Before Bryan Cranston became internationally renowned for his role as Walter White, he undertook various odd jobs while building his career in Hollywood. Among these were working as a server, loading trucks alongside Andy Garcia, and serving as a videotape interviewer for a dating service named Great Expectations. This little-known aspect of his past was recently highlighted by Kelly Clarkson on her talk show, shedding light on one of Bryan Cranston early reality show ventures.
However, even before these roles, Cranston made an appearance on the classic game show The Dating Game. In this early TV appearance, he was introduced as an “experimental cook,” an ironic precursor to his iconic Breaking Bad character. Reflecting on this moment, it’s clear this early appearance showcased a side of Cranston that hinted at his comedic talents and his potential for future stardom.
Bryan Cranston’s Humor Shines on The Dating Game
In 1979, Cranston took part as Bachelor Number 1 on The Dating Game. Presented as an experimental cook and map collector, he was highlighted for having won various physical fitness awards. His appearance, complete with a sweater draped around his neck, gave off a clean-cut, approachable vibe—almost like a prototype of his later character Hal from Malcolm in the Middle. Yet once the conversation began, it became evident that Cranston’s comedic personality was in full display, catching Bachelorette Marilyn Staley off guard.
The actor adopted a playful and somewhat exaggerated persona rather than appearing completely genuine. When asked by Staley,
“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.”
His humorous take on bachelorhood showcased his ability to blend comedy with charm.
Despite his witty performance, Marilyn Staley did not choose Cranston as her date. After the decision, Cranston embraced the moment with theatrical flair—straightening his sweater, planting a kiss on Staley’s cheek, and then joining host Jim Lange in disappointment. The entire episode felt less like a straightforward game show appearance and more like a display of Cranston’s acting range, hinting at the versatility he’d bring to his later career.
Revisiting Bryan Cranston’s Hilarious Early Work
Over the years, Cranston has spoken about this quirky facet of his career during various talk show appearances. These moments are often revived by hosts eager to uncover unexpected stories from their guests’ pasts. One notable instance occurred in October 2016 on The Graham Norton Show, where Cranston appeared alongside Benedict Cumberbatch and Eddie Redmayne. The discussion touched on dating in the 1980s, prompting Cranston to reminisce about Great Expectations, a videotape-based dating service that foreshadowed today’s online platforms.
Cranston jokingly described the eccentric and comical participants he encountered on the service, explaining that his humor helped him navigate the less-than-perfect dating prospects. In a spontaneous moment, he even created a mock video for host Graham Norton, declaring,
“If you like threesomes, I like Malcolm in the middle.”
Cumberbatch and Redmayne responded by inventing their own humorous clips, all agreeing that releasing such videos would have ensured their single status.
Though Cranston did not win a date on The Dating Game, he eventually found lasting love, marrying Robin Dearden in 1989. Their family continued the showbiz tradition with their daughter Taylor Dearden becoming an actress as well. Cranston’s experience on the game show places him among a distinguished group of future television stars who once appeared as contestants, including Farrah Fawcett, Suzanne Somers, John Ritter, and Steve Martin.
While episodes of The Dating Game are currently not available for streaming, the show’s enduring legacy highlights the early paths of several celebrated performers, including Bryan Cranston.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who did Bryan Cranston kiss?
A. Currently, we’re talking about the roles played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Bryan Cranston. Julia portrayed Elaine Benes, the close friend of the show’s main character.
Q. Does Bryan Cranston have a disability?
A. Cranston, who does not have a disability, faced heavy criticism for taking on a disabled character role. He defended his choice by saying it was a “business decision.” During a conversation with the Press Association, he explained, “As actors, we are tasked with becoming different people and portraying them.”
