Anthony Hopkins writes Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad a letter praising his acting

Breaking Bad was one of television’s most popular television shows. When it came to an end, fans everywhere felt it was a bittersweet moment. They were sad to see it end but only because they enjoyed the show so much. The entire cast was wonderful highlighted by Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman and Bryan Cranston as Walter White.

Cranston’s performance was especially masterful as handled the delicate balance between innocent high school chemistry teacher and drug lord consumed and obsessed with money and power.

Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins, considered to be one of the greatest living actors, was a fan of Breaking Bad just like a lot of people. After the show ended, he wrote Cranston a letter praising his work. Cranston did win three consecutive Emmy Awards for the role.

Here is the letter in full from FlickSided:

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.