Larry Hankin, who played Old Joe, the junkyard owner in Breaking Bad, recounted a story about filming a scene with Bryan Cranston in season 5.
When Larry Hankin Got Bryan Cranston Angry On Set of Breaking Bad
In an interview with Cracked, Hankin revealed that he struggles with dyslexia, making it difficult to memorize lines. During a scene where Old Joe explains the use of a magnet, Hankin repeatedly flubbed his lines, causing Bryan Cranston, who played Walter White, to become frustrated with him.
Fortunately, the director, Michael Slovis, supported and helped Hankin get back on track. Despite the initial setback, Hankin eventually nailed his lines, and the scene was successfully filmed.
Hankin shared that he had previously done one episode of Breaking Bad and loved playing Old Joe. The second episode he was in was when he sold the magnet to the characters, and he struggled to remember his lines due to his dyslexia.
After forgetting his lines multiple times, the director called for a break, and Hankin stepped out to talk to him. Hankin expressed his concern about Bryan Cranston giving him a hard time. The director reassured him that forgetting lines happens to all actors and urged him to disregard Cranston’s behavior and finish the scene. After the break, Hankin regained his confidence and didn’t forget his lines again.
Hankin acknowledged Cranston’s seriousness about acting and his own more laid-back approach. Despite struggling with his lines in his subsequent appearance in El Camino, Hankin continues to take on roles that are easy enough for him. He mused that perhaps this is why he wasn’t asked to appear on Better Call Saul.
