Giancarlo Esposito Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

[@LexiS-lk8cy]

I have never seen a man who could look and act so mesmerizing yet terrifying at the same time. He gives his roles such a classy yet mysterious nuance. Love him.

[@Elwaves2925]

It's like says, the less he does the more terrifying his character is. Also, like many of the best villains, he seems to be genuinely nice and friendly in real life.

[@RetrocarStyle]

Yes this guy is one of my favorite actors

[@dariusmcintosh8748]

One of my favorite moments of all time was having my Jordan’s Agnes by this man . Nicest Person ever

[@alexbrettw]

@@Elwaves2925 He's very nice in real life. He shows up to a lot of conventions and takes the time to talk to his fans

[@Elwaves2925]

@@alexbrettw That's the impression I've got, everyone always says good things about him.

[@riolkin]

I absolutely adore this man. I used to be scared of him because of how good his performance was in Breaking Bad, I figured he would be really intimidating in real life. But every interview and fan interaction I've ever seen with Giancarlo he is so warm and kind. He is one of those actors who can draw me to a project I'm not otherwise interested in because I just HAVE to see him act more. Please Hollywood, someone find more parts for this man.

[@cloudynguyen6527]

You can say the same for the guy playing Tuco haha

[@minsu7919]

glazer

[@MrLuffy9131]

It's ironically he's probably the most animated panel I seen but plays the most deadpan serious character

[@jjm004]

I don’t know how this man has never won an Emmy. Incredible actor.

[@jmanfunkslice]

Never had a role where he had volume, sure he’s great but he didn’t have much screen time

[@iGaveLiaHIV]

@@jmanfunkslice mf best supporting actor in a drama he should’ve been a lock in BCS

[@jmanfunkslice]

@@iGaveLiaHIV no, he didn’t have enough screen time, read

[@JakeFLM]

@@jmanfunkslice he was a main character in better call saul tho

[@jmanfunkslice]

@@JakeFLM usually doesn’t have anything to do with screen time

[@svmto]

He's an actor's actor. You can tell he loves the craft of acting

[@lightningmonky7674]

Definitely the Broadway side of him, it oftentimes adds a whole different eir to their performances

[@SoulSearcherr]

This dude needs to be talked about more, he is one the best actors working today.

[@Elwaves2925]

I agree. I remember the first time I really noticed him, which was The Usual Suspects. It was a supporting role but he definitely stood out to me. He's only got better since then.

[@alexlazzerly3677]

Idk I feel like he gets talked about a lot. He's gotta be like top 3 actors who gets fancast in everything.

[@AL-fl4jk]

Literally one of the most popular working actors

[@Hysteria98]

He's good but ever since BB he's mostly been typecast as Gus over and over.

[@podness.]

@@Hysteria98 true the directors start putting him as a villain but rarely as a hero or supporting character. They did a good job at caleidoscope

[@chrise8275]

You can tell he really loves talking about acting, I enjoyed that.

[@lbabytutorials4852]

The stars were aligned when they casted everyone for Breaking Bad & Better Call Saul. A masterpiece that is timeless!

[@SIIILICE]

W

[@tucko11]

They should’ve put Walter and Jesse in better call Saul

[@lbabytutorials4852]

@@tucko11 they did, there in the last 2 episodes

[@hoosier3060]

@@tucko11 Kim meets Jesse right before Jesse and Walt abduct Jimmy.

[@quan1562]

​@@hoosier3060u can tell Jesse voice wasn't the same

[@MarkArnoldMusic]

Giancarlo is a legend. Full of energy, joy and charisma. Couldn't be more unlike most of the characters he plays...

[@AshfcknKetchum]

I just love these older, articulate, quite soft-spoken actors that ooze such charisma on screen without being overbearing, like him, Gary Oldman and Christoph Waltz.

[@matthewminelli]

James Spader.

[@TheAlmightyOreo]

For a split second I thought Christoph Waltz was the weirdest shortening of "Christopher Walken" I had ever read lmao

[@avadakedavra6587]

Bryan Cranston

[@deanisplemoni]

@@TheAlmightyOreo he no longer walken, it's a waltz.

[@MartensAD]

Gary Oldman is a ripe old ham.

