Bryan Cranston (b. Wednesday, March 7, 1956) is an American actor perhaps best known in his role as Hal, the father of the family in the popular Fox Network television situation comedy Malcolm in the Middle. He has played roles in numerous movies and television programs.

Bryan Cranston is the son of actor Joe Cranston. Cranston grew up in the Los Angeles area and graduated from Canoga Park High School. He began his acting career after college in local theatres. Cranston is married and has a daughter.

Though best known for his work on Malcolm in the Middle beginning in 2000, Cranston has worked regularly since the late 1980s, though mostly in minor roles. His largest role prior to Malcolm was as astronaut Buzz Aldrin in the HBO series From the Earth to the Moon. Cranston has also played astronaut Gus Grissom in the film That Thing You Do!

Fans of Seinfeld recognize Cranston as Jerry Seinfeld's dentist Dr. Tim Watley. A famous moment from the show is when Jerry suspected that Watley "converted to Judaism purely for the jokes."

Cranston has directed several episodes of Malcolm in the Middle and received an Emmy nomination for his performance on the show. He also wrote and directed the 1999 movie Last Chance.

Credit: classictvhits.com