Loading
Find your next favorite audiobook
Become a member today and listen free for 30 daysStart your free 30 daysBook Information
A Life in Parts
Written by Bryan Cranston
Narrated by Bryan Cranston
Book Actions
Start ListeningRatings:
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars4.5/5 (252 ratings)
Length: 8 hours
- Publisher:
- Simon & Schuster Audio
- Released:
- Oct 11, 2016
- ISBN:
- 9781508226321
- Format:
- Audiobook
Description
A poignant, intimate, funny, inspiring memoir-both a coming-of-age story and a meditation on creativity, devotion, and craft-from Bryan Cranston, beloved and acclaimed star of one of history's most successful TV shows, Breaking Bad.
Bryan Cranston landed his first role at seven, when his father, a struggling actor and director, cast him in a United Way commercial. Soon, Bryan was haunting the local movie theater, memorizing and reenacting favorite scenes with his older brother. Acting was clearly the boy's destiny-until one day his father disappeared. Suddenly, destiny took a back seat to survival.
Seeking something more stable, perhaps subconsciously trying to distance himself from his absent father, Cranston decided on a career in law enforcement. But then, a young man on a classic cross-country motorcycle trip, Cranston one day found himself stranded at a rest area in the Blue Ridge Mountains. To pass the time he read a tattered copy of Hedda Gabler, and in a flash he found himself face-to-face once again with his original calling. Suddenly he thought: This was what he wanted to do, what he would do, with the rest of his life. Act.
In his riveting memoir, A Life in Parts, Cranston traces his zigzag journey from his chaotic childhood to his dramatic epiphany, and beyond, to mega-stardom and a cult-like following, by vividly revisiting the many parts he's played, on camera (astronaut, dentist, detective, candy bar spokesperson, President of the United States, etc.) and off (paperboy, farmhand, security guard, dating consultant, murder suspect, dock loader, son, brother, lover, husband, father). With great humor, and much humility, Cranston chronicles his unlikely rise from a soap opera regular, trying to learn the ropes and the politics of show business on the fly, to a recurring spot as Tim Whatley on Seinfeld, finding himself an indelible part of popular culture. He recalls his run as the well-meaning goofball, Hal, on Malcolm in the Middle, proving to writers and fans that he was willing to do anything, anything, for a laugh, and he gives a bracing account of his run on Broadway as President Lyndon Johnson, pushing himself to the limit as he prepared, physically and mentally, for a tour de force that would win him a Tony, to go along with his four Emmys.
Of course, Cranston dives deep into the grittiest, most fascinating details of his greatest role, explaining how he searched inward for the personal darkness that would help him create one of the most riveting performances ever captured on screen: Walter White, chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin.
Discussing his failures as few men do, describing his work as few actors can, Cranston has much to say about innate talent, its benefits, challenges, and proper maintenance, but ultimately A Life in Parts is about the necessity and transformative power of hard work.
Bryan Cranston landed his first role at seven, when his father, a struggling actor and director, cast him in a United Way commercial. Soon, Bryan was haunting the local movie theater, memorizing and reenacting favorite scenes with his older brother. Acting was clearly the boy's destiny-until one day his father disappeared. Suddenly, destiny took a back seat to survival.
Seeking something more stable, perhaps subconsciously trying to distance himself from his absent father, Cranston decided on a career in law enforcement. But then, a young man on a classic cross-country motorcycle trip, Cranston one day found himself stranded at a rest area in the Blue Ridge Mountains. To pass the time he read a tattered copy of Hedda Gabler, and in a flash he found himself face-to-face once again with his original calling. Suddenly he thought: This was what he wanted to do, what he would do, with the rest of his life. Act.
In his riveting memoir, A Life in Parts, Cranston traces his zigzag journey from his chaotic childhood to his dramatic epiphany, and beyond, to mega-stardom and a cult-like following, by vividly revisiting the many parts he's played, on camera (astronaut, dentist, detective, candy bar spokesperson, President of the United States, etc.) and off (paperboy, farmhand, security guard, dating consultant, murder suspect, dock loader, son, brother, lover, husband, father). With great humor, and much humility, Cranston chronicles his unlikely rise from a soap opera regular, trying to learn the ropes and the politics of show business on the fly, to a recurring spot as Tim Whatley on Seinfeld, finding himself an indelible part of popular culture. He recalls his run as the well-meaning goofball, Hal, on Malcolm in the Middle, proving to writers and fans that he was willing to do anything, anything, for a laugh, and he gives a bracing account of his run on Broadway as President Lyndon Johnson, pushing himself to the limit as he prepared, physically and mentally, for a tour de force that would win him a Tony, to go along with his four Emmys.
