KFC Radio Episode Summary: Dean Norris on Brian Cranston’s Leadership and More

Release Date: April 22, 2025

Hosts: Kevin Clancy, John Feidelberg, and Jackie

Guest: Dean Norris (Known for his role as Hank Schrader on Breaking Bad and appearances on Law & Order)

1. Dean Norris on Brian Cranston’s Leadership on the Breaking Bad Set

Timestamp: [00:09 – 00:30]

Dean Norris opens the discussion by expressing deep admiration for his co-star, Bryan Cranston. He describes Cranston as the "spokesperson and leader" on the set of Breaking Bad, highlighting his punctuality and reliability.

Dean Norris ([00:09]): "Brian was such a spokesperson and leader. He was like the father of our show... in six years, man, he never showed up late to the set."

Kevin Clancy likens Cranston’s role to that of a sports team captain, emphasizing the positive influence it had on the entire cast.

Kevin Clancy ([00:25]): "It's like sports, man. It's like the captain of the team."

2. Dean Norris Shares a Personal Story: Sibling Engagements Collide

Timestamp: [07:40 – 15:48]

Dean narrates an amusing and heartfelt story about his sisters’ engagement plans leading to both proposing on the same day at the same beach, Baker’s Beach. The mix-up occurred because both sisters involved a mutual friend, Hannah, to coordinate their proposals.

Dean Norris ([08:07]): "They both asked Hannah to help plan their proposals, leading to them unknowingly coordinating the same date and location."

The story unfolds with both proposals set for April 18th, creating a humorous rivalry as each sister vies to have her proposal recognized as the original plan.

3. Discussion on the TV Show The Last of Us

Timestamp: [20:43 – 43:37]

The hosts dive into an in-depth analysis of the critically acclaimed HBO series The Last of Us. They compare it to other seminal TV shows like Game of Thrones, praising its storytelling, character development, and production quality. Dean Norris shares his excitement about the show's direction, particularly regarding Pedro Pascal’s character.

Kevin Clancy ([20:45]): "It was like one of the best episodes of TV ever, right?