Although tape recently surfaced confirming that Sean “Diddy” Combs assaulted his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016, the music mogul will not face charges in that incident, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The LAPD told local news that the incident is past the statute of limitations, meaning charges couldn’t be filed due to the amount of time that has passed.
A statement from LAPD reads:
We are aware of the video that has been circulating online allegedly depicting Sean Combs assaulting a young woman in Los Angeles. We find the images extremely disturbing and difficult to watch. If the conduct depicted occurred in 2016, unfortunately we would be unable to charge as the conduct would have occurred beyond the timeline where a crime of assault can be prosecuted.
Diddy’s alleged abuse was first made public when Cassie sued him in November of last year. The incident from the footage was mentioned in the lawsuit, as well as the claim that Diddy paid the hotel $50,000 to suppress the security footage, which depicts Diddy, clad in only a towel, chasing Cassie down the hallway, knocking her down, and kicking her on the ground.
Diddy settled the lawsuit out of court a day after it was filed, but that only set off a firestorm of additional suits; additionally, a federal investigation into sex trafficking claims against the Bad Boy Records founder led to raids on several of his properties. Diddy recorded an apology video on Sunday (May 19) but did not mention Cassie or the 2016 hotel incident, leaving it unclear to whom he was apologizing — or what for.
Lil Wayne’s son, Lil Novi, says that Playboi Carti is the younger generation’s version of his father. Speaking about the topic of the greatest rappers of all time during an interview with Flophouse Atlanta, Novi placed Carti just below his dad and said that he’s reached his level. “Obviously, my dad but for me, I’d say like because Carti is like the Wayne now so yeah, Carti. If you really like think, he’s there, he’s reached that level. He’s done crazy numbers.”
When Kurrco shared a clip of the interview on Twitter, fans had mixed responses to the hot take. “I don’t think he knows how God tier of a rapper his dad is,” one user replied. Another argued: “Not even in the same stratosphere numbers wise. Wayne was big as Drake but cool with the kids like Carti. Whole different monster.” On another topic, others noted how similar Wayne and his son sound.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 02: (Editorial Use Only) Playboi Carti performs on the main stage during Day 2 of Wireless Festival 2022 at Crystal Palace Park on July 02, 2022, in London, England. (Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage)
Following in his father’s footsteps, Novi has been pursuing a music career of his own at a young age. He previously landed a feature on his father’s No Ceilings 3 mixtape. More recently, he’s been previewing experimental music on his social media pages. Novi is one of four kids Wayne shares with four different mothers. His others include Reginae Carter with ex-wife Toya Johnson, Dwayne Carter III with Sarah Vivian, and Kameron Carter with Lauren London. Check out Novi’s recent comments below.
Lil Novi Labels Playboi Carti The Greatest Of The New Generation
Lil Wayne’s son, Lil Novi, says Playboi Carti is the “new Lil Wayne” and one of the greatest rappers ever
As for Wayne, he recently made headlines for performing at Travis Kelce’s Kelce Jam 2024 event over the weekend. Be on the lookout for further updates on Lil Wayne and his son, as well as Playboi Carti on HotNewHipHop.
The Hanks family is now weighing in on Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s rap feud. Tom Hanks recently reached out to his 33-year-old son, Chet Hanks, for an explanation of the entire scandal because he felt left out of the loop about the all-consuming cultural event the beef has become. Chet Hanks has shared that his father had asked him to explain everything that had happened. He shared the hilarious text chain where he broke it down for his pops on Instagram.
Chet shared screen grabs of the text exchange on his Story, revealing that his father, whom he refers to endearingly as “Pops,” had messaged him, asking, “Big Main, could you please explain the Drake/Kendrick Lamar feud to me?” After the dispute between Kendrick Lamar and Drake became viral, it’s understandable that an ordinary person couldn’t keep up with every detail. Tom Hanks wasn’t keeping a close eye on everything that happened because he is Tom Hanks. Thankfully, Chet, who himself is a rapper, was there to explain the monumental feud to his pops.