Of course, Cranston dives deep into the grittiest, most fascinating details of his greatest role, explaining how he searched inward for the personal darkness that would help him create one of the most riveting performances ever captured on screen: Walter White, chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin.
Discussing his failures as few men do, describing his work as few actors can, Cranston has much to say about innate talent, its benefits, challenges, and proper maintenance, but ultimately A Life in Parts is about the necessity and transformative power of hard work.
Book Actions
Start ListeningBook Information
A Life in Parts
Written by Bryan Cranston
Narrated by Bryan Cranston
Ratings:
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars4.5/5 (252 ratings)
Length: 8 hours
Description
A poignant, intimate, funny, inspiring memoir-both a coming-of-age story and a meditation on creativity, devotion, and craft-from Bryan Cranston, beloved and acclaimed star of one of history's most successful TV shows, Breaking Bad.
Bryan Cranston landed his first role at seven, when his father, a struggling actor and director, cast him in a United Way commercial. Soon, Bryan was haunting the local movie theater, memorizing and reenacting favorite scenes with his older brother. Acting was clearly the boy's destiny-until one day his father disappeared. Suddenly, destiny took a back seat to survival.
Seeking something more stable, perhaps subconsciously trying to distance himself from his absent father, Cranston decided on a career in law enforcement. But then, a young man on a classic cross-country motorcycle trip, Cranston one day found himself stranded at a rest area in the Blue Ridge Mountains. To pass the time he read a tattered copy of Hedda Gabler, and in a flash he found himself face-to-face once again with his original calling. Suddenly he thought: This was what he wanted to do, what he would do, with the rest of his life. Act.
In his riveting memoir, A Life in Parts, Cranston traces his zigzag journey from his chaotic childhood to his dramatic epiphany, and beyond, to mega-stardom and a cult-like following, by vividly revisiting the many parts he's played, on camera (astronaut, dentist, detective, candy bar spokesperson, President of the United States, etc.) and off (paperboy, farmhand, security guard, dating consultant, murder suspect, dock loader, son, brother, lover, husband, father). With great humor, and much humility, Cranston chronicles his unlikely rise from a soap opera regular, trying to learn the ropes and the politics of show business on the fly, to a recurring spot as Tim Whatley on Seinfeld, finding himself an indelible part of popular culture. He recalls his run as the well-meaning goofball, Hal, on Malcolm in the Middle, proving to writers and fans that he was willing to do anything, anything, for a laugh, and he gives a bracing account of his run on Broadway as President Lyndon Johnson, pushing himself to the limit as he prepared, physically and mentally, for a tour de force that would win him a Tony, to go along with his four Emmys.
Of course, Cranston dives deep into the grittiest, most fascinating details of his greatest role, explaining how he searched inward for the personal darkness that would help him create one of the most riveting performances ever captured on screen: Walter White, chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin.
Discussing his failures as few men do, describing his work as few actors can, Cranston has much to say about innate talent, its benefits, challenges, and proper maintenance, but ultimately A Life in Parts is about the necessity and transformative power of hard work.
Bryan Cranston landed his first role at seven, when his father, a struggling actor and director, cast him in a United Way commercial. Soon, Bryan was haunting the local movie theater, memorizing and reenacting favorite scenes with his older brother. Acting was clearly the boy's destiny-until one day his father disappeared. Suddenly, destiny took a back seat to survival.
Seeking something more stable, perhaps subconsciously trying to distance himself from his absent father, Cranston decided on a career in law enforcement. But then, a young man on a classic cross-country motorcycle trip, Cranston one day found himself stranded at a rest area in the Blue Ridge Mountains. To pass the time he read a tattered copy of Hedda Gabler, and in a flash he found himself face-to-face once again with his original calling. Suddenly he thought: This was what he wanted to do, what he would do, with the rest of his life. Act.
In his riveting memoir, A Life in Parts, Cranston traces his zigzag journey from his chaotic childhood to his dramatic epiphany, and beyond, to mega-stardom and a cult-like following, by vividly revisiting the many parts he's played, on camera (astronaut, dentist, detective, candy bar spokesperson, President of the United States, etc.) and off (paperboy, farmhand, security guard, dating consultant, murder suspect, dock loader, son, brother, lover, husband, father). With great humor, and much humility, Cranston chronicles his unlikely rise from a soap opera regular, trying to learn the ropes and the politics of show business on the fly, to a recurring spot as Tim Whatley on Seinfeld, finding himself an indelible part of popular culture. He recalls his run as the well-meaning goofball, Hal, on Malcolm in the Middle, proving to writers and fans that he was willing to do anything, anything, for a laugh, and he gives a bracing account of his run on Broadway as President Lyndon Johnson, pushing himself to the limit as he prepared, physically and mentally, for a tour de force that would win him a Tony, to go along with his four Emmys.
