Giancarlo Esposito’s Struggle
Breaking Bad actor Giancarlo Esposito faced a challenging time in his life when he was on the brink of financial ruin. The 65-year-old actor, known for his role as Gus Fring in the iconic drama series, found himself in a difficult situation in 2008.
Considering Extreme Measures
Esposito, who shares four daughters with his ex-wife, Joy McManigal, revealed that he was so desperate to support his children that he contemplated extreme measures. He even thought about arranging his own death to secure life insurance for his kids.
- He pondered, “Do you get life insurance if someone commits suicide?”
- He considered the idea of his children benefiting from his death.
- Esposito admitted to thinking of self-annihilation as a way out of his financial troubles.
Choosing a Different Path
Despite his dire circumstances, Esposito realized that causing such trauma to his children was not a viable solution. He understood the long-lasting impact it would have on his family and decided against it.
He expressed, “That was the first inkling that there was a way out, but I wouldn’t be here to be available to my kids.”
Redemption Through Breaking Bad
Esposito found a new beginning when he joined the cast of Breaking Bad the following year. This role not only saved him from his financial struggles but also paved the way for a successful career in the entertainment industry.
Embracing New Opportunities
After his breakthrough in Breaking Bad, Esposito went on to secure roles in popular shows like The Mandalorian, The Boys, The Gentlemen, and Parish. He also reprised his role as Gus Fring in the prequel series Better Call Saul.
A Bright Future
Looking ahead, Esposito envisions a spin-off centered around his character, Gus. He imagines exploring Gus’s backstory as a military man who transitions to a new life in the US.
He reflected, “In his younger years, he was someone who could have been more Tony Montana.”
Support for Mental Health
If you or someone you know needs mental health support, you can reach out to Mind, a mental health charity, for assistance.