Bryan Cranston (born Wednesday, March 7, 1956 in San Fernando Valley, California) 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 and regional theatres, getting his start at the Granada Theatre in the San Fernando Valley, California. Cranston is married to Robin Dearden, who he met on the set of the show "Airwolf" (1984). He was playing the villain of the week, and she was his hostage (held at gunpoint). They have a daughter, Taylor. Cranston was previously married to Mickey Middleton, a writer.

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 advertising work includes commercials for Lay's Potato Chips, Excedrin, and Honda Accord. His voice acting includes English dubbing of Japanese Anime, under the name "Lee Stone". The last name of the first Blue Ranger on "Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers" (1993) was named after him. He did various work as part of the crew (voice-overs, etc.), so the Blue Ranger's full name became Billy Cranston.

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 Whatley. A famous moment from the show is when Jerry suspected that Whatley "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.