Why Do People Hate Bryan Cranston?
Bryan Cranston is an acclaimed American actor known for his roles in shows like Malcolm In The Middle and Breaking Bad.
While he has won numerous awards and accolades for his acting skills, Cranston has also faced some backlash and hatred from certain groups over the years. There are several reasons why some people dislike or even hate the famous actor.
Reasons For Disliking Bryan Cranston
His Most Famous Character Walter White is Disliked
One of the main reasons why people hate Bryan Cranston is his most famous character – Walter White from Breaking Bad. White was initially a chemistry teacher who, after being diagnosed with cancer, starts manufacturing and selling meth to provide for his family.
While the character is incredibly well written and acted, many dislike Walter for his questionable morals and descent into full-blown criminality. White becomes a murderer and drug lord, which understandably upsets some viewers. As Cranston is so closely associated with the character, some of that hatred spills over.
He’s Perceived as Self-Important or Arrogant
Another reason people dislike Bryan Cranston is that he sometimes comes across as self-important or arrogant during interviews or acceptance speeches. Some feel he over-enthusiastically touts his own talents or accomplishments.
Quotes like “I’m the one who knocks” (as Walter White) also contribute to a sense that Cranston is egotistical at times. While he’s likely just embracing an acting role, it can rub people the wrong way.
Cranston’s Political Views Don’t Align With Everyone’s
Additionally, Bryan Cranston holds some strong political views that don’t necessarily align with large portions of the population. He’s quite liberal, supporting Democrats and expressing anti-Trump sentiments.
For those on the conservative side of politics, this can be off-putting. There’s a sense among some that Hollywood actors should stay out of politics. The fact that Cranston is vocal about his beliefs likely adds to the hatred from some.
He Was Associated With Controversial Directors
Another source of dislike is Cranston’s association with controversial directors like Kevin Spacey and Harvey Weinstein. He worked closely with both men before sexual assault allegations came out against them.
While Cranston denounced their actions, just having been involved with their productions led some to look at the actor in a more negative light by association.
Cranston Has Had Personal Controversies
Bryan Cranston has also faced some minor personal controversies over the years that may rub people the wrong way. For instance, his first wife claims there were issues like his absences and flirtations with other women that led to their divorce.
In his memoir, Cranston also detailed how he lost his virginity to a prostitute at age 16. Some have seen that as a questionable personal choice that they hold against him.
He Was Associated With Offensive Comedy Early in His Career
Earlier in Cranston’s career, he was involved in some arguably offensive or inappropriate comedy. For example, he voiced racist Asian stereotype characters for a radio show segment called “Arnie and Wally”.
He also worked on shows like The Royal Family in 1991 which drew accusations of promoting harmful black stereotypes through its characters and humor. Some have not forgotten these early career choices.
Common Arguments People Make Against Bryan Cranston
Now let’s examine some of the specific arguments people make to justify their hatred or disdain for Bryan Cranston:
He Promoted Drug Use Through Breaking Bad
One of the most common arguments against Bryan Cranston is that his most famous character, Walter White, glamorized meth and the drug trade. Despite White’s downfall, some believe the show made drug dealing look exciting.
They argue Cranston’s skilled performance made White look cool and admirable in some ways. For those against drug use, this feels quite irresponsible. Some blame Cranston for helping promote drug culture through the show.
Cranston Knew About Weinstein and Spacey But Stayed Silent
Another argument is that Bryan Cranston was likely aware of Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey’s sexual misconduct but failed to speak out until it became public knowledge. Fans ask why he didn’t try to stop them if he knew.
They argue actors and producers in Hollywood operated as an insular “boys club” where problematic behavior got ignored for mutual gain. Cranston’s belated condemnation of Weinstein and Spacey strikes many as him covering his back rather than showing a duty to reform.
He’s Hypocritical About Fame and Success
Bryan Cranston has certainly enjoyed the fruits of his success – he owns multiple homes and properties and has a net worth estimated at $40 million. Some accuse him of hypocrisy for denouncing greed and capitalism while living an extravagant Hollywood lifestyle himself.
They feel he preaches one thing through his characters but lives differently off-screen. The sense he craves fame and fortune like any other celebrity makes him seem two-faced to some.
Cranston Capitalized on Offensive Asian Stereotypes
For his early radio work featuring offensive Asian caricatures and accents, Bryan Cranston has faced criticisms of racism. Anti-defamation groups called out the cartoonish portrayals, and Cranston eventually issued an apology.
However, some argue the stereotypes promoted real harm, and Cranston should have known better even then. Capitalizing on racist tropes for profit is seen as inexcusable by those who dislike his past work.
He Was Complacent in Enabling Sexual Predators
One of the big arguments against Bryan Cranston is that he was complicit in Hollywood’s culture of predatory sexual behavior by men like Harvey Weinstein because he failed to speak out.
Critics argue that everyone around Weinstein knew of his actions on some level but enabled him to keep victimizing women by staying silent. The entire Hollywood system is blamed for letting such abuse continue behind closed doors.