Naturally, Chet began a long summary of the rappers’ dispute, pointing out that since Drake’s “Push Ups” in April and May, each of them has been releasing a slew of diss recordings targeted at the other. Next up were K. Dot’s “Euphoria,” “6:16 in L.A.” and “Meet the Grahams,” along with Drizzy’s since-deleted “Taylor Made Freestyle,” “Family Matters,” and “The Heart Pt. 6.” Chet explained Kendircks mega hit diss “Not Like Us,” saying, “pretty much the sonic equivalent of when you took me to your high school in Oakland and we walked in on the basketball game and everybody started going nuts.”
“Like if you heard it you would just automatically know how to Crip walk with a stank face while clutching an Oscar in each hand with Marshawn Lynch,” Chet added. “Then dap him up and tell him ‘Town Bidness’ which solidified the win not only for Kendrick but the entire West Coast.” Chet Hanks is sometimes problematic and sometimes just hilarious. His explanation of the Drake-Kendrick beef is hilarious. Tom Hanks replied “Holy cow!” He added, “These are fighting words. People taking sides?? Who’s winning??” His son hilariously replied, “Did you not just read what I said,” with several crying emojis.
This year’s Met Gala saw the likes of Cardi B flaunting a massive black dress that took nine people to carry. We also witnessed Usher don a huge black cape and sequin suit and Lizzo wearing a dress that made her look like a tree. One of the official livestream hosts was Gwendoline Christie, whose haircut seemed to simulate Cruella de Vil after electrocution. The utter flamboyancy of this annual May pop fashion event has the dual effect of dazzling onlookers and overshadowing its long and complex history.
For one, this always-anticipated Manhattan affair has an impact beyond showcasing wild looks and entertaining the masses: it is a philanthropic event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. This institute plays a vital role in fashion history and archiving—it has preserved more than 33,000 pieces of dress and accessories from the 1400s to the present day. Ok, so the Met Gala is an entertaining fundraiser for a fashion museum, but how did all of this come about in the first place? It turns out there are a handful of behind-the-scenes actors who helped make the spectacle we see today a reality.
Irene Lewisohn & The Museum Of Costume Art
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 06: Cardi B attends The 2024 Met Gala Celebrating “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 06, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)
It might sound strange at first, but the Met Gala might not exist today if it wasn’t for the achievements of a Victorian-era German-Jewish immigrant to New York. When Leonard Lewisohn, president of the United Metals Selling Company in the late 19th century, died in 1902, he had amassed an estate worth nearly half a billion dollars in today’s money. His daughter Irene was just 15 years old at the time of his passing, but she would directly inherit a sizeable portion of his fortune.
This provided the means for her and her sister, Alice, to focus on producing drama and dance performances throughout their 20s and eventually found the Neighborhood Playhouse. It later became a full-fledged school of theatre that still operates today. As a result of producing plays and operating the school, Irene gained a vast knowledge of costume design, theater production, and other related topics during these years. Wanting to make this knowledge accessible to the public, she decided to establish the Museum of Costume Art with her colleague Aline Bernstein in 1937 as a home for an extensive library.
Dorothy Shaver & The Costume Institute
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 06: Kim Kardashian attends The 2024 Met Gala Celebrating “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 06, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
Then-president of Lord & Taylor—and legendary American fashion industry leader—Dorothy Shaver had begun to take notice of Lewisohn and Beinstein’s efforts after the Museum was opened. And, when Irene passed away in 1944, Shaver put into motion a plan she’d been mulling over. Shaver had the idea of making the Museum part of the larger Metropolitan Museum of Art, as she believed this move could only nourish and reinforce the American fashion industry. Using her deep connections within the world of clothing manufacturing, Shaver successfully convinced a range of garment producers to help her finance the transaction. The purchase and move were finalized in 1946, and the Museum of Costume Art officially became The Costume Institute.
