Brent Humphreys

The first time I met Bryan Cranston, he was standing in his underwear. We were doing a photo shoot for a little-known network called AMC, and he was in a rubber chemistry apron, tighty whities and desert boots, while I was in an impeccably tailored 1960s suit, with slicked-back hair and a cigarette dangling from my mouth. Our shows hadn’t premiered yet. We were simply two actors, in costume and out of context. He was friendly, funny, gregarious, humble and lovely.

Over the past five seasons, I’ve marveled at Bryan’s ability to turn Breaking Bad’s Walter White from a feckless, terrified father and husband to a ruthless, terrifying father, husband and crime lord. The transformation is mesmerizing. The performance is fearless. Bryan is that good. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing him since that photo shoot, as he has collected accolade after accolade, as his film career has flourished, as more and more people realize just how good he is. Through it all, he has remained friendly, funny, gregarious, humble and lovely.

I know I’m not alone in my ravenous anticipation for the final episodes of Breaking Bad. I also know I’m not alone in waiting with bated breath to see what Bryan does next.

Hamm is the star of Mad Men

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