[@thomasbrown3356]

What I love about Gus is that his emotions are all in his face. Anger, disappointment, setbacks, final vengeance. All of it.

[@AthenianOwl237]

If he gets into script writing- he's going to put together an absolutely amazing product with extremely well written characters. I NEED him to get into that lol.

[@pixel_pillow]

If he gets behind the camera he will be unstoppable

[@rorylynch7775]

Up to Los Pollos Standards

[@Quzga]

@@rorylynch7775 Acceptable

[@zucchinigreen]

​@@pixel_pillow He's directed episodes on BCS

[@Greendawn-di3dl]

How do you have any idea his chops for acting somehow transfer. They don't.

[@Booze_Buddies]

Met him at Megacon last year. Such a genuine real actor. Extremely friendly, loves chewing gum, and goes out of his way to everyone that came to his table to make interaction special. Brilliant man, need more people like him in Hollywood.

[@adequatequality]

Every soon-to-be-villain actor in a TV show or movie needs to sit down with Giancarlo and have a long chat about what makes a character so interesting. This man has nailed down the art of stoic antagonism: no loud shouting, physical intimidation, or murdering, but just speaking. Incredible.

[@chrisslaughter8448]

*stares at box cutter in the corner*

[@UncleGrandpaFanatic1989]

"No murdering" hmm...

[@carolusrex3973]

I mean, Tuco was a pretty successful villain aswell, but Gus will always be the best

[@boomiepinagpala6290]

I was about to comment on how good Giancarlo is, but I struggled to put up the right words to justify his excellence. If anyone asks me how good of an actor he is, I will say this statement.

[@Star_Joker]

Victor: Am I a joke to you?

[@SharkJnr]

What an actor, truly. I know it's not exactly a TV show or Movie but Far Cry 6 was so unbelievably good, and he brought the character to life with MoCap and his insane talent.

[@adamjones4951]

Finally, someone mentions Far cry 6, by far the best Villan since FC3. He portrayed the realisation of power loss so well

[@tmtmtg]

@@adamjones4951 I think the seed family were the best "villains" but that's just me

[@kane_howe138]

@@adamjones4951you didn’t like pagan min? Honestly I’d put pagan min over vass

[@robertwendt8672]

Don't forget about his role in Payday 2

[@fatyoshi1456]

​@@robertwendt8672 He was in Payday 2?!

[@greenpunisher13]

He deserves all the success of the world. He is really an Oscar-level actor

[@marig9236]

agreed

[@AamuAurora]

Oscars mean nothing. He's happy in the theater and amazing shows that are artistically valuable. Oscars or other American awards are absolute or objective. I don't think many artists care for it.

[@minsu7919]

nomnomnomnom :p

[@VegetaLaunchedFinalFlash]

Indeed

[@quangtran-fe3kb]

Agree

[@darkknight3326]

I love how he’s a genuinely nice guy but can absolutely nail these villainous characters

[@pixel_pillow]

Giancarlo is very obviously the best kind of person to play a villain. But the villains he plays all have an interesting perspective and he conveys it in a formidable way. Beautiful.

[@yeskev]

Love Giancarlo in all his Spike Lee roles, including Mo Better Blues. Love this interview. You can see how much fun he has playing these roles.

[@lovejones1897]

He def deserves his flowers

[@MrBeautiful2908]

I’ve been a fan of Giancarlo Esposito since the late 80s. Phenomenal actor, but very unsung. His versatility is simply marvelous

[@JamalJay93]

Do the right thing

[@KKelly-ng1ni]

The Usual Suspects.

[@sexyfatbastid]

Ditto. Ever since School Daze.

[@458med]

bobroberts?

[@drewamasterpiece5268]

Trading Places with Eddie Murphy. Jail scene.

[@CompoundingTime]

He plays the unflinching, genius, boss perfectly. Love that he continues to accept those roles as his portrayals of these key roles brings everything together and maintains suspense heightening everyone else's performances.

[@jennifertalwar6099]

I love how he acts. Words are not always required. It is like he loves the role, he is so good it is scary.

[@Boobalopbop]

He has a great face for acting. He can do it all.