Eleanor Lambert & The Met Gala
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 06: Tyla attends The 2024 Met Gala Celebrating “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 06, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
Eleanor Lambert, an aspiring sculptor turned fashion publicist, was instrumental in the birth of the Met Gala. After working as an advertiser for art galleries and artists in Manhattan during the Roaring Twenties, Lambert went on to have a hand in founding the Museum of Modern Art and also represented Jackson Pollack for a time. Lambert would begin planning the inaugural Met Gala in 1946 after the death of Irene Lewisohn and Dorothy Shaver’s facilitation of The Costume Institute’s merger with the Met.
As a prominent fashion publicist, Lambert was, of course, aware of the Insitute. But it was when the Institute’s administrators who were seeking help to fundraise for its expenses that a connection was first made. Lambert devised a “Party of the Year” event in November 1948 (not May!) as a way to solicit donations. This party would initially take the form of a midnight dinner. Interestingly, this initial version of the Met Gala didn’t happen at the Met! It would shift venues annually, moving from Rockefeller Center’s Rainbow Room to Central Park, then to the Waldorf Astoria, and so on.
For its first decade, it was only covered by one publication: Women’s Wear Daily. It initially cost $50 for a ticket (about $650 in 2024) and wasn’t an invite-only event. It would continue this way for quite some time, billed essentially as a fashion industry get-together. That is, until Diana Vreeland, Vogue’s editor-in-chief during much of the ’60s, would come to transform the event in the early ’70s.
Diana Vreeland & The Birth Of The Modern Met Gala
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 06: (L-R) Doja Cat and Guram Gvasalia attend The 2024 Met Gala Celebrating “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 06, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Marleen Moise/Getty Images)
A notorious eccentric with extravagant tastes, Vogue fired Vreeland from her leading position in 1971. She would then enter the world of the Met as a consultant. Vreeland took the opportunity to apply her unbridled creativity to both The Costume Institute’s exhibitions and its annual fundraising event. She would go on to radically upscale the event into a flamboyant, eye-catching extravaganza. What we see when we watch videos or look at photos from the Met Gala today is largely indebted to Vreeland’s craftsmanship.
Vreeland curated many elaborate exhibitions for The Costume Institue during her time at the Met, but it was “The World of Balenciaga”—the exhibit she masterminded in 1973—that would prove to rocket Lambert’s original “Party of the Year” into the who’s-who of fundraisers. The 1973 exhibit and the party both took place at The Met and featured specially designed decorations and a very posh multi-course meal for guests. Vreeland would continue to grow and magnify the Gala over the years by calling on her influential connections. She had the likes of Jackie Kenndy Onassis, ex-Supremes frontwoman Diana Ross, and men’s fashion icon Ralph Lauren play a part in the event to help it become the world-renowned celebration we witness each year. [via][via][via][via]
Many celebrity reporters and journalists have weighed in on the 2016 video footage showing P. Diddy assaulting his former girlfriend Cassie, leading to widespread opinions and criticism.
Among those voicing their thoughts is sports commentator Stephen A. Smith, known for his outspoken nature. Smith declared that the producer and singer’s career is over following the video’s release.
On his podcast, Smith spoke harshly about the issue, clearly stating that he did not hold back his feelings towards Diddy and the situation.
“I want to declare, right here, over these digital airwaves of YouTube that the career of Sean ‘P. Diddy’ Combs as we know it, is over,” Stephen A. began saying on his social media program. “This s**t is over. It’s over in the worst possible way. One of the worst possible ways that you can imagine.”
But the criticism didn’t stop there. Smith added, “I have the video right in front of me. We can’t show it to you. But I’m watching this with the sound off as we speak. She’s walking down the hallway in a hoodie, y’all. Clearly tryna sneak out of the hotel room. We see him come sprinting down the hallway in just a towel. That’s it. He goes up to her, snatches her by the neck, yanks her to the ground. She lays there, still. OK? I’m looking at the video while I’m talking to you. He snatches her by the neck. Unless this is some look-a-like. Unless this is some clone. Unless this is somebody from Mission Impossible, like Tom Cruise, wearing somebody else’s face, looking exactly like them when it ain’t them at all.”
— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) May 17, 2024
Smith made a comparison to the infamous video of former NFL running back Ray Rice, who like Diddy (allegedly) was filmed by a security camera, but actually in an elevator where he punched and presumably knocked out his fiancée in 2013. That incident ended his football career. Like Rice, guessing the end may be near for “Brother Love.”
Rapsody has announced her plans to take ‘Please Don’t Cry’ on the road across North American and Europe this fall, while promising to add more dates soon.
Rubi Rose is somone who has been making waves as of late, for a multitude of reasons. Overall, her relationship with none other than Druski has been causing some headlines. There are some out there who aren’t so sure about the authenticity of their relationship. However, many others have been wishing them well. There are even some hailing them as a power couple of sorts. Either way, Rubi Rose certainly knows how to keep herself in the headlines while also getting fans interested in her music.
At first, Rose started off as a video vixen. However, she has since gotten into the world of rapping. She makes her own music, and it has proven to be quite successful. Recently, she has been teasing her latest single, “Deserve To Die.” Today, she dropped the music video for the song, and you can watch it below. Essentially, the concept of the song is quite simple. Any man who cheats deserves to die, or at least that is what Rose firmly believes in.
The song itself comes with some contemporary production that fans can recognize immediately. The flows here are aggressive, and Rose certainly packs a punch with her bars. She is sounding more confident with each track, and “Deserve To Die” serves a reminder that the MC is not messing around with her music career.
Let us know what you think of this new Rubi Rose track, in the comments section down below. Are you a fan of her recent output? What do you make of her pivot from video vixen to a rap artist? Will you be tuning in for more? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
Quotable Lyrics:
This cheatin’ on his bitch, he deserve to die (Pah) Before you lick your lips and get between these thighs You be actin’ like you tough, can’t look me in my eyes (In my eyes) This n***a tryna slit his wrists ’cause he can’t get with I (Okay)
Terrence Howard has accused well-known physics concepts like gravity, the event horizon, and the idea of zero of warping our perception of the cosmos. Following a discussion with Joe Rogan on the Joe Rogan Experience, in which the well-known actor questioned the fundamentals of contemporary physics, Terrence Howard aroused curiosity and befuddlement among listeners. The podcast is known for people coming on and simply talking about things. Topics ranging from simple to problematic to extremely wild. Howard falls into the extremely wild category. He basically explained the universe as he beilives it exists and its kind of fascinating as well as concerning.
Howard sat across from Rogan and passionately stated that modern physics theories are too complex. He says fall short of describing the essence of the natural universe. He criticized well-known concepts of warping our perception of the cosmos. Rather, Howard put out a theory that all motion appears as curves and waves that eventually become spirals. He asserts that everything in the universe is dynamically linked. Overall, the interview was for sure off the wall.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 07: Terrence Howard attends Peacock’s “The Best Man: The Final Chapters” Premiere Event at Hollywood Athletic Club on December 07, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Unique Nicole/WireImage)
Howard argued for a view of the cosmos that explains it as a state of perpetual balance. According to howard the universe is activity dominated by electrical phenomena. He harshly criticizing conventional physics for its complexity. Who knew Terrence Howard was this obsessed with theoretical physics? Terrence Howard claims that devitalized energy is all that is meant to be described by electrical interactions and that this is what is often perceived as magnetism. Howard is throwing out a lot of big words and terminology. It may seem informed; catuon should be advised when listening to the actor. Overall, the interview is wild for a lot of reasons and his tirade against the laws of physics is a real highlight.
Howard was adamant that his theories, which he supported with a whopping 97 patents, represent the real rules of the cosmos. He asserted that conventional physicists are essentially incorrect and that their ideas are based on false interpretations of natural principles. However, given his past controversial remarks on mathematics and lack of formal scientific credentials, Howard’s claims have been viewed with significant skepticism. Nevertheless, it is wild that Terrance Howard has put himself out there like this.
