It's been about a month since AMC's award-winning series "Breaking Bad" came to an end, and as millions mourn the loss of the iconic television show, a new fan has been gained in Anthony Hopkins, who recently wrote Bryan Cranston a fan letter praising his role as Walter White as "the best acting [he's ever] seen."
While spending two weeks in Malibu, Hopkins marathoned the entire five seasons of "Breaking Bad" and felt compelled to write to the star of the show. His praise, however, didn't end with Cranston, as he passed on his admiration to the rest of the cast, listing out the names of "Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Aaron Paul, Betsy Brandt, R.J. Mitte, Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Steven Michael Quezada," and declaring that they had given "master class performances."
The Academy certainly agreed, as the series has won ten Primetime Emmy awards, including three consecutive wins for Cranston as "Best Actor." Paul took home two for "Best Supporting Actor," and Gunn received "Best Supporting Actress" this year. Also this year, the series won "Outstanding Drama Series" after three nominations. "Breaking Bad" has been, overall, one of the highest-rated and most critically acclaimed television series of all time.
Hopkin's letter was shared by Steven Michael Quezada (Gomez) and Charlie Baker (Skinny Pete), UPROXX reports, the site having gotten notice of it originally from Reddit's "Breaking Bad" fan forum.
Here is the entire letter reportedly written by Hopkins after he went on a "Breaking Bad" marathon binge.
Dear Mister Cranston.
I wanted to write you this email – so I am contacting you through Jeremy Barber – I take it we are both represented by UTA . Great agency.
I’ve just finished a marathon of watching “BREAKING BAD” – from episode one of the First Season – to the last eight episodes of the Sixth Season. (I downloaded the last season on AMAZON) A total of two weeks (addictive) viewing.
I have never watched anything like it. Brilliant!
Your performance as Walter White was the best acting I have seen – ever.
I know there is so much smoke blowing and sickening bullshit in this business, and I’ve sort of lost belief in anything really.
But this work of yours is spectacular – absolutely stunning. What is extraordinary, is the sheer power of everyone in the entire production. What was it? Five or six years in the making? How the producers (yourself being one of them), the writers, directors, cinematographers…. every department – casting etc. managed to keep the discipline and control from beginning to the end is (that over used word) awesome.
From what started as a black comedy, descended into a labyrinth of blood, destruction and hell. It was like a great Jacobean, Shakespearian or Greek Tragedy.
If you ever get a chance to – would you pass on my admiration to everyone – Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Aaron Paul, Betsy Brandt, R.J. Mitte, Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Steven Michael Quezada – everyone – everyone gave master classes of performance … The list is endless.
Thank you. That kind of work/artistry is rare, and when, once in a while, it occurs, as in this epic work, it restores confidence.
You and all the cast are the best actors I’ve ever seen.
That may sound like a good lung full of smoke blowing. But it is not. It’s almost midnight out here in Malibu, and I felt compelled to write this email.
Congratulations and my deepest respect. You are truly a great, great actor.
Best regards
Tony Hopkins.
