Legenday actor of the stage and screen Sir Anthony Hopkins has written a gushing fan letter to Breaking Bad's Brian Cranston, praising his performance as "the best acting I have seen -- ever." The infamous British actor reportedly binge-watched the entire series in just two weeks, a marathon of TV viewing. Vanity Fair published the entire letter, in which Mr. Hopkins writes that "I have never watched anything like it. Brilliant!" As both actors are represented through the same agency (UTA), Hopkins contacted his agent Jeremy Barber to get in touch with Cranston.
The AMC series premiered its finale just two weeks ago, in which time Hopkins watched the entirety of the popular program. He was so impressed with the entire series and Cranston's performance in particular that he was compelled to immediately write the email. He also praises other members of the cast including Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Aaron Paul, Betsy Brandt, R.J. Mitte, Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Steven Michael Quezada. In fact, it was Quezada who revealed the letter by posting it on his Facebook page -- it was later taken down but not before it was spread across the web.
Breaking Bad has been one of the most successful series in recent years. Winning a string of Emmy Awards and garnering massive ratings, this show about a high-school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamines-maker has been a tremendous success for AMC. Cranstons's acting has been constantly praised and the latest from one of this generation's most respected actors surely cements Cranston's performance as TVs greatest tour de force. Read the letter below.
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. [Ed note: There are in fact five seasons of Breaking Bad; this might have been wishful thinking.] (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.
© 2025 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