Hip-hop beef has absolutely dominated both discussion about and consumption of the genre throughout 2024 so far. The main focus in recent weeks was an all-out war between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. The pair spent weeks going back and forth highlighted by a tightly wound eruption of one diss song after another over an eventful weekend. While that beef was going on, Quavo and Chris Brown were also engaged in a series of disses that sparked multiple songs aimed at each other. But it’s worth remembering that the year of beef was kicked off back in January by Megan Thee Stallion.
Earlier this year, Megan Thee Stallion dropped the second single from her snake-themed new album, “HISS.” The song was an absolute slam aimed at nearly any adversary Megan has ever had. While the track discusses numerous different people, everyone seemed to hone in on one line in particular. A hilarious reference to Megan’s Law was a diss at Nicki Minaj, poking fun at her husband’s criminal history. That sparked a short response from Minaj in one of the most universally maligned diss tracks in rap history “Big Foot.” Despite the fact that the beef was relatively short compared to Drake and Kendrick, it’s still on fan’s minds. That was most definitely the case when Megan had a particular special guest on stage recently. Check out the video below.
Video is making the rounds online of Megan Thee Stallion and GloRilla performing alongside Natalie Nunn. The video had fans calling back to Nicki Minaj because the rapper name dropped Nunn in a song from her new album last year. In the comments, fans speculate that the move was a deliberate attempt on Megan’s part to take shots at Nicki once again.
What do you think of Megan Thee Stallion and GloRilla bringing out Natalie Nunn during a recent performance? Do you think the move was specifically done to take shots at Nicki Minaj? Let us know in the comment section below.
Breaking Bad, masterminded by Vince Gilligan and running for five seasons from 2008 to 2013, is arguably one of the best television series from start to finish, largely due to an all-star cast of characters like Aaron Paul and Bob Odenkirk. Ranking among the greatest TV shows of all time, Breaking Bad won 16 Emmy Awards and six Critics Choice Television Awards. It was named the most critically acclaimed show ever by Guinness World Records in 2013—the same year its devastating series finale aired. The ground-breaking AMC production chronicled Walter White’s descent from a mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher to a murderous drug kingpin after he devised a plan to cook methamphetamine following a cancer diagnosis.
The show shattered TV tropes by presenting a protagonist who significantly evolved, catching viewers off-guard as Bryan Cranston, previously known for comedic roles like the Seinfeld dentist and Malcolm in the Middle dad, delivered an Emmy-winning dramatic performance as the doomed Walter White. The show’s success spawned the 2019 movie El Camino and the spin-off series Better Call Saul (2015-2022), reuniting fans with the beloved characters in a 2023 Super Bowl commercial. With the series’ spectacular run presenting further opportunities, here’s what Cranston and the rest of the Breaking Bad stars have been up to, from maintaining friendships to winning Tony awards and running breweries.
Bryan Cranston
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 21: Bryan Cranston attends the opening night of “Hangmen” on Broadway at Golden Theatre on April 21, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Mendez/Getty Images)
After his iconic, Emmy-winning performance as Walter White on Breaking Bad, Bryan Cranston capitalized on newfound dramatic opportunities. He won a Tony Award for portraying President Lyndon B. Johnson in the Broadway play All the Way, which he later reprised for an HBO movie. Cranston landed major film roles, including an Oscar-nominated turn as Dalton Trumbo in Trumbo, as well as parts in Godzilla, Wakefield, and Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City. He returned to his Breaking Bad role in the 2019 film El Camino and the final season of Better Call Saul. Cranston also won a second Tony for the Network Broadway adaptation in 2018. Beyond acting, he launched a mezcal brand, Dos Hombres, with Breaking Bad co-star Aaron Paul. Most recently, Cranston has been an outspoken advocate for entertainment workers during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.
