Before His Success in ‘Breaking Bad’, Giancarlo Esposito Was Planning His Own Murder

Giancarlo Esposito’s journey to success was not an easy one. Before he rose to fame with his iconic role as Gus Fring in “Breaking Bad,” the actor found himself in a dark place, both financially and emotionally. In a recent episode of SiriusXM’s “Jim and Sam Show,” Esposito revealed that he was once so desperate that he considered planning his own murder as a way out.

At the time, Esposito was struggling to make ends meet and provide for his wife and four children. He found himself contemplating drastic measures, including the possibility of suicide for insurance money. “My way out in my brain was: ‘Hey, do you get life insurance if someone commits suicide? Do they get the bread?'” he shared. “I started scheming.”

The actor thought that if he could orchestrate his own death to look like an accident, his family would receive the financial support they needed to survive. “I wanted them to have a life. It was a hard time in life. I literally thought of self-annihilation so that they could survive,” he admitted.

However, as Esposito delved deeper into his plan, he realized the emotional toll it would take on his loved ones. The thought of leaving his family traumatized and carrying lifelong pain made him reconsider his actions. “I started to think that’s not viable because of the pain I would cause them, and it would be lifelong — and lifelong trauma that would just extend the generational trauma which I’m trying to move away from,” he reflected.

Ultimately, Esposito decided against going through with any drastic measures and instead focused on finding a way out of his financial struggles through his acting career. His breakthrough role as Gus Fring in “Breaking Bad” not only brought him critical acclaim but also opened doors to a plethora of opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Esposito went on to receive three Emmy nominations for his portrayal of Gus Fring in both “Breaking Bad” and its prequel, “Better Call Saul.” After the conclusion of the series in 2013, he continued to showcase his talent in various projects such as “Godfather of Harlem,” “The Boys,” and “Parish.” His standout performance in Disney’s “The Mandalorian” further solidified his status as a versatile and accomplished actor.

Looking back on his darkest moments, Esposito credits his perseverance and determination for pulling him through. He views his experience as a testament to the power of resilience in the face of adversity. “That was the first inkling to me that there was a way out, but I wouldn’t be here to be available to it, or be there for my kids,” he acknowledged.

Today, Giancarlo Esposito serves as an inspiration to many aspiring actors and individuals facing challenges in their lives. His resilience, talent, and unwavering commitment to his craft have propelled him to great heights in his career. As he continues to captivate audiences with his performances, Esposito’s story stands as a reminder that success often arises from the darkest of circumstances.