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Why Jonathan Banks Couldn't Hold Back Tears During Breaking Bad Cast Reunion

Why Jonathan Banks Couldn't Hold Back Tears During Breaking Bad Cast Reunion
Image credit: AMC

Who said tough guys don’t cry?

We're all familiar with Jonathan Banks as the serious and straightforward Mike Ehrmantraut from the legendary TV show Breaking Bad and its spin-off Better Call Saul.

But what happens when the tough guy shows his softer side? A 2018 reunion of the Breaking Bad cast gave us a glimpse into the emotional side of this talented actor.

During the 10th-anniversary reunion of Breaking Bad, Jonathan Banks couldn't help but get emotional. The actor, who portrayed the beloved character, was visibly moved while talking about the series finale.

Banks described the experience as "hitting the lottery," highlighting how important the role was in his career. He also mentioned the pain he felt as the series came to an end, and a lot of the other cast members totally felt the same way.

Why Jonathan Banks Couldn't Hold Back Tears During Breaking Bad Cast Reunion - image 1

Banks kind of tried to make sense of his feelings by suggesting that maybe he got all emotional because he was running on low sleep or something.

To lighten the mood, Bryan Cranston, who played Walter White, chimed in with a joke. He said his favorite scene was "killing Mike Ehrmantraut," which made the entire cast burst into laughter.

Jonathan Banks has a long history of playing tough characters. His one-of-a-kind appearance and unmistakable voice have made him the top choice for characters that need some serious ruggedness. But Banks has a funny side too, like his role in the 1980 movie Airplane! showed.

So, why did Banks get so emotional? Probably it was the realization of how impactful the series had been, not just for the audience but also for the actors involved. Either way, it was a moment that humanized an actor often typecast in tough-guy roles.

Mike Ehrmantraut is a complex character, and Banks has always managed to capture this complexity. He's a tough guy, yes, but he's also a loving grandfather and a man with a strict moral code. This duality in his character might be one of the reasons why Banks felt so emotionally connected to the role.

We got lucky to witness Banks’ amazing performance after Breaking Bad ended. And now that Better Call Saul is finished too, let's be honest — we are going to miss Mike.

Source: Entertainment Weekly on YouTube