Bryan Cranston
Suzan Moore/PA Images via Getty Images, Franco Origlia/Getty Images for Disney
Like many of the actors on this list, Bryan Cranston began his career working in local theater before graduating to small bit parts and work in commercials. Cranston also took many small jobs to support himself as he pursued his dream, from loading trucks to working security. Bryan’s first big break came in 1994 when he was cast as Dr. Tim Whatley, an occasional recurring character on Seinfeld. His actual “big break” came in 2000 when he was cast as one of the leads on Malcolm in the Middle at the age of 44. Already a success, Cranston’s career took yet another leap when he began filming Breaking Bad in 2008 and upgraded from an underrated physical comedian on a cult classic sitcom to one of the most respected actors of his generation.