[@jake9854]

but girls hated men like this tho

[@jennifertalwar6099]

@@jake9854 lol. His face is expressive enough to tell us what he thinks.

[@jake9854]

@@jennifertalwar6099 wait so u like expressive boys or u like someone whos passionate about something?

[@jennifertalwar6099]

@@jake9854 For me, it isn’t always about words, as long as he expresses himself one way or another. Many things don’t need words. 🙂👍

[@jerrypomroy2375]

It’s a breath of fresh air seeing Giancarlo out of character. Incredible actor. Very intriguing human being.

[@jayrobinson7627]

Amazing actor. Can fit into any role I've seen him in and play it flawlessly. Currently watching him in Godfather of Harlem and he steals almost any scene he is in.

[@lukestar2218]

I’m glad he talked about BB Gus and BCS Gus. It would be easy to just try and save time by grouping them together but they really are different characters that both deserve attention. Any actor that can play the same part in 2 different ways is genius. Giancarlo is a phenomenal performer.

[@joshuacy91]

It gives me such joy to see Mr. Buggin' Out himself getting his just due. His characters in "Do the Right Thing" and "Fresh" and "Nothing to Lose" will forever be etched in my memory.

[@khads18]

No one talks about Fresh enough!!!

[@djuanbenjamin9149]

Yes sir, I posted about that being the first time seeing him on screen.

[@gloriempaka9474]

@khads_ I absolutely agree that movie is a masterpiece and it's a shame that it's not mentioned enough

[@ermelinda2223]

What about the mazerunner???

[@ShanesAutos]

Giancarlo and Chrisoph Waltz in my opinion are very similar especially when playing villains. I think he needs to be in a Tarantino movie at some point.

[@thumpa1205]

Would love to see those two collaborate

[@ThatsThing1]

As much as I love Giancarlo, Christoph Waltz has better range as an actor in comparison.

[@supporturlocalguillotine3002]

It would be amazing to see them do even just a scene together, both insanely talented at anything they touch.

[@jumpvelocity3953]

@@ThatsThing1yes, Giancarlo is very much a specialist. His characters are rather similar, and if they met, they may be amicable friends.

[@curryis828]

​@@ThatsThing1but I would say he plays better villains than waltz

[@robdilauro4344]

He plays three of the greatest modern villiains/antagonists in the span of ten years, some simultaneously, the man is a powerhouse and one of the greatest actors alive.

[@joseenriqueof]

I really want to see him in Matt Reeve's Batman universe, either as Mr. Freeze or Hugo Strange.

[@robdilauro4344]

@@joseenriqueof He's the voice of Lex Luthor in the Harley Quinn animated series.

[@Gibbypastrami]

4:49 I love this scene, perfectly displays the “stage direction” concept he was talking about, Walter makes a request which Gus is happy to fulfill, so he takes the cup, but before the “transaction” is completed, Walter adds in a caveat, one which Mr. Fring did not have to accept, so he hesitates, then, as if granting Walter his five minute request, completes the transaction without denying the caveat

[@michaeltheewolf]

Bro his attention to detail and his way to articulate it is wow! Love this dude as a actor seriously.

[@Ichijoumi]

The way that he can just drop voice nad change to this cold calculated way of talk gives me chills. I love his characters a whole lot

[@naui5257]

Dude also killed it as Lex Luthor in Harley Quinn. Perfect level of sass and yet corporate tight fisting.

[@irvinmorales1409]

I have no idea what the F splosions are Bane!

[@cujohjosefumi1252]

He also play Faraday in Cyberpunk Edgerunners

[@sendxnoodles]

@@cujohjosefumi1252 what really? eng dub?

[@cujohjosefumi1252]

@@sendxnoodles yup

[@NAANsoft]

I really like his strong voice and how he can control it.

[@gibbysmoviecorner8286]

One of the most versatile actors working today.

[@jamesgantzer3786]

Love him as an actor but I want more out of him than just mysterious villain role

[@enclavesoldier1778]

Nah. He plays the same character every time

[@PauloR2T]

Do you even know what versatile means?

[@headtopprotector7521]

@@enclavesoldier1778 you haven’t seen him in a lot then.

