Giancarlo Esposito, the remembered Breaking Bad villain, celebrates his 66th birthday

Giancarlo Giuseppe Alessandro Esposito, an actor of Danish-American origin, celebrates his 66th birthday today. Born on April 26, 1958 in Copenhagen, Denmark, Esposito is the son of Giovanni Esposito, an Italian carpenter from Naples, and Elizabeth Foster, a renowned American soprano and club singer. The family moved to Manhattan, New York, when Giancarlo was just six years old, marking the beginning of his fascinating career in show business.

From an early age, Esposito showed an innate talent for the performing arts. At age eight, he made his Broadway debut in the musical “Maggie Flynn,” sharing the stage with acclaimed actress Shirley Jones. From then on, his career took off with remarkable rapidity.

During the 1980s, the actor left his mark on the film industry with appearances in films such as “Taps, Beyond Honor,” “Between Rascals and the Game,” and “The Rebellion of the Machines.” However, it was his collaboration with director Spike Lee in “Turbulent Classrooms” that gave him his first prominent role on the big screen.

In the following decade his status as a versatile actor was consolidated, working with a wide range of filmmakers and participating in projects in both film and television. His portrayal of Detective Mike Giardello in the series ‘Homicide’ earned him recognition on the small screen, preparing him for even more prominent roles in the future.

However, it was his role as Gustavo Fring in the acclaimed series “Breaking Bad” that catapulted Esposito to international fame. His portrayal of the cunning and calculating criminal leader earned him critical acclaim and an Emmy Award nomination for best supporting actor. He went on to play this character in the hit spin-off “Better Call Saul,” thus cementing his place in pop culture as one of television’s most memorable villains.

Throughout his career, Esposito has demonstrated his versatility as an actor, participating in a wide variety of projects in both film and television. His list of credits includes films like “The Maze Runner: The Trials,” “Okja,” and “Money Monster,” as well as appearances on shows like ‘The Mandalorian,’ ‘Westworld,’ and ‘The Boys.’

Off-screen he is the father of four daughters and has maintained a strong friendship with his ex-wife, Joy McManigal, to whom he was married for 20 years before their divorce in 2015. A holder of dual American and Italian citizenship, the artist is also a polyglot who speaks fluent English, Italian and Spanish. Today he turns 66, waiting for more roles to play.