The success of ‘Breaking Bad‘ and its universe extends beyond the show itself to the actors who starred in it. They’ve gone on to build thriving careers in television, movies, writing, directing, and other business ventures. This overview examines how the cast has earned money not only from their acting roles, but also through consistent TV income, film appearances, producing work, and smart investments.
This list focuses on actors who became well-known through either ‘Breaking Bad’ or ‘Better Call Saul’. The ranking considers the length of their main roles, how the shows expanded the franchise, ongoing earnings from reruns, and any other work they’ve done to maintain their income after the shows ended.
15. Laura Fraser
Laura Fraser, known for her role as Lydia, has consistently worked in television both in the UK and the US. She’s landed leading roles and significant recurring parts, providing steady income and international exposure for her work. Alongside television, she’s also built a solid film career, keeping her actively working in both America and Europe.
She earns a steady income from ongoing roles in TV series and crime dramas, occasional appearances on popular networks, and independent films shown at festivals. This combination provides her with reliable income from royalties and payments whenever her shows are broadcast in different countries.
14. Steven Michael Quezada
Steven Michael Quezada became well-known for his role as Gomez, and he’s continued to build a successful career in comedy and local entertainment. He regularly performs stand-up, acts in local theater, and takes on character roles in movies and TV shows, keeping him busy throughout the year.
Beyond his acting career, he’s been involved in local community work and has earned money by hosting events. This mix of on-screen and live performances provides a steady income, even when he’s not working on major projects.
13. RJ Mitte
RJ Mitte became known for playing Walt Jr., which led to more acting opportunities in television and endorsements. He’s since appeared in several TV dramas and shows aimed at younger audiences, providing consistent work and ongoing income from those roles.
He supplements his acting income with modeling and public speaking engagements, earning fees for appearances and campaigns. This combination of on-screen work and advocacy helps him maintain a steady income between acting projects.
12. Betsy Brandt
After playing Marie, Betsy Brandt found consistent work in popular television comedies and dramas. Appearing in multiple seasons of ensemble casts provides a steady income, and her roles in both single-camera comedies and procedural dramas mean her shows often get re-aired, increasing her visibility.
She supplements her work with guest appearances on other shows, short-run series, and stage performances. Consistent television work, combined with ongoing payments from shows that are frequently re-aired, provides her with a stable income.
11. Charles Baker
Charles Baker helped make Skinny Pete a popular character, and used that success to get him parts in crime and action shows. He’s worked on projects for streaming services, cable, and traditional television, which means he earns ongoing payments from multiple sources.
I’ve noticed he’s been doing a lot of voiceover work and popping up in smaller indie films lately, which is great. It seems like those projects are perfect for filling the gaps between bigger roles – shorter commitments that still keep him working and the money coming in while he waits for the next major screen opportunity.
10. Matt Jones
Matt Jones expanded his career after ‘Badger’ by working consistently on both live-action network comedies and animated shows. Being a main cast member on a family comedy provides reliable income while the show is being made, and can lead to significant earnings from reruns later on.
He earns extra income through voice acting in animated projects and video games. Because voice work is flexible, he can often do it alongside live-action filming, increasing his overall yearly income.
9. Rhea Seehorn
Rhea Seehorn’s performance as Kim Wexler not only earned her leading-actor salaries for several seasons and significant awards recognition, but it also positions her to command higher fees for future projects. Additionally, her work as a director and producer on the show provided her with further income from behind the camera.
I’m really excited about everything she’s got going on! She’s working on movies, some smaller series, and developing brand new projects too. It’s great because it means she has a really diverse income stream – she’s earning from acting, directing, and producing, even when she’s focused on a big TV show. It’s a smart way to manage her career and keep things interesting!
8. Anna Gunn
After playing Skyler, Anna Gunn continued to appear in well-regarded dramas and limited series. Because she’s consistently worked on successful shows – both on cable and streaming platforms – she earns ongoing payments from several different projects.
Performing in plays and taking on leading roles in TV movies provide additional income. These opportunities usually offer good pay rates and flexible schedules, which nicely supplement regular television series work.
7. Jonathan Banks
Jonathan Banks is a veteran actor with a career stretching back before his iconic role as Mike Ehrmantraut. He’s been consistently working in film and television since the 1980s, building up significant income from popular, long-running shows.
Reprising his leading role in two different TV series provided consistent work and income over multiple seasons. He supplements this with voice acting work and appearances at special events, further increasing his annual earnings.
6. Krysten Ritter
Krysten Ritter leveraged her role in the Marvel universe to star as Jessica Jones. Being the lead in a multi-season Marvel series provides significant income and ongoing royalties from international broadcasts.
In addition to acting, she produces her own projects and writes books, creating extra income. She also takes on guest roles and appears in limited-run series to stay visible between bigger projects.
5. Dean Norris
Dean Norris skillfully used his role as Hank to secure a prominent position in a popular network television series that aired for several seasons. Consistent payments from the show, along with money earned from its continued broadcast in syndication, provide him with a solid and reliable income.
He consistently works in film and television, and occasionally performs on stage or does voiceover work. He also earns income through teaching, producing projects, and select brand collaborations.
4. Jesse Plemons
Jesse Plemons has become a highly sought-after actor, moving beyond his breakout role as Todd to star in critically acclaimed films and television series. He consistently appears in both big-budget and independent movies, securing leading and significant supporting roles that keep him at the forefront of the industry.
High-budget films are now competing with popular, expensive TV shows. Winning awards at film festivals and receiving nominations often leads to higher fees for future projects, boosting overall earnings over time.
3. Giancarlo Esposito
Giancarlo Esposito is well-known for his iconic role as Gus Fring in two different TV series, and he’s also appeared in major roles on shows like ‘The Mandalorian’, ‘The Boys’, and ‘Godfather of Harlem’. Having leading and recurring roles in so many popular franchises means he earns substantial income from both ongoing payments and high fees for each episode he appears in.
In addition to his other work, he earns money through voice acting in video games and animation. He also supplements his income with speaking events and carefully chosen endorsements, creating a steadily growing and varied financial portfolio.
2. Bob Odenkirk
Bob Odenkirk earned substantial income over six seasons playing Jimmy McGill, including payments for his work as a producer and director on the show. He also continues to receive royalties from his previous work as a writer and comedian.
He’s starred in popular movies like ‘Nobody’ and recently appeared in a new series, which has increased his earning potential for future projects. He also earns income through book sales, production agreements, and public appearances, in addition to his acting work.
1. Bryan Cranston
Bryan Cranston has built a successful career with starring roles in popular shows like ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Malcolm in the Middle,’ which continue to generate income through reruns. He also earns money from producing, appearing in movies, and performing on Broadway, creating diverse revenue streams beyond just acting.
In addition to his acting career, he co-created the Dos Hombres mezcal brand with Aaron Paul, providing income beyond entertainment. He continues to earn from recent acting projects and voice work, and still receives royalties from his earlier successes.
Share your take on who belongs where in this rich list in the comments.
Read More
- ETH PREDICTION. ETH cryptocurrency
- Umamusume: All status effects and how to remove them
- USD PLN PREDICTION
- Toll Brothers: A Dividend-Driven Home Run in a Rate-Cutting World 🏡
- Corporate Folly: The Nuclear Dream of Oklo and Its Whimsical Ascent
- BBAI: A Gamble in the AI Fog
- Robinhood vs. Interactive Brokers: Which Fintech Wins?
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Buffett’s Blueprint: A Neurotic Investor’s Guide to Three Stocks and a Sip of S&P
- The Wobbly Wonders of ISRG and TTD: A Macro Strategist’s Tale
2025-09-26 17:16