[@chriscomics9415]

@@enclavesoldier1778 exactly just like Denzel Washington

[@daneweyo]

That scene in the elevator where he taps his fingers is so subtly genius. His character is of unshakeable fortitude, yet that smallest of tics gives the viewer a glimpse into a very rare moment of Gus' uncertainty. Brilliant

[@jaredbarber5823]

Such a cerebral actor, whom I hadn't known to be such a calculating individual, exploring his own range, and also, how best to allow his fellow actors, to have such terrific opportunities to react to thoughtful performances, not considered. Love his enthusiasm. Bravo.

[@kslo6179]

Really glad we have actors like this that continuously try to improve and bring the most entertaining performance. We have to many actors that just show up for a check and basically play the same character. Like will Ferrell and Adam Sandler type stuff. Giancarlo kind of reminds me of like a better Robert Downey Jr

[@jaredbarber5823]

@@kslo6179 With the proliferation of so many productions on the go in the past 15 yrs or so, it's indeed an amazing feat of acting, to stand out. We're drowning in growing levels of content, and Giancario, is a welcome life preserver. This really helps in deciding what to watch, as we just gravitate to the shows that attract these professionals, who themselves, gravitate toward great stories and characters.

[@maximumfilms7458]

He plays his characters so grounded in reality. With any other actor these villans would be more over the top, but Giancarlo makes them seem so realistic.

[@JCVDfan4life]

Pretty sad that most people only know him for Breaking Bad and Mandalorian great shows but he's done so much he's been around since the 80s.

[@elliotjames5172]

yeah! He was in Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man!!!!!!

[@SmartVandelay]

Pity nobody knows "Night on Earth".

[@JCVDfan4life]

@@elliotjames5172 first thing I ever saw him in was King of New York played Christopher Walkens lawyer who was also one of his thugs

[@gehrigstanley8249]

Revolution is an underrated one for him

[@TactileTherapy]

I got yall all beat. Watch Trading Places. See if you can find him

[@joshuasosa8212]

He’s a true genius, the way he articulates his acting is insane. Amazing actor.

[@gabrielengel8180]

This guy really played key roles in some of the best tv shows ever. So underrated.

[@vann4190]

It’s so refreshing seein how passionate he is!! You can also tell how much thought he puts into his characters and how he’s going to deliver the best possible performance ever

[@marcusnewell1701]

This man does not get talked about ENOUGH, he is Denzel level and it’s not for debate. He could play any type of character to perfection

[@Life-gd7vy]

I don’t think he’s at Denzel’s level, but certainly he’s top notch.

[@AsiaDanceScene]

The amount of passion that he has for the craft is infectious, you could also brand this video as a motivational video and most people would be happy

[@carlasmith5165]

Now he is a true actor. He can be anyone. Since School Daze he was it for me!

[@mitsjol9909]

Seeing him laughing, talking fast and with a smile on his face is so uncanny when you're used to his characters.

[@joes.2331]

I was literally watching his performances and was wondering if he ever talked about his role in Do the Right Thing and I tried to search for it just to find this gem pop up in the midst of my curiousity. Thanks GQ.

[@howHumam]

Part of his style is very straightforward: he is equally willing to be kind and stab you in the eye, and him making us wait to know which will happen is the hot fudge he drizzles on each antagonistic character he plays.

[@darkowl9]

I remember seeing an "alignment grid", as you find in many TTRPGs, where they mapped one of Giancarlo's characters he's played in each of the nine boxes. Such a fantastic range of acting skills. Even a really strong, memorable role like Gus Fring hasn't pigeonholed him. Such a talented, but also very humble and down-to-earth person.

[@myfaceismyshield5963]

Not that many ttrpgs have them... it's mostly just a dnd thing.

[@XxKiSsDiSaShxX]

Giancarlo is perhaps one of thee most underrated actors of our time!! Pure genius in all his roles and so well spoken! He deserves all his flowers!

[@blazenfate]

This guy and Christoph waltz are just so perfect at playing "bad guys" that memorize you with their performances.

[@charlesburns7391]

Mesmerize

[@lazaron1]

Amazing actor. Had hoped they would have talked about "Fresh," very underrated movie and Giancarlo as Esteban is one of the most intense characters ever.