Aaron Paul
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 11:Aaron Paul attends the Premiere Of Apple TV+’s “Truth Be Told” at AMPAS Samuel Goldwyn Theater on November 11, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Aaron Paul’s acclaimed performance as Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad earned him three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. After the show’s run, he reprised the role in the 2019 El Camino film and the final season of Better Call Saul. Paul has taken on diverse roles, voicing Todd Chavez in BoJack Horseman, starring in the Black Mirror episode “Beyond the Sea,” appearing in films like Need for Speed and Central Intelligence, and playing lead roles in series like The Path, Westworld, and Truth Be Told. Off-screen, he launched the mezcal brand Dos Hombres with Breaking Bad co-star Bryan Cranston, whom he calls a mentor and close friend. Paul has also started a family, welcoming two children with his wife Lauren Parsekian since Breaking Bad wrapped.
Anna Gunn
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 22: Actress Anna Gunn, winner of Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series award for ‘Breaking Bad,’ poses in the press room during the 65th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on September 22, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Anna Gunn earned critical acclaim and two Primetime Emmy Awards for her portrayal of Skyler White on Breaking Bad, though the character drew some controversy and backlash from viewers. After the show’s run, Gunn has kept busy with roles across TV, film, and theater. She had recurring roles on shows like Gracepoint, Shades of Blue, Deadwood, and Physical and starred in the Roku miniseries Most Dangerous Game. Her film credits include Sully, Equity, and The Apology. Gunn also starred in the 2022 audio play Numbered Days and previously took to the stage for the David Schwimmer-directed Sex With Strangers. While the Breaking Bad star’s character proved divisive, Gunn’s talents have been showcased through an array of diverse post-Breaking Bad projects.
WESTWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 07: RJ Mitte attends the premiere of Netflix’s “El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie” at Regency Village Theatre on October 07, 2019 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic )
RJ Mitte, who has cerebral palsy like the character he played—Walter White Jr. on Breaking Bad—has forged an admirable career since the show’s run. He has appeared in TV series like Switched at Birth, Chance, and Now Apocalypse while taking on lead roles in films such as The Oak Room, Guardians of Justice, Carol of the Bells, and the recent horror movie The Unseen. Beyond acting, Mitte has modeled for Gap, walked at Milan Fashion Week, and serves as an advocate for disability representation. He has expressed gratitude for the pivotal opportunity Breaking Bad provided, telling the Independent, “None of my projects would exist without that show.” Mitte continues using his platform to inspire others with disabilities through his performances and activism.
Dean Norris
CULVER CITY, CA – JUNE 14: Dean Norris arrives at the 2017 Los Angeles Film Festival – Opening Night Premiere Of Focus Features’ “The Book Of Henry” at Arclight Cinemas Culver City on June 14, 2017 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage)
Dean Norris brought memorable grit to his role as DEA agent Hank Schrader, Walter White’s brother-in-law, on Breaking Bad—a character he briefly reprised on the prequel series Better Call Saul. Since the show’s conclusion, Norris has remained prolific with roles across film and television. His recent credits include the 2023 satirical comedy Fool’s Paradise, shows like The Big Bang Theory, Scandal, Claws, and Under the Dome, and films like Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. Off-screen, Norris owns the Swing Inn Cafe in Temecula, runs a performing arts center with his wife, and operates the Breaking Bad-inspired brewery Schraderbräu—showcasing his talents extend beyond acting.
Betsy Brandt
WESTWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 07: Betsy Brandt attends the Premiere of Netflix’s “El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie” at Regency Village Theatre on October 07, 2019 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images)
Betsy Brandt’s role as Marie Schrader, Skyler’s sister and Hank’s wife, on Breaking Bad was her biggest TV part to date after years of small roles. She reprised the character on Better Call Saul and has remained active in television, having starred in the sitcoms Life in Pieces for four seasons and The Michael J. Fox Show, as well as recurring roles on shows like Parenthood, Masters of Sex, Pearson, The Unicorn, and Love, Victor. Brandt has also appeared in films like Magic Mike and the recent Hulu mystery series Saint X, where she played Mia Thomas. Her memorable turn as the quirky, kleptomaniac Marie provided a launchpad for continued success across comedy and drama projects in the years since Breaking Bad’s conclusion.
