What Is Bryan Cranston's Net Worth and Salary?
Bryan Cranston is an American actor, writer, director, and producer with a net worth of $40 million. He is best known for his role as Walter White in the iconic series "Breaking Bad" (2008-2013), earning four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor. Before this breakthrough, he was recognized for his comedic role as Hal in the Fox sitcom "Malcolm in the Middle" (2000-2006). Post-"Breaking Bad," he starred as Judge Michael Desiato in Showtime's drama "Your Honor" (2020–2023).
Cranston's career showcases his versatility across various genres. He has featured in major films like "Saving Private Ryan" (1998), "Drive" (2011), "Argo" (2012), and "Trumbo" (2015), which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Animated projects include "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" (2012) and "Isle of Dogs" (2018). He has also graced Broadway, winning Tony Awards for "All the Way" (2014) and "Network" (2019).
As a director and producer, Cranston has contributed significantly. He directed episodes of "Breaking Bad," "Modern Family," and "The Office," and produced projects like "All the Way" (2016) and "Sneaky Pete" (2015-2019).
"Breaking Bad" Salary
During the peak of "Breaking Bad," Bryan's salary was $225,000 per episode, amounting to around $3 million for season four (13 episodes) and $3.6 million for season five (split into two eight-episode half-seasons).
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Early Life
Bryan Cranston was born on March 7th, 1956, in Hollywood, California. He began his acting career after graduating from Los Angeles Valley College in 1976 with a degree in police science. His father, who struggled in his acting career, left the family in 1967. Bryan reconnected with his father at age 22, stating he drew from his father's mannerisms for his "Breaking Bad" role. Notably, at 12 years old, Bryan had a brief encounter with Charles Manson at Spahn Ranch, shortly before the infamous Manson murders.
Acting Career
Cranston's acting journey began in the 1980s with various jobs, including a minister, waiter, security guard, and video dating service camera operator. He got regular acting work on the ABC soap opera "Loving" (1983-1985) and starred in "Raising Miranda." His voice dubbing for Japanese media includes the first season of "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers."
He gradually built his career in TV, appearing in "The X-Files" (1998) and meeting "Breaking Bad" creator Vince Gilligan. Notable film roles include "That Thing You Do!" and "Saving Private Ryan" (1998). He gained prominence as Hal in "Malcolm in the Middle" (2000-2006), directing several episodes. Other appearances include "How I Met Your Mother" and "Little Miss Sunshine" (2006).
His iconic role as Walter White in "Breaking Bad" (2008) led to global fame, alongside roles in "Drive," "Godzilla," "The Infiltrator," and "The Upside." Bryan continued directing for TV and engaging in philanthropic efforts. His career came full circle in 2018 as the voice for Ford's "Built Ford Tough" campaign and in 2019, reprised Walter White in "El Camino." He won multiple awards, including four Emmys for "Breaking Bad."
Cranston reprised Walter White in two episodes of the "Breaking Bad" spinoff "Better Call Saul" (2022) and appeared with Aaron Paul in a Super Bowl LVII commercial for Popcorners chips. In 2023, he starred in "Asteroid City" and appeared in "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." From 2020 to 2023, he starred in "Your Honor," earning a Golden Globe nomination in 2021.
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Personal Life
Cranston married Mickey Middleton in 1977 and divorced in 1982. In 1989, he married actress Robin Dearden, whom he met in 1984 on the set of "Airwolf." They have a daughter, Taylor Dearden, born in 1993. Cranston published his autobiography, "A Life in Parts," in 2016.
Bryan Cranston Quote on Money
"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."
Real Estate
In 2007, Cranston bought a beachfront home in Ventura County, California, for $2.5 million. He demolished and rebuilt the home to cutting-edge environmental standards, earning Platinum LEED certification. The "net-zero home" features solar panels and rainwater collection. It was renovated at 30% higher cost due to green specifications. Bryan and his wife listed the home for $4.995 million in February 2021, selling it in April for $5.45 million.
In 2017, Cranston paid $3.1 million for a two-bedroom apartment on Central Park South, listing it for sale in April 2024 for $3.495 million. In September 2021, he bought a Central Park West Co-Op for $5.6 million.