[@gregholmes6083]

This! I wondered how far I would have to scroll before someone said it. That was my introduction to the man and I've been a fan ever since.

[@jaimealvarez8896]

Giancarlo Esposito not Esteban!!!

[@302youknow]

Agreed

[@nicholasmangialardi1618]

First time I saw him was in a Wesley Snipes movie called Sugar Hill back when it came out

[@Vintage-28]

He’ll always be Julian to me.

[@danteshammer]

one of the most intimidating and scary villains to ever grace the screen, yet one of the nicest and down to earth people youd every want to meet.

[@beccas9783]

Love how he really understood and enjoyed his roles! That’s how a great actor act.

[@VulpineDemon]

Is it bad that my favorite Giancarlo performance is as The Dentist in the Payday 2 skit? That skit is perfection.

[@jellytonixgaming6043]

Skit?

[@jellytonixgaming6043]

U mean live action show?

[@Krakacain123]

@@jellytonixgaming6043 one of the game's cinematic trailers

[@graceo7845]

How much does it cost to make a deal with Giancarlo if he knows they wouldn’t be able to make a deal?

[@ItsActuallyGiancarlo]

There is no amount of money. You can’t buy me.

[@tomsmit2399]

lol

[@tomsmit2399]

@@ItsActuallyGiancarloYou are a phenomenal actor.

[@TankGamingADHD]

@@tomsmit2399 Came here to check if these accounts are real and to my surprise they actually are

[@xyrim]

@@TankGamingADHD Same

[@andrewdockrill]

I adore this man's acting, I wish he'd appear in more. I will always follow him career.

[@Mr._Warlight]

Giancarlo Esposito has got to be the most iconic villainous actor. Every time there's a top TV series or movie, he's the main villain.

[@fletcherhamilton3177]

Esposito really understands his characters’ mindsets and now that would inform every nuance of their speech and even their random facial ‘tics’ . . .

[@stannum9249]

His characters looks mundane on the surface but upon close inspection they are dangerous. He is so good of an actor and sometimes I root for his character even if he is the villain. I love to see him act more, in a series preferably.

[@TFFgeek]

Nice. Very intelligent in his process and how he approaches a part. Also love how excited he gets when he talks about a project. Repect. 🙌

[@Supersmashmike101]

Man Giancarlo a legend one of my favorite actors ever 😊

[@cupdashind]

I could listen to his voice for hours

[@BrendanPappas]

I love the way how Walter’s persistence in having Gus confess the truth to him in the one scene leads to him finally shifting his tone and admitting what Walt wants to hear

[@alexd2927]

wow I'm amazed at how much goes into his thoughtprocess when acting these characters, it's amazing and I mean the results speak for themselves...

[@MacXHammer]

How can't you love how excited Giancarlo gets about his characters and his lines

[@lungcell]

I think I've seen that Mandalorian episode only twice, but his delivery of the line "You have something I want" has stuck in my mind, and I find myself muttering it to myself with the same cadence. It's so cool to hear him say it's one of his favourites as well, haha.

[@TitoBandito6]

Even his role as Neville in Revolution was great stuff. he’s a gift and a talent, and i can’t wait to see what he contributes next

[@Blackjacksbest]

Such a throwback. That was an amazing show and my first exposure to him

[@maartenvandijk3629]

I loved Revolution season 1. It had so much potential but I didn't like the direction of season 2. Besides that his role as Neville was good

[@aarbee_]

TRUE i loved him in that show!

[@DaiShuryoTechnus]

​@@Blackjacksbest Same!

[@DaiShuryoTechnus]

I'm surprised Revolution wasn't mentioned

[@LPScarlex]

The image of giancarlo practicing saberfight with a cape and a broom is the most wholesome thing I've seen today

[@SSJKoren]

I would love to see him as a high table occupant in the John Wick universe

[@Samwell-L]

I love how enthusiastic Giancarlo is about the characters he plays. It’s so endearing

[@lawrencium4101]

Such an epic actor. The way he uses subtlety and micro expressions and silence just takes his roles to a different level. I never leave comments on youtube but i felt i had to

[@chrisellersagangsta]

i love this guy he literally makes everything hes in 10x better

[@solidskullz5736]

His characters are great because they all carry themselves in a dignified way while also being some of the most the most ruthless people ever. Something about it is just so satisfying

[@guyjmlol]

Honestly one of the greatest actors of this generation he really shows his prowess without even trying

[@Schattenager007]

It’s crazy how he looked so completely different and sounded completely different in The Usual Suspects. Rewatched it the other day and saw his name in the intro credits and I had to keep doing a double take when he was on screen and second guessed myself on whether or not it was him the first time he showed up.

