston
Bryan Lee Cranston is an American actor. His parents were a radio actress and an actor and amateur boxer. Cranston has been a popular actor for years and has been working in Hollywood for nearly 40 years. He has won Outstanding Lead Actor multiple times at the Emmy Awards for the outstanding drama series Breaking Bad.
Cranston's role as Walter White has gone down as one of the most infamous in history. He has also starred in acclaimed films like Saving Private Ryan, Drive, Argo, The Infiltrator, Trumbo, and El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie. He also starred in the television adaptation of All The Way, the play that won him a Tony on Broadway.
Cranston played Hal, the father of the main family in Malcolm in the Middle, for many years before landing the role of Walter White. Cranston and his co-star Aaron Paul have worked together in shows and movies, and they are business partners together. Cranston reprised his role of Walter White for Better Call Saul and a Super Bowl commercial alongside Aaron Paul's Jesse Pinkman. He has earned widespread acclaim as an actor.
Which Bryan Cranston Character Are You?
Oh boy, have we got a treat for you! We all know the chameleon-like Bryan Cranston, the Hollywood icon who's mastered the art of slipping into any character like it's a comfy pair of sweatpants. From the bumbling Hal in "Malcolm in the Middle" to the iconic, chemistry teacher gone bad, Walter White in "Breaking Bad," Cranston has made us laugh, cry, and maybe question our moral compasses just a tad.
Today, it's all about who YOU resonate with most in the Cranstonverse. Are you a fearless protector with a dodgy moral code? Or perhaps the perpetually stressed parent trying to maintain a sense of normalcy amid chaos? It's time to find out which Bryan Cranston character is your spirit animal. So, tighten your belts, because this role-reversal ride is going to be a thrilling, bumpy, and absolutely hilarious journey through Cranston's eclectic array of comedy and drama on both films and television series.
Now, let's not forget his recent heart-wrenching performance in "Your Honor," where he tackles the role of a judge caught in a web of lies and family drama. But don't let the gravity of that role fool you; we're here to have fun as we decipher which Cranston persona gives off your vibe. Join us on this BrainFall extravaganza and buckle up for a whimsical jaunt through the roles that solidified Bryan Cranston as a titanic force in Tinsel Town. Let's roll!
The Many Faces of Bryan Cranston
Bryan Cranston has become a household name, skillfully transforming from lovably goofy TV dads to unassumingly dangerous antiheroes. We're about to hop on a thrilling rollercoaster ride through some of his most iconic roles. Hold on to your TV remotes!
Hal: The Hapless Patriarch
Ah, Hal from Malcolm in the Middle. We can't help but chuckle when we recall the many hats (and sometimes nothing at all) this endearing dad wore. From roller-skating down the street to his epic dance moves, Hal was the epitome of a lovable goofball. Malcolm in the Middle wouldn't be the same without Hal's spectacularly bad luck and even worse ideas.
Walter White: Heisenberg's Evolution
Then there's Walter White of Breaking Bad fame. It's a long, dark journey from high school chemistry teacher to meth-making kingpin known as Heisenberg. Across the episodes, we've watched with bated breath as Cranston brings this complex character to life, capturing the nuances of a man transforming before our eyes. Did anyone else feel chills every time he said, "I am the one who knocks"?
Tim Whatley: The Dentist with a Bite
Remember when Bryan graced the set of Seinfeld as Tim Whatley? The dentist who maybe, just maybe, took a little too much pleasure from making people squirm in the dentist's chair? His antics gave us major second-hand embarrassment, not to mention an inexplicable fear of laughing gas.
LBJ: Presidential Powerhouse
Diving into the historical, Cranston dominated the stage as LBJ in All the Way. Portraying the 36th President with a masterful grip on power dynamics, he showed us a side of politicking that was both intense and demanding. From the small screen to the grand stage, Cranston's LBJ was a force to be reckoned with.
Your Honor's Judge Desiato: Justice, Interrupted
As Judge Michael Desiato in Your Honor, Cranston embodies a man torn between justice and protecting his kin. It was a heart-pounding thrill to watch how a single hit-and-run could cause such an impeccably moral man to unravel. This judge's robe definitely didn't keep his hands clean.
Beyond the Characters: Cranston's Craft and Curiosities
Bryan Cranston has donned many hats in his career, not just the literal ones we've seen on screen. Let's peek behind the curtain to see the man who has masterfully juggled roles from an actor to a director, and even stepped into the paws of a dog!
Master of Masks: Actor, Producer, Director
We've all marveled at the chameleon-like Cranston, who's evolved from the bumbling dad in Malcolm in the Middle to Breaking Bad's fearsome Heisenberg. But hold your applause, because there's more! Cranston is not just an actor; he's an award-winning producer and director. Did you know that the gripping drama Sneaky Pete was produced by him? Or that he directed several episodes of Breaking Bad? He's a man of many talents, making waves whether it’s in front of the camera or behind the scenes.
From Canoga Park to Stardom: A Cosmic Journey
Embarking from the quaint cosmos of Canoga Park, Cranston shot through the Hollywood stratosphere. Along the journey, he's snagged an Academy Award nomination for his role in Trumbo, and was a shining star in hits like Argo and Drive. With a career as dazzling as the Vancouver skyline in the twilight hours — Cranston has solidified his place among Tinseltown's constellations... and we couldn't be prouder!
Paws and Applause: Cranston's Canine and Critical Acclaim
Remember when Cranston voiced Chief, the rugged alpha dog in Isle of Dogs? That's right, our guy doesn't shy away from embracing his inner mutt. His abilities stretch further than voice acting, capturing hearts and laughter in equal measure with performances that earned him a Tony Award for All the Way. And who can forget the multiple Emmy wins as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Breaking Bad? It's clear, whether he's channeling his inner pooch or a perplexing character, Cranston does it with a flourish that leaves us both wagging and clapping.
