BRYAN CRANSTON – A LIFE IN PARTS (2016 Unabridged Audiobook) Bryan Cranston
Bryan Cranston landed his first role at seven, when his father cast him in a United Way commercial. Acting was clearly the boy’s destiny, until one day his father disappeared. Destiny suddenly took a backseat to survival. Now, in his riveting memoir, A Life in Parts, Cranston takes listeners on his zigzag journey from abandoned son to beloved star by recalling the many odd parts he’s played in real life—paperboy, farmhand, security guard, dating consultant, murder suspect, dock loader, lover, husband, father.
In this audiobook, narrated by Cranston himself, fans get an intimate glimpse of the man behind iconic characters like Hal Wilkerson, a lovable bumbler in tighty-whities in Malcolm in the Middle and as Seinfeld dentist Tim Whatley, “a sadist with newer magazines,” as he reflects on his early days in theater, his forays into soap operas, and the hard-won lessons learned from years of perseverance. Cranston opens up about the personal challenges he’s faced, including his tumultuous relationship with his father and the insecurities that dogged him as a young actor. Each chapter offers an engaging look at how he developed his craft, dealt with rejection, and ultimately found success on his own terms.
He also gives an inspiring account of how he prepared, physically and mentally, for the challenging role of President Lyndon Johnson, a tour de force that won him a Tony to go along with his four Emmys. Of course, Cranston dives deep into the grittiest details of his greatest role, explaining how he searched inward for the personal darkness that would help him create one of the most memorable performances ever captured on screen: Breaking Bad’s Walter White, chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin.
Discussing his life as few men do, describing his art as few actors can. Cranston’s storytelling is vivid and authentic, making this audiobook an immersive experience for listeners.
For fans of his work and anyone interested in the highs and lows of a life devoted to art, A Life in Parts is a story about the joy, the necessity, and the transformative power of simple hard work. It is inspiring, funny, and a poignant listen from a master storyteller.
About the author: Bryan Cranston was born in Hollywood, California in 1956. He attended Los Angeles Valley College and graduated with an associate degree in police science. He began acting after college and built a successful career which included screenwriting, directing and producer. He acted in the television comedy, Malcom in the Middle and was nominated several times for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. He is best known for his role as Walter White in the television series Breaking Bad, winning a Golden Globe and four Satellite Awards.
He played Lyndon B. Johnson in the play All the Way, on Broadway, winning a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in film Trumbo.
In 2016, his memoir A Life in Parts became a New York Times best seller.