[@lizzybeth22]

Now I want to go re watch that movie, just to see him!

[@elijahjones8510]

Give this man his flowers 💐 he is mad underrated 🤷🏾‍♂️💯💯

[@ACaacc]

Giancarlo's characters have a cold, terrifying air about them all while being extremely eloquent. Truly, One of the Best Actors he is!

[@SamAtScareworks]

Such smart ways to break down scripts and characters. Love how he approaches his characters.

[@DonWan47]

Brilliant interview. Nailed it.

[@The_Don_]

One of the greatest actors of all time no doubt

[@ThatGuyGloomy]

Im glad this fan is getting his flowers nowadays. He’s quality in everything he’s in.

[@kung-fukennyfamily]

To be honest I had no idea he is such a cool and funny guy. He always plays evil characters 🙂

[@herbosmoker848]

You know nothing of Kung fu

[@jens2049]

He's an actor

[@broadwaygodess630]

Normally the people that play the villains are the best in real life

[@roneteus]

One of the best GQ videos. I could listen and watch him talk for hours.

[@gipsyundead]

He may play alot of villains but he's so charming

[@JordyLicht]

One of the very best actors working today. Anything with Giancarlo in it is a masterclass in acting and just awesome to see.

[@nicolesherman8974]

He deserves all the flowers in the world ❤️❤️❤️🌹🌹

[@TheChromaDrone]

Giancarlo is an amazing actor! I did a scene with him in a movie back in 2004. He was on point, well executed, and captures your attention. He is also a very gracious, complimenting, and self-effacing. It was a pleasure doing the scene with him and getting to know him a bit that evening. Definitely a fan.

[@StoryLin3]

My recent fascination of character development is inspired by Giancarlo. It's a gem to see him break all of this down!

[@doomvictor3934]

Mr. Esposito is a genius. I love hearing him break down his art.

[@dreamEnd]

The way he says every word with clarity and pauses gives him a very powerful, mysterious, and menacing feel.

[@eternalbeing3339]

Breaking bad is a 10/10 legendary show. His performance was excellent in it. As good as it gets.

[@GenericBrand-TM]

It super disarming to see such a genial human being knowing he can portray such intense people. You are an astounding actor, Giancarlo!

[@joolzshah3056]

One of his most underrated performances was as Jack Baer in The Usual Suspects. Although remembering him as Buggin in Do The Right Thing, it was his role in Bryan Singer’s neo-noir thriller that really caught my attention - and he wasn’t even one of the main characters. That’s how good he was, and still is, as an actor.

[@woozertoo]

Just the fax... just the fax.

[@AlexanderLuo-th9dz]

You know, I love how you can clearly see that he loves acting.

[@ExileOfSand]

This man is the most incredible Villain actor ever, they really needed to cover more. Just absolutely phenomenal job in all his roles really

[@anthonydivon5571]

My man an absolute acting genius which is enhanced by his passion and respect for the craft he practices.

[@TimeTheLord]

That was awesome when he cracked up when he was talking about scaring people as Gus. Knows exactly what he's doing to everyone and is having a great time doing it. He's definitely one of my favorite actors.

[@hmuluca5466]

That scene in Better Call Saul where he said "You.....are....Mine" was such a good scene. Gave me chills

[@MrPhbahia]

a living legend like most Breaking Bad actors and actresses

[@pstreet2027]

HOW could you leave out his role as Esteban in Fresh?????!!!!! He stole every scene. Overall a highly underrated movie.I just assumed he was dominican for years and was shocked when I found out he wasn't lol.

[@fuhyou3223]

Shocker of the century was the fact that Buggin Out was buggin out and he’s Italian himself. You look at the credits and see the character is played by somebody named Giancarlo Esposito and you’re like WTF.