Key Takeaways:
– Veteran actor Danny Trejo, who played Tortuga in Breaking Bad, had a criminal past before changing his ways and turning to acting.
– Bryan Cranston, who starred as Walter White, became a murder suspect during his young age when his former boss was found dead.
– Both Trejo and Cranston’s experiences with the law bring an authentic edge to their characters in Breaking Bad.
The Cast of Breaking Bad and Their Dark Past
The gripping narrative of the iconic TV show, “Breaking Bad” provides an intimate depiction of what drives individuals to commit crimes. Unbeknownst to many fans, some of the series’ cast members have personal experiences with the law that have perhaps added an authentic touch to their on-screen performances.
Unveiling Danny Trejo’s Criminal Past
Notably, Danny Trejo shines in his portrayal of the character Tortuga. You may recall this character, featured especially in the second and third seasons, who most remember for a macabre scene involving a turtle. However, you may not know that before he found fame in Hollywood, Trejo was involved in criminal activities from a very young age.
Reports have highlighted that Trejo was selling drugs by age seven and faced arrest by age ten. His early brushes with the law didn’t deter him; he landed in trouble multiple times for crimes, including stabbing a sailor and participating in an armed robbery. But a firsthand experience of crime and jail couldn’t tie him down forever.
Trejo bid farewell to his criminal past in 1969 and channeled his energies towards nurturing his acting passion. Through a heartfelt message shared in 2021, he emphasized that people can change, a sentiment echoed by many other cast members of Breaking Bad who’ve had their own run-ins with authorities.
Bryan Cranston’s Brush With the Law
Bryan Cranston, best known as the drug lord Walter White, has a surprising real-life story of his own. Before his love for acting blossomed, Cranston, along with his brother, lived a nomadic lifestyle, landing odd jobs along their journey. However, a stint at a Florida eatery turned their life topsy-turvy.
Working under a hostile boss named Peter Wong, a simple discussion amongst the workers about hypothetical ways of getting rid of Wong landed Cranston into suspicion when Wong, unfortunately, disappeared. When Wong was found dead, the Cranston brothers became the prime suspects due to their coinciding departure from the eatery.
While an all-points bulletin was put out for them, the brothers continued their journey, unaware of the clouds of suspicion looming overhead. However, their innocence was proven when the actual murderer was apprehended. This tumultuous chapter nearly changed Cranston’s life trajectory drastically.
The Breaking Bad Cast: Tried, Tested, and Triumphant
While the actors of Breaking Bad have had varying degrees of face-offs with the law, they’re now exemplary citizens contributing immensely to their craft. Facing their individual ordeals, these actors have forged a pathway that inspires many.
Trejo’s incredible transformation and Cranston’s brush with legal trouble bring truth, depth, and charm to their characters in the critically acclaimed show. With an impressive 9.5/10 on IMDb and a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this popular series is streamed on Netflix, continuing to captivate audiences worldwide.
Remember, behind every captivating TV show is an ensemble of artists with real-life experiences that often spill onto screens. Knowing their intriguing real-life stories adds another layer to the appreciation of their stellar on-screen performances. As we continue enjoying episodes of Breaking Bad, we’ll carry a newfound respect for these actors who’ve truly been ‘breaking bad’ in their own unique ways.