Best acting of all time from a main character in a TV show?

[nick jacoby]

The Nominees are.

Also I didn't purposely leave out any females. Lucille Ball was very close to making my list but its hard to include actors who did pure comedy always




Carroll O'connor as Archie Bunker

Bryan Cranston as Walter White

James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano

Steve Buscemi as Nucky Thompson

Michael K Williams as Omar Little

Matthew Mcconaughey as Rustin Cohle

 

[BisexualMMA]

Any of the main cast in Six Feet Under.

Oded Fehr in Sleeper Cell.

Sharon Gless and Tyne Daly in Cagney & Lacey.

Dan Lauria in The Wonder Years.

 

[Peteyandjia]

Let's just say, I agree with this guy:


* * *

Dear Mister Cranston.

I wanted to write you this e-mail—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 overused 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 e-mail.

Congratulations and my deepest respect. You are truly a great, great actor.

Best regards,

Anthony Hopkins

* * *

 

[ufcfan4]

Let's just say, I agree with this guy:


* * *

Dear Mister Cranston.

I wanted to write you this e-mail—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 overused 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 e-mail.

Congratulations and my deepest respect. You are truly a great, great actor.

Best regards,

Anthony Hopkins

* * *

Damn. Imagine how validating that must have been.

 

[Peteyandjia]

Damn. Imagine how validating that must have been.

Seriously. That's like Fedor telling a fighter they are the goat.

Funny enough, I actually met Cranston a few years back, and had the opportunity to talk to him for a few minutes. At one point I pretty much told him the same thing - far less eloquently, I'm sure - and he was very gracious & kind about it ... but after hearing it from Sir Anthony Motherfucking Hopkins Himself, I'm sure any compliment Cranston has ever gotten on the performance since then has felt like pennies in a stream.

Although, maybe if I had told him I'm an admin on a karate interwebz forum, it would have held a lot more impact...

 

[Deleted member 220895]

The bald dude.

If I can choose the category of other, then I choose

 

[ufcfan4]

The bald dude.

If I can choose the category of other, then I choose

Grammer and DHP were both awesome on that show.

It's tough to pick best TV performance because there were plenty of iconic ones. Petey posting that testimonial from Anthony Hopkins though is pretty tough to dispute lol. Sadly I still haven't gotten around to Breaking Bad but I will.

As for comedic performances- Kelsey is great. Jason Alexander as Costanza is way up there too.

 

[JudoThrowFiasco]

Bob Odenkirk as Saul Goodman / Jimmy is scary good.

I'm also throwing a big vote to John Dunsworth for his portrayal of Jim Lahey

 

[WaylonMercy5150]

 

[JudoThrowFiasco]

Also Michael Richards for Kramer -- there has been a slew of actors who have said no one in the business could've done it nearly as good due to Michaels physical expressive comedy due to him being heavily into yoga in the 70's and 80's

 

[AGGAMEMNON66]

Let's just say, I agree with this guy:


* * *

Dear Mister Cranston.

I wanted to write you this e-mail—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 overused 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 e-mail.

Congratulations and my deepest respect. You are truly a great, great actor.

Best regards,

Anthony Hopkins

* * *

Hard to argue with respected peers giving you props.



And with that..

Tywin

Jimmy

Richard

Gyp

 

[nick jacoby]

Let's just say, I agree with this guy:


* * *

Dear Mister Cranston.

I wanted to write you this e-mail—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 overused 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 e-mail.

Congratulations and my deepest respect. You are truly a great, great actor.

Best regards,

Anthony Hopkins

* * *

is this real

 

[HARRISON_3]

Honorable mention:

 

[n...not crazy]

Also Michael Richards for Kramer -- there has been a slew of actors who have said no one in the business could've done it nearly as good due to Michaels physical expressive comedy due to him being heavily into yoga in the 70's and 80's

I'm still laughing at the same old scenes in Seinfeld. Kramer and George are unendingly funny.

Richards in particular... you will never see a single moment with him out of character. He's all in 100%, even if he's playing scrabble in the background.

He WAS Kramer while the camera rolled. Once I started to realize this and watched the show with that in mind, I just became more amazed with his performance.

 

[Fedorgasm]

 

[SoCalprodigy09]

Woody Harrelson was step for step with Matthew McConaughey in TD

 

[Fedorgasm]

Let's just say, I agree with this guy:


* * *

Dear Mister Cranston.

I wanted to write you this e-mail—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 overused 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 e-mail.

Congratulations and my deepest respect. You are truly a great, great actor.

Best regards,

Anthony Hopkins

* * *

Reminds me of the letter I got from Ron Jeremy

 

[JudoThrowFiasco]

I'm still laughing at the same old scenes in Seinfeld. Kramer and George are unendingly funny.

Richards in particular... you will never see a single moment with him out of character. He's all in 100%, even if he's playing scrabble in the background.

He WAS Kramer while the camera rolled. Once I started to realize this and watched the show with that in mind, I just became more amazed with his performance.

If you get a chance, read Seinfeldia -- gives good insight on how he developed the character. Interesting that in the first season he played Kramer as "the dumbest guy in the room" but felt it was lacking, so he turned it and played the character as if Kramer thought he was the smartest guy in the room, and hilarity ensued.

 

[horc00]

I don't watch a lot of TV shows but this guy comes to mind.

 

[koolinkunming]

Let's just say, I agree with this guy:


* * *

Dear Mister Cranston.

I wanted to write you this e-mail—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 overused 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 e-mail.

Congratulations and my deepest respect. You are truly a great, great actor.

Best regards,

Anthony Hopkins

* * *

This