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In the epic story ofBreaking Bad, each character contributed to the show’s intense and unforgettable storytelling. From Bryan Cranston’s Walter White to Aaron Paul’s Jesse Pinkman, every one of the characters brought something different to the show.
However, the one standout in the entire series was Hank Schrader, a DEA agent portrayed by Dean Norris. Although the 5 season drama was supposed to be a serious show that focused on White’s descent into the crime world, Norris chose to make his character a little different.
After all, the 61-year-old ended up being the AMC show’s closest thing to a comedic relief. However, while everyone around him to the star to play it seriously during the audition, he chose to flip the script and bring a bit of his own humor to it.
How Dean Norris brought Breaking Bad’s Hank Schrader to life
Everyone who has watchedBreaking Badknows that the series is anything but a comedy. However, there were moments where Dean Norris’ character, Hank Schrader, left everyone in fits of laughter. Although he went on to become one of the show’s only forms of comedy, the actor was initially told not to add a twist to the written role.
In an appearance onConan, the 61-year-old revealed that he stumbled upon the perfect way to bring the character to life by complete accident. He also admitted that he was confused about how to portray the DEA agent before heading in for his audition and went against the advice of everyone around him.
I was conflicted, like this was funny to me but you know I could tell.. my agents or whatever said it was a drama. So I was like, ‘No, I’m gonna go with my gut and I’m gonna make it funny.’ And that’s what we did.
The producers and showrunners had initially wanted Norris’ Schrader to maintain a specific tone. However, the actor chose to trust his instincts and wound up creating a brilliant twist in the character that defied traditional tropes in serious crime dramas.
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With the whole franchise focusing on White’s family man turned drug kingpin, Norris’ character was the only one in the whole series that stuck to the good side.
Dean Norris on being the only morally good character in Breaking Bad
Ever sinceBreaking Badhit TV screens in 2008, the show was filled with morally ambiguous characters like Walter White and Jesse Pinkman. However, throughout its 5 season run, Dean Norris’ Hank Schrader stood as a shining light to all the others.
With Norris’ character being a DEA agent, he chose to stand by doing the right thing over making a quick buck, unlikeBryan Cranston’sHeisenberg. In an appearance on NPR’sFresh Air, the actor opened up about what it was like playing Schrader on the show and finding out that his brother-in-law was the one he was after.
He [Norris’ character] has known Walter White for a long time, and he’s only known him to be this kind of ineffectual, milquetoast kind of guy and that’s who he sees him as. so the concept of seeing him or even possibly imagining him as some sort of meth cook and a man who could function in that environment is just beyond ridiculous.
Norris also added,“It’s a little frustrating.”After all, with the whole world watching, his character was one of the last few ones to know that White was actually Heisenberg. Unfortunately, Schrader also ended up killed off in a firefight in the last season.
“Wait a minute. NO. NO. NO”: The Network Was Furious With a Momentous Breaking Bad Scene That Turned Walter White into a Stone-cold Killer
After escaping death an unthinkable number of times, the scene of Norris’ character’s death was heartbreaking for viewers to watch. However, with the series killing off many characters, it did not come as much of a surprise.
Stream all 5 seasons ofBreaking Badon Netflix
Prathika Prashant
Articles Published :192
With over three years of experience in the field of writing, and a knack for storytelling, she dives into the pop culture world to provide fans with insightful updates and engaging narratives worldwide. Her articles add a dash of insightful commentary and a captivating narrative to ensure that readers get the whole story. When she is not working, you can find her browsing new music or going down a rabbit hole of old timey sitcoms and more.
