Better Call Saulis a critically acclaimed television series that serves as a prequel and spin-off to the hit showBreaking Bad. It follows the journey of Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk), a struggling lawyer who eventually becomes the morally ambiguous character Saul Goodman. The series explores Jimmy’s transformation, his relationships, and the ethical challenges he faces in the criminal underworld.
The talented cast ofBetter Call Saulcomprises a talented ensemble of actors who have appeared in numerous other projects throughout their careers. FromBob Odenkirk’s portrayal of a family man who revives his role of an assassin inNobodytoMichael McKean’sperformance as a fictional rock band member inThis Is Spinal Tapand Tony Dalton’s telenovela history, theBetter Call Saulcast proves their agility and versatility as actors.
10Bob Odenkirk — James “Jimmy” McGill/Saul Goodman
Bob Odenkirk, the lead actor ofBetter Call Saul, has had a diverse career in comedy and drama. Before his breakout role as Saul Goodman inBreaking BadandBetter Call Saul, he gained recognition for his work on the sketch comedy showMr. Show with Bob and David, where both Odenkirk and David Cross played semi-fictionalized versions of themselves.
Since then, Odenkirk transitioned into more serious roles and starred in movies such asNebraska,The Post, andNobody, which garnered positive reviews and ratings. He has also appeared in television series such asFargoandThe Larry Sanders Show. Currently, Odenkirk is set tostar in the remake of the cult classic,The Room, as the infamousTommy Wiseau. Currently in post-production, the remake will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the original movie in 2003.
9Rhea Seehorn — Kim Wexler
Rhea Seehorn, who plays Kim Wexler, a central character inBetter Call Saul, has had a successful career in television and film. Prior to the show, she appeared in series such asWhitneyandFranklin & Bash, where she had main and supporting roles. Seehorn has also guest starred in popular shows such asVeepandLaw & Order: Criminal Intent. Additionally, her film credits includeEat Me!,The Shaggy DogandSeven Stages to Achieve Eternal Bliss.
Despite not having had a breakthrough role in her previous roles, Rhea Seehorn eventually gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Kim Wexler inBetter Call Saul. Seehorn’s nuanced and compelling performance in the show earned her numerous accolades and a dedicated fanbase. Moreover, Seehorn’s versatility as an actress and ability to bring depth and complexity to her characters have made her a sought-after talent in the industry.
8Jonathan Banks — Mike Ehrmantraut
Jonathan Banks, known for portraying tough guy Mike Ehrmantraut inBreaking Bad,Better Call Saul, and its sequel filmEl Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, has had extensive filmography. Before his notable role, Banks appeared in movies such as48 Hrs.,Beverly Hills Cop, and even the comedy classic,Airplane!, where he played supporting roles.
While Banks is now most famously known for his role as Mike Ehrmentraut, he first rose to prominence with a breakthrough role as superior officer Frank McPike in the television series,Wiseguy. Banks received an Emmy nomination for “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series” for this particular role. Many will also recognize him from the NBC sitcomCommunity, where he played criminology professor Buzz Hickey.
7Giancarlo Esposito — Gustavo “Gus” Fring
Most famously known for his chilling performance as a restaurant entrepreneur and narcotics distributor, Gustavo “Gus” Fring in bothBetter Call SaulandBreaking Bad, the role that earnedGiancarlo Espositowidespread recognition and many Emmy nominations. Though many consider his portrayal of Gus Fring as his best role yet, Esposito has starred in many other notable projects throughout his career.
He has starred in esteemed television series such asThe MandalorianandThe Boys,as well as films likeThe Jungle Book,The Usual Suspects, andThe Maze Runnerfilm series. But perhaps Esposito is most notorious for being a frequent collaborator ofSpike Lee, having starred in a number of his films such asSchool Daze,Do The Right Thing,Mo’ Better Blues, andMalcolm X. With his commanding presence, versatility, and ability to bring depth to his characters, Giancarlo Esposito continues to deliver stellar performances that resonate with audiences worldwide.
6Patrick Fabian — Howard Hamlin
Since the 1990s, Patrick Fabian kickstarted his career across all mediums of film, television, and theater. He has showcased his talent by acquiring different roles and displaying his ability to transition between comedy and drama. Though he is perhaps most well known for his portrayal as Howard Hamlin onBetter Call Saul, one of his earliest and most prominent roles was a recurring role as Prof. Jeremiah Lasky in NBC’sSaved by the Bell: The College Years.