Bob Odenkirk
CULVER CITY, CA – FEBRUARY 02: Actor Bob Odenkirk attends the Season 2 premiere of. “Better Call Saul” at ArcLight Cinemas on February 2, 2016, also in Culver City, California. (Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)
Best known as the sleazy lawyer Saul Goodman on Breaking Bad, Bob Odenkirk transitioned that beloved character into his own critically acclaimed spin-off series Better Call Saul, earning multiple Emmy nominations over its six-season run. While reprising his famous role, Odenkirk has also expanded his acting prowess with roles in films like Nebraska, Fargo, The Post, Little Women, and Nobody—a 2021 action flick. He has lent his voice to animated hits like The Incredibles 2, as well. Despite suffering a near-fatal heart attack in 2022 while filming Better Call Saul, Odenkirk recovered and returned to wrap the series’ final season. He has continued acting with recent guest spots on shows like The Bear and Lucky Hank in 2023. The former comedian has transformed into a revered dramatic actor thanks to Breaking Bad’s Saul.
Giancarlo Esposito
PARK CITY, UTAH – JANUARY 21: Giancarlo Esposito visits the IMDb Portrait Studio at Acura. House of Energy on Location at Sundance 2024 on January 21, 2024, also in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for IMDb)
Giancarlo Esposito’s chilling portrayal of the calculating drug kingpin Gus Fring on Breaking Bad was so popular that he reprised the role across 38 episodes of the spin-off Better Call Saul. Beyond the Breaking Bad universe, Esposito has remained in high demand with roles in films like Maze Runner sequels, The Jungle Book, The Money Monster, and Alex Cross. On television, he has appeared in shows such as Revolution, Allegiance, The Boys, and Dear Black People, which he narrated. Esposito even joined the Star Wars franchise as the villainous Moff Gideon on The Mandalorian. His voice acting talents have been showcased as Lex Luthor in Harley Quinn. Though he has played many memorable characters, Esposito’s nuanced performance as the understated Gus Fring remains his most defining role.
Jesse Plemons
AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 11: Jesse Plemons visits the IMDb Portrait. Studio at SXSW 2023 on March 11, 2023, also in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Corey Nickols/Getty Images for IMDb)
After his thrilling turn as the cold-blooded Todd Alquist on Breaking Bad’s final season and reprising the role in El Camino, Jesse Plemons’ career skyrocketed. He earned critical acclaim for films like The Master, Bridge of Spies, Game Night, The Irishman, Judas and the Black Messiah, and The Power of the Dog—the latter two earning him Oscar nominations. The BreakingBad star featured in the second season of Fargo, where he met and later married co-star Kirsten Dunst, with whom he now has two children. Other notable projects include the films Vice and the recent Killers of the Flower Moon, as well as the TV miniseries Love & Death. Though his cold-blooded Todd was an integral part of Breaking Bad lore, Plemons has deftly transitioned to an array of complex, acclaimed roles across film and television.
Jonathan Banks
CULVER CITY, CA – MARCH 28: Actor Jonathan Banks attends AMC’s. “Better Call Saul” season 3 premiere at ArcLight Cinemas on March 28, 2017, also in Culver City, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for AMC)
Originally meant for just a guest stint in Season 2, Jonathan Banks made such an impact as the stoic fixer Mike Ehrmantraut that he became a main cast member. He reprised this role in El Camino and Better Call Saul, earning Emmy nominations for the latter. Beyond Breaking Bad, Banks has an extensive acting resume spanning films like Airplane!, Beverly Hills Cop, Mudbound, and voice roles in Incredibles 2 and Tangled: The Series. He’s had memorable TV roles on shows like Wiseguy, Community as Buzz Hickey, The Comey Rule as James Clapper, and The Expanse. With his gruff demeanor landing him many cop and criminal roles, as Banks himself said on NPR’s Fresh Air, “If you’re not beautiful, you better be able to act.” His talent and versatility made Mike a beloved character that fans welcomed seeing more of post-Breaking Bad.
