Before his iconic role on *Breaking Bad*, Bryan Cranston appeared as a humorous bachelor on *The Dating Game* in 1979.
Nearly three decades before becoming famous as Walter White, Bryan Cranston had an unexpected early appearance on a reality dating show, marking one of his first brushes with television fame. His Bryan Cranston early reality show role occurred in 1979 on The Dating Game, where he was introduced in a quirky and playful manner, giving audiences an early glimpse of his comedic talent.
Before that, Cranston took on various odd jobs while establishing himself in Hollywood, including working as a server, assisting actor Andy Garcia with loading trucks, and acting as a videotape interviewer for the dating service Great Expectations, a role Kelly Clarkson later referenced on her talk show through an old advertisement.
The 1979 Dating Game Appearance Showcased Cranston’s Early Charm and Wit
On The Dating Game, Cranston was presented as Bachelor Number 1, described as an “experimental cook” and a map collector who had received awards for physical fitness. Wearing a sweater casually draped around his neck, he projected a neat and innocent image that contrasted with the comedic personality that emerged once he began speaking. His demeanor hinted at a character similar to Hal from Malcolm in the Middle, blending a wholesome look with humor.
The bachelorette, Marilyn Staley, was unprepared for Cranston’s playful and somewhat exaggerated responses. When Staley asked,
Image of: Bryan Cranston
“When do you know you’ve been a bachelor for too long?”
Cranston replied,
“When you find yourself doing your own laundry and the dishes and having to iron your own clothes. It’s time to give it up and get married.”
This showed early signs of Cranston’s ability to craft a character even in a casual game show environment.
Despite his efforts to charm Staley, she ultimately did not choose Cranston. After the decision, Cranston embraced the moment with good humor, kissing Staley on the cheek and standing alongside host Jim Lange in mock disappointment. His performance had the feel of a bit, suggesting his natural inclination for acting and entertainment even before his major television roles.
Bryan Cranston’s Early Reality Television Role Remains Part of His Entertaining History
Over the years, Cranston has revisited his early reality TV stint during numerous interviews, turning the experience into a humorous anecdote. His appearance on talk shows often highlighted these youthful moments, including a memorable chat on The Graham Norton Show in 2016 alongside actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Eddie Redmayne. During the show, Cranston elaborated on his videotape interviewer job for Great Expectations, noting it as an early form of modern online dating and sharing witty comments about the participants there.
On that occasion, Cranston spontaneously created a mock video message for Norton, saying,
“If you like threesomes, I like Malcolm in the middle.”
—Bryan Cranston. The actors he shared the stage with also joined in making their own humorous videos, playfully acknowledging that none of them might have succeeded in finding matches through such efforts.
Although Cranston did not find romance on The Dating Game, he later married Robin Dearden in 1989, and their family extended into acting with their daughter Taylor Dearden taking up the craft professionally. The Dating Game itself boasts of several notable former contestants who later rose to fame, including Farrah Fawcett, Suzanne Somers, John Ritter, and Steve Martin.
Despite its past popularity, The Dating Game is not currently available on streaming platforms.
The Significance of Cranston’s Early Roles in Shaping His Career
Bryan Cranston’s early reality show appearance and various odd jobs in Hollywood underscore the long and winding path he traveled before achieving widespread acclaim. These experiences reveal an early flair for comedy and character work, elements that would eventually define his critically acclaimed performances. His time on The Dating Game not only serves as an entertaining historical footnote but also highlights the unpredictable journey of an artist honing his craft over decades.
As Cranston’s career continues to evolve, these early glimpses into his versatility and humor offer fans insight into the foundation that helped shape one of television’s most compelling actors.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who did Bryan Cranston kiss?
A. The characters being discussed are played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Bryan Cranston.
Julia portrayed Elaine Benes, who was the best friend of the show’s main character.
Q. Does Bryan Cranston have a disability?
A. Cranston, who is not disabled, faced criticism for taking on a role as a disabled character. He justified his choice by calling it a “business decision.” In an interview with the Press Association, he explained that actors are expected to take on different roles and portray various people.