Cranston’s Defenders Argue:
However, Bryan Cranston has his defenders who make counter-arguments against those narratives:
Breaking Bad Discouraged Drug Use Through Its Tragedy
Defenders note that Breaking Bad showed the downfall and destruction of Walter White’s family very tragically. The whole premise highlighted the dangers of meth and the drug trade. Bryan Cranston argues the harshness of White’s fate dissuaded more people than it inspired.
Cranston Could Not Have Known the Full Extent of the Abuse
They argue it’s unlikely Bryan Cranston knew anything definite about Weinstein and Spacey’s actions. Like most people, rumors likely floated around but going public without evidence could have destructive consequences. He may have been unaware of the horrific extent.
Hypocrisy Charges Overlook Acting as His Job
They say Cranston makes his living through acting and earns his success – that’s very different from exploitative billionaire capitalists. As long as he pays his fair share of taxes, he deserves to benefit from his work. Being successful in entertainment does not constitute hypocrisy.
He Apologized and Learned from His Past Mistakes
Defenders note Cranston apologized for his early offensive radio work and seems to have learned from the error. Judging someone for life for mistakes in their youth is unreasonable – people grow and change their perspectives for the better.
The System, Not Individual Actors, Needs Reform
Finally, supporters argue that structural change is needed to combat abuses of power in Hollywood. Simply attacking individual actors like Bryan Cranston reduces complex institutional problems to single scapegoats. The culture that enabled predators needs reforming.
Conclusion & Analysis
In summary, Bryan Cranston provokes strong reactions from both fans and critics. His unique acting talents propelled him to fame playing morally ambiguous characters like Walter White. Unfortunately, the questionable behavior of those antiheroes bled over into perceptions of Cranston himself.
However, considering the full context around Breaking Bad’s mission and his collaborations with problematic directors, Cranston mainly seems guilty of unaware complacency. While he benefited from a broken system, quickly condemning him as complicit detractors do is somewhat unfair.
Most likely, the full truth lies somewhere in a gray area, as it often does with celebrities. Bryan Cranston is neither a saint nor a villain. Debates around the hatred for him ultimately stem from people projecting their own values and beliefs onto a screen actor. Their strong reactions say more about American culture than about Cranston himself.
What’s clear is that Cranston’s incredible acting abilities make him endlessly compelling as a flawed character who mirrors the complexity of human nature. Perhaps that complexity stirs up equally complex emotions in viewers. In any case, don’t expect the debates around Cranston to die down any time soon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hatred for Bryan Cranston
Why do some Breaking Bad fans hate Walter White?
Some Breaking Bad fans hate Walter White because they feel his descent into violent criminality and harm to his family make him completely unsympathetic, despite understanding his motives. His moral bankruptcy offends those who wanted him to choose a more ethical path.
Did Bryan Cranston support Harvey Weinstein?
There is no evidence Bryan Cranston supported Harvey Weinstein’s misconduct. However, Cranston did work professionally with Weinstein for many years before the allegations went public. Some criticize Cranston for not speaking out sooner, but it’s unclear if he was aware of Weinstein’s predatory behavior.
Is Bryan Cranston a Trump supporter?
No, Bryan Cranston is not a Trump supporter. He has been publicly critical of Donald Trump, including calling him “a real threat to civilized society.” Cranston is known to support the Democratic Party and politically lean left overall.
Why did Bryan Cranston’s first marriage end in divorce?
Bryan Cranston’s first marriage to writer Mickey Middleton ended in divorce after 11 years partially due to his increasing absences for work, problems with substance abuse, and his confession of infidelity, according to Middleton. Cranston has taken responsibility for issues in the relationship.
Did Bryan Cranston make racist stereotypes early in his career?
Yes, early in his career in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Bryan Cranston voiced stereotypical Asian characterizations for comedic radio segments. This drew criticism; Cranston has apologized but some still find it offensive.
How did Bryan Cranston get so famous?
Bryan Cranston slowly built up fame through working in TV comedy throughout the 90s before his big break playing Hal in Malcolm in the Middle. However, his fame skyrocketed for playing Walter White on Breaking Bad, considered one of the greatest dramatic TV performances ever.
Does Bryan Cranston have political ambitions?
Bryan Cranston is a known Democrat supporter, but he has stated he has no plans to actually run for political office himself. He sees campaigning and holding office as separate from his career goals as an actor.
Is Bryan Cranston friends with Kevin Spacey?
Bryan Cranston was friendly co-workers with Kevin Spacey on some films in the late 90s, but unknown if they were ever close friends. Cranston condemned Spacey’s sexual misconduct once revealed but faced criticism for not speaking out sooner despite their association.
What is Bryan Cranston’s net worth?
Thanks to his long acting career with hit shows, Bryan Cranston’s net worth is estimated to be around $40 million as of 2023. Breaking Bad alone earned him $225,000 per episode by the end of its run due to his high popularity.