Of course, Cranston dives deep into the grittiest, most fascinating details of his greatest role, explaining how he searched inward for the personal darkness that would help him create one of the most riveting performances ever captured on screen: Walter White, chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin.
Discussing his failures as few men do, describing his work as few actors can, Cranston has much to say about innate talent, its benefits, challenges, and proper maintenance, but ultimately A Life in Parts is about the necessity and transformative power of hard work.
- Publisher:
- Simon & Schuster Audio
- Released:
- Oct 11, 2016
- ISBN:
- 9781508226321
- Format:
- Audiobook
About the author
Bryan Cranston won four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Walter White in AMC’s Breaking Bad. He holds the honor of being the first actor in a cable series, and the second lead actor in the history of the Emmy Awards, to receive three consecutive wins. In 2014 he won a Tony Award for his role as Lyndon Johnson in the bio-play All the Way. In film, Cranston received an Academy Award nomination for his leading role in Trumbo. Among his numerous television and film appearances, he was nominated for a Golden Globe and three Emmys for his portrayal of Hal in FOX’s Malcolm in the Middle. He is the author of A Life in Parts.
Related to A Life in Parts
Reviews
Vivian Adelene Adram
Since Malcolm’s dad suddenly became yet another more sinister household name... I’ve become intrigued with Bryan. He’s such a solid actor who’s truly and still is giving it his all, honing his craft and getting from strength to strength. Like all of us, he too has a complicated relationship with his dad. And the part about his relationship with his wife, it’s wonderful to see that these sorts of things still happen in good ol tinsel town!
Rating: 4ken jones
Brain is a superb story teller and telling his on story was a page turner for sure. Lessons we all need to practice, forgiveness, forethought, acknowledgment of events on our life and how we cope with them. The list is ever ending. I plan on absorbing his words and listening again.
Rating: 5Noel Tarter
I have a new found respect for Bryan Cranston. Thank you for sharing your life.
Rating: 4Malcolm
One of the essential books on the actors life. With words of wisdom from the stage and screen as well as life itself, Brian Cranston covers it all. And what a delight to have it read by the man himself. A must listen and a must read.
Rating: 5Karen Viacava
Great book. A very human story. It is great to hear the author's voice.
Rating: 5Alison Mullings
Hiighly recommend especially if you're an actor. Bryan Cranston's truths are very relatable. I loved every moment of listening to him tell his story.
Rating: 5Chandan
Bryan Cranston is at his creative best in his autobiography ' Life in Parts'. For me as a fan of ' Breaking Bad' it was a moment to again experience his genius for story telling and penchant for crisp narration.
This is the first time I listened to an audio book and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing.
Rating: 5This is the first time I listened to an audio book and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing.
Alfredo Perez
Great insightful book. Never knew Cranston came from such a humble background.
Rating: 5Freya Christian
Enjoyed every minute. Now I'm back to watching breaking bad all over again. His voice is great, he's had an interesting life and I appreciate the level of depth in this book. Highly recommend it!
Rating: 5lisa caple
Really good; an interesting life story and love listening to Mr Cranston’s voice! Highly recommended.
Rating: 5Christine Marie York
Bryan's amazing insight and self awareness combined with dry humour make this a must read
Rating: 5NatalieRichards
W-O-W. Not only is he an amazing actor but also a talented author too! This is one of my favorite memoirs of all time. This is not a book about an actor tooting his own horn. This book actually taught me some life lessons through his candid sharing of his life experiences. I really enjoyed his story it was clever, funny, entertaining and insightful. Definitely worth the time!
Rating: 5Angeliki Papadimitriou
insightful, well structured, well written. i grew to like the man cranston as well as the actor
Rating: 5pam
I loved this book read by Brian Cranston himself. He was so open and honest about his family life and how he became the great actor he is! I really have known him from breaking bad and playing Lyndon Johnson. He’s just like all of us in certain situations which makes you like him even more!! He struggled when he was young and worked hard to get where he is today!! It’s excellent!!
Rating: 5Johnson Chiang
what an inspiring book! thank you for sharing your story with us, Bryan! deeply touched by the events of your life!
Rating: 5Natacha Elmir
Inspiring, humble, personal, educational. I loved how real Bryan seems and feels, and I am grateful for his generosity in sharing many intimate and insightful gems.
Rating: 5Aulia Cipta
I think besides the great insight to Bryan's life, listening to his voice for around 8 hours was calming. Great overall!
Rating: 5Jensi Hansen
Cranston outlines memorable moments in his life, things that shaped him as a man and performer. The joy & the pain. He is present to his experience & grateful for it. This is one of those books that sheds light on our own stories because he’s so honest about his. Plus he’s the reader, great voice for 70 chapters:) loved it.
Rating: 5