Bryan Cranston Had a Near-Death Experience While Filming Malcolm in the Middle That Could Have Became Fatal
Acclaimed actor Bryan Cranston recalled an alarming on-set experience while filming a Season 2 episode of the hit sitcom Malcolm in the Middle. Cranston revealed that his body began shutting down after he was entirely painted blue for a scene depicting his character’s depression.
With his pores sealed by paint, Cranston described becoming disoriented and nearly fainting as his body temperature rose to dangerous levels under the bright stage lights. The performance was a masterpiece in itself, but it took a little too much of his dedication.
Could Being Fully Painted Have Killed Bryan Cranston?
As per Entertainment Weekly, in an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Bryan Cranston said,
“I was completely covered in blue paint. Completely, head to toe, in blue paint.”
His co-star Bryce Dallas Howard noted the potential danger, referencing the myth that actress Shirley Eaton died from skin asphyxiation after being covered in gold paint for the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger. Cranston acknowledged the risk, stating,
“It’s not safe because your body can’t regulate the heat if you’re covering up all your pores.”
He described becoming dizzy and disoriented as his body started “to shut down the circuits” while shooting the Malcolm scene. The situation became dire enough that crew members had to rush Cranston into a shower. “It was weird,” he remarked.
The show host joked that slowly painting someone to death would be an “inventive” murder method. While meant lightheartedly, coating a human body in paint does carry harmful consequences.
The urban legend regarding Goldfinger actress Shirley Eaton likely sprang from the understandable assumption that sealing off one’s pores could cause overheating, rashes, or suffocation. Fortunately, modern paint formulas allow more breathability.
How Did Bryan Cranston Pull Off Such Dangerous Stunts on Malcolm in the Middle?
While played for laughs, the Malcolm sitcom often featured outlandish physical comedy bordering on cartoonish. So, how did Cranston safely bring such absurd scenes to life week after week?
The actor credited proper safety precautions and crew attentiveness for allowing him to perform stunts others might have declined.
“You have to put yourself in a position of trust,” Cranston explained in a Reddit AMA session. “For me, it meant giving over to the professionals on set whose very job it is to protect you.”
He stated confidence in the Malcolm production team to “watch out for me” empowered him to follow through on daring comedic ideas.
Bryan Cranston Bringing More Physical Comedy to New Series
Decades after his Malcolm days, the acclaimed performer leans into physical stunt work once again for his comedy crime caper series Your Honor.
“Much to my dismay, I’m 65 years old, and I’m still doing my own stunts,” Cranston remarked with faux exasperation about the intense new show.
Judging by his continued willingness to put his body on the line for laughs and drama alike, the actor shows no signs of playing it safe anytime soon. Even in his mid-60s, Cranston displays the comedic fearlessness that characterized his time on Malcolm in the Middle.
In discussing a Your Honor scene where his character frantically cycles away from a mobster’s car, Cranston joked, “I’m still that idiot doing my own cycling scenes.”
The career risk-taker admits he prefers performing stunts himself rather than using doubles: “It’s so much more honest and real to do it.”
Also Read: Bryan Cranston Hints Breaking Bad Doesn’t Need Anymore Spin-offs Despite Giancarlo Esposito’s Demand
Whether comedy or drama, Cranston remains committed to reckless authenticity – nearly dying blue just to get a laugh. Now entering the fifth decade of his acting career, the workhorse performer shows no signs of quitting his trademark physical outrageousness anytime soon.