Fabian also had recurring roles in other acclaimed television series, such asVeronica MarsandJoan of Arcadia. He even made guest appearances in high-profile shows, such asFriendsandWill & Grace. Although Fabian has had a more extensive career in television, he has also appeared in some films such asThe Last ExorcismandEat, Brains, Love.
5Michael Mando — Nacho Varga
Michael Mandois a versatile Canadian actor with a diverse career across various mediums. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Nacho Varga inBetter Call Saul, where he delivered a compelling performance as a conflicted character entangled in the criminal underworld.
Before his role on the show, he gained recognition for his portrayal of Vaas Montenegro in the video gameFar Cry 3and6. Mando has also appeared as Vic Schmidt in the acclaimed Canadian sci-fi thrillerOrphan Black. Though Mando has had a more active presence on television, his film credits includeThe Hummingbird ProjectandSpider-Man: Homecoming.
4Tony Dalton — Lalo Salamanca
Though Lalo Salamanca was only introduced in the fourth season ofBetter Call Saul,Tony Dalton’s portrayal of this character quickly captivated viewers' attention. Prior to his breakthrough inBetter Call Saul, Dalton primarily worked in Latin American film and television. He appeared in telenovelas such asFlor SalvajeandDueños del paraísoand movies such asMatando CabosandSultanes del Sur, which he co-wrote and starred in.
AfterBetter Call Saul, Dalton has since starred in the miniseriesHawkeyeas Jack Duquesne. With his charismatic presence, versatility, and ability to bring complexity to his role as Lalo Salamanca, viewers are eager to see what else Dalton can bring to the table in his future endeavors.
3Mark Margolis — Hector Salamanca
Unlike the rest of his cast members,Mark Margolismade a name for himself long before starring in theBreaking BadandBetter Call Saulseries. Margolis first rose to fame after portraying the character of Shadow onScarfaceand in the moviePi (π),which became acclaimed directorDarren Aronofsky’s debut feature film.The film kickstarted the pair’s collaborative relationship as Margolis would star in all Aronofsky films apart fromMother!andThe Whale.
Margolis not only had extensive filmography but also television. One of his earliest television roles was starring in an episode of theStar Trek: The Next Generationtelevision series in 1990. Other notable television appearances includeLaw & Order,Oz, andAmerican Horror Story: Asylum. With his distinctive presence and ability to convey depth through his performances, Mark Margolis continues to be regarded as a highly respected and talented actor in the industry.
2Michael McKean — Chuck McGill
Michael McKeandelivered a remarkable performance in the role of Chuck McGill onBetter Call Saul. Portraying the older brother of Jimmy McGill, McKean brought depth and complexity to the character of Chuck, a highly accomplished lawyer suffering from electromagnetic hypersensitivity as well as mental health issues. Before starring in the hit prequel series, McKean had a long-standing film and television career dating back to the late 1970s.
One of McKean’s earliest yet most prominent roles to date was playing the role of musician David St. Hubbins for a fictional rock band in the mockumentary filmThis Is Spinal Tap. It was announced last year thata sequel for the film is in the making and is set to release sometime in 2024.BesidesBetter Call Saul, he has also played the main and later recurring role inLaverne & Shirleyand appeared inSaturday Night Live(SNL)andCurb Your Enthusiasm. More recently, McKean has had a recurring role as the President of the United States in the Netflix seriesThe Diplomatand a cameo role on the biographical parody filmWeird: The Al Yankovic Story.
1Luis and Daniel Moncada — Marco and Leonel Salamanca/The Cousins
LuisandDaniel Moncadaplayed the roles of Leonel and Marco Salamanca, also known as “The Cousins,” inBreaking BadandBetter Call Saul. They are nephews of the notorious Hector Salamanca (Mark Margolis), known for their brutal and merciless nature. Their characters play a pivotal role in the ongoing rivalry and conflicts within the criminal underworld. As enforcers for the Salamanca drug cartel, they capture the intensity and unpredictability of the Salamanca twins, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative ofBetter Call Saul.
In addition to their roles in theBreaking Baduniverse, Luis has starred in minor roles inFast & Furiousand the television seriesDexter, while Daniel has starred in films such asSabotage,McFarland, USA, andThe Mule. Between the two, Luis has considerably more film credits to his name than his brother Daniel, although almost all are minor roles. Though the pair are twins in the series, they are brothers three years apart.
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