Bryan Cranston's Real Name: Bryan Lee Cranston
Bryan Cranston → Bryan Lee Cranston
Quick answer: Bryan Cranston's real name is Bryan Lee Cranston. He was born on March 7, 1956, in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, and performs under his birth name.
Birth name and early life
Bryan Lee Cranston was born to actress Annalisa Dan and actor Joseph Louis Cranston; the family worked in Hollywood bit parts and struggled financially after his parents' separation. He studied police science briefly, then pursued acting, including soap work and commercials (Biography.com; LOC; Los Angeles Times Star Walk).
No separate stage name is documented beyond the standard Bryan short form of Bryan Lee Cranston.
Television stardom
Cranston spent seven seasons as hapless father Hal on Fox's Malcolm in the Middle (2000–2006), earning Emmy nominations for comedy. From 2008 to 2013 he starred as Walter White on AMC's Breaking Bad, winning four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and helping the show become a defining prestige drama (Biography.com; LA Times).
He later played President LBJ on stage and in All the Way (Emmy-winning HBO film), and starred in Your Honor and other limited series.
Film and memoir
Film credits include Trumbo (Oscar-nominated performance), Argo, Godzilla (2014), The Upside, and voice work such as Isle of Dogs. His memoir A Life in Parts details childhood, craft, and Breaking Bad (Biography.com). He is married to actress Robin Dearden; they have a daughter, Taylor.
A Life in Parts by Bryan Cranston Breaking Bad complete series Blu-ray Trumbo Blu-ray/DVD
FAQ
What is Bryan Cranston's real name?
Bryan Lee Cranston.
When was he born?
March 7, 1956, in Hollywood, Los Angeles.
What is his most famous role?
Walter White on *Breaking Bad*.
Was he on a sitcom before Breaking Bad?
Yes—Hal on *Malcolm in the Middle*.
How many Emmys did he win for Breaking Bad?
Four Lead Actor drama Emmys for that series.
Is Cranston a stage name?
No. It is his birth surname.