Actor Who Portrayed 'Breaking Bad' Arch-Villain to Share Experiences on Program


OGDEN, Utah – For his most recognized role, Giancarlo Esposito was required to be both tranquil and diabolical — a mad drug kingpin who happened to own a chicken restaurant chain.

Esposito, who portrayed “Breaking Bad’s” Gustavo “Gus” Fring, will share his experiences working on the Emmy Award-winning program with a Weber State University audience Feb. 18. His speech will take place in Shepherd Union Ballrooms A and B at 12:30 p.m.

“Not only is he a great actor, but I understand he’s an A+ motivational speaker as well,” said Abe Saucedo, WSU convocations director.


Esposito, whose acting career spans several decades, received a Critics Choice Award and an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Fring. He will also receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this year.He currently co-stars in NBC’s Revolution as militia leader Major Tom Neville. This year, he will also direct, produce and star in Political Treason, which tells the story of abolitionist John Brown. Esposito will play Fredrick Douglass opposite Ed Harris, a four-time Academy Award nominee.

Esposito recently finished production on the independent thriller Poker Night, in which he plays a seasoned police detective.

In addition to his most recent and well-known roles, Esposito has starred in films such as The Usual Suspects, Rabbit Hole and Smoke. He has also starred in Spike Lee’s Malcolm X, Do the Right Thing, Mo’ Better Blues and School Daze.

The actor is also known for his stage work, having recently starred in the world premiere of Storefront Church, directed by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner John Patrick Shanley. Esposito performed in the play as part of the Atlantic Theater Company, where he continues to perform and teach.

His Broadway credits include Sacrilege, Seesaw, Merrily We Roll Along and Lost In The Stars. He also co-starred in the Broadway production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with James Earl Jones, Terrence Howard and Phylicia Rashad.

Esposito is a board member of the Creative Coalition, an arts and advocacy group that champions the First Amendment. He also supports the Waterkeeper Alliance, Kids for Peace & World Merit USA.

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
Author:
Shane Farver, executive communication coordinator
801-626-7439 · shanefarver@weber.edu
 
Contact:
Tara Peris-Caputo, Clubs and Organizations coordinator
801-626-7334 · taraperis@weber.edu