Bryan Lee Cranston (born March 7 1956 in San Fernando Valley, California) is an Emmy Award-nominated American actor, voice actor, writer and director, best known in his role as Hal, the father of the family in the Fox Network television situation comedy Malcolm in the Middle. He also played Dr. Tim Whatley on Seinfeld, Kevin James' neighbor in the King of Queens and other roles in numerous movies and television programs. Bryan Cranston is now starring in the new AMC series Breaking Bad, which premiered on January 20 2008.

Has one daughter named Taylor.

His father is actor Joe Cranston (I). His brother is Kyle Edward Cranston.

A couple other titles he voice for were "Royal Space Force - The Wings of Honneamise", and "Macross Plus".

Once did voice acting for the English dubbing of Japanese Animation (or Anime), under the name "Lee Stone".

In the original Armitage III Polymatrix 4 episode home video release (also know as an OAV), he's listed as "Lee Stone", but in the movie edition of the same name, he's listed under his real name "Bryan Cranston".

Became an ordained minister when he was in college as a part-time job.

Got his start at the Granada Theatre in the San Fernando Valley, California.

Produced his "Kidsmartz" safety video with his _"Malcolm in the Middle" (2000)_ crew during one of their weeks off.

Such a big baseball fan that his wife threw him a surprise 40th birthday party at Dodgers Stadium.

Always grows a beard and mustache during his _"Malcolm in the Middle" (2000)_ hiatus.

His favorite episode of "Malcolm in the Middle" (2000) is the first season episode "Rollerskates." He spent six weeks before filming learning how to rollerskate.

Impersonated Brad Garrett (I)'s "Everybody Loves Raymond" (1996) voice shortly after losing to him for the second year in a row at the 2004 Emmy Awards. The crowd laughed hysterically, as did Brad Garrett (I) himself.

Presented the category "Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series" at the 2004 Emmy Awards with his "Malcolm in the Middle" (2000) co-star Jane Kaczmarek. Ironically enough, Bryan had been eligible for that category (for directing the "Malcolm in the Middle" (2000) episode "Stereo Store") but did not receive a nomination.

Was singled out by frequent "Malcolm in the Middle" (2000) director Todd Holland (I) during his Emmy speech in 2001. Cranston had been overlooked that year, and Holland proclaimed that he would "stand up here soon." Cranston was subsequently nominated for the first-time the next year.

Directed three episodes of "Malcolm in the Middle" (2000) during its fifth season. The episodes were "Vegas," "Dirty Magazine," and "Experiment".

The last name of the first Blue Ranger on "Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers" (1993) was named after him. He did various work as part of the crew (voice-overs, etc.), so the Blue Ranger's full name became Billy Cranston.

Has a dog named Sugar, saved from a local Los Angeles pound.

Enjoys traveling to Hawaii.

Met his wife Robin Dearden on the set of the show "Airwolf" (1984). He was playing the villain of the week, and she was his hostage (held at gunpoint).

Attended and graduated from Canoga Park High School, Canoga Park, California in 1974.

Honored as Grand Marshal of the 2006 Sherman Oaks, CA, Street Fair by the Chamber of Commerce for his leadership in the community and his protection of children through KidSmartz.

At one point considered becoming a police officer, and went to high school, and was friends with, Daniel Cameron.