Bryan Cranston Biography

Summary

"Bryan Lee Cranston" (born March 7 1956 in San Fernando Valley, California) is an Emmy Award-nominated American actor, voice actor, writer and director, best known in his role as Hal, the father of the family in the Fox Network television situation comedy "Malcolm in the Middle". He also played Dr. Tim Whatley on "Seinfeld" and other roles in numerous movies and television programs.

Biography

Bryan Cranston is the son of actor Joe Cranston and grew up in the Los Angeles area, graduating from Canoga Park High School. He began his acting career after college in local and regional theatres, getting his start at the Granada Theatre in the San Fernando Valley, California. Cranston is married to Robin Dearden, who he met on the set of the show "Airwolf" (1984). He was playing the villain of the week, and she was his hostage (held at gunpoint). They have a daughter, Taylor.

Cranston was previously married to Mickey Middleton, a writer.

Though best known for his work on "Malcolm in the Middle" which began in 2000, Cranston has worked regularly since the late 1980s, mostly in minor roles. His advertising work includes commercials for Lay's potato chips, Excedrin, Honda Accord, and Coffee-Mate. His voice acting includes English dubbing of Japanese anime, under the name 'Lee Stone'. Because he did voiceover and other work as part of the crew of "Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers", the first Blue Ranger was named Billy Cranston in his honor.

His largest role prior to "Malcolm" was as astronaut Buzz Aldrin in the HBO series "From the Earth to the Moon". Cranston has also played astronaut Gus Grissom in the film "That Thing You Do!", and appeared as Nick Wrigley, the irresponsible uncle who steals Santa's sleigh to have a crazy ride to practically destroy Christmas in `"Twas the Night", a Disney Channel Original Movie that was released in the winter of 2001. He also appeared in Steven Spielberg's "Saving Private Ryan" as a one-armed military officer.

His role as Dr. Tim Whatley, Jerry's dentist on "Seinfeld", earned him some fans. A famous moment from the show is when Jerry suspected that Whatley 'converted to Judaism purely for the jokes.'

He has also had a recurring role on the CBS sitcom "The King of Queens" as Doug Heffernan's annoying neighbor, Tim Sacksky. He works as a water purifier salesman and in one episode he recruits Doug to sell them as well. Ironically, Jerry Stiller, another Seinfeld alum, was part of the cast of The King of Queens.

Cranston is also related to the family of the Cranstons in SW Minnesota, and he credits it all to FFA.

Cranston has directed several episodes of "Malcolm in the Middle" and received three Emmy nominations for his performance on the show. He also wrote and directed the 1999 movie "Last Chance". He appeared in "Little Miss Sunshine" as a business colleague of Greg Kinnear. He also had a guest role in late 2006 on the CBS sitcom "How I Met Your Mother", playing main character Ted's obnoxious co-worker and former boss Hammond Druthers.

On July 6, 2006, Cranston was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for the 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for the last season of "Malcolm in the Middle", losing the award to Jeremy Piven of the HBO series "Entourage".

On April 9, 2007, Cranston won the Blue Door Trophy in the inaugural episode of the US adapted version of the hit Australian television show "Thank God You're Here".

He recently had a role as Lucifer in the ABC Family miniseries, "Fallen".

Trivia

Other titles he voiced for were "Royal Space Force - The Wings of Honneamise", and "Macross Plus".

In the original "Armitage III Polymatrix" 4 episode home video release (also know as an OVA), he's listed as 'Lee Stone', but in the movie edition of the same name, he's listed under his real name 'Bryan Cranston'.

Produced his 'Kidsmartz' safety video with his "Malcolm in the Middle" crew during one of their weeks off.

Always grows a beard and mustache during his "Malcolm in the Middle" hiatus.

His favorite episode of "Malcolm in the Middle" is the first season episode 'Rollerskates'. He spent six weeks before filming learning how to roller skate.

Impersonated Brad Garrett's "Everybody Loves Raymond" voice shortly after losing to him for the second year in a row at the 2004 Emmy Awards.

Presented the category 'Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series' at the 2004 Emmy Awards with his "Malcolm in the Middle" co-star Jane Kaczmarek. Bryan had been eligible for that category (for directing the episode 'Stereo Store'), but did not receive a nomination.

Was singled out by frequent "Malcolm in the Middle" director Todd Holland during his Emmy speech in 2001. Cranston had been overlooked that year, and Holland proclaimed that he would 'stand up here soon.' Cranston was nominated for the first time the next year.

Appeared on an episode of "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch" where he was a lawyer attempting to free Sabrina from a contract.

Guest starred in the episode 'Drive' in the sixth season of "The X-Files".

Had a single episode role in "Babylon 5" as Ericson, the captain of a White Star vessel ordered into a suicide mission to plant misinformation within the enemy ranks.