Giancarlo Esposito Wanted to ‘Arrange His Own Death’ before Breaking Bad Breakout
In a candid interview on SiriusXM’s Jim & Sam show, actor Giancarlo Esposito, best known for his iconic role as Gus Fring in “Breaking Bad,” opened up about a dark period in his life before his rise to stardom. The revelation sheds light on the struggles Esposito faced and the drastic measures he contemplated to secure his children’s financial future.
Esposito shared that in 2008, during a particularly challenging time financially, he found himself in desperate circumstances. Unable to afford even basic necessities, he began contemplating a drastic plan: arranging his own murder to ensure that his children would receive life insurance payouts. This shocking revelation underscores the depths of despair Esposito experienced before his breakthrough role in “Breaking Bad.”
“My way out in my brain was…’Hey, do you get life insurance if someone commits suicide? Do they get the bread?’ My wife had no idea why I was asking this stuff. I started scheming. If I got somebody to knock me off, death by misadventure, [my kids] would get the insurance. I had four kids. I wanted them to have a life. It was a hard moment in time. I literally thought of self-annihilation so they could survive. That’s how low I was,” Esposito revealed.
Despite considering this drastic option, Esposito ultimately decided against it, recognizing the long-term emotional toll it would take on his family. He realized that the trauma of losing a parent in such a manner would far outweigh any financial benefits. Instead, he persevered through his hardships, eventually finding success with his role in “Breaking Bad.”
Esposito’s portrayal of the cunning and enigmatic Gus Fring not only revitalized his career but also solidified his status as a formidable presence in Hollywood. His performance captivated audiences and earned him widespread acclaim, leading to continued success in projects such as “Better Call Saul,” “The Mandalorian,” and “The Gentlemen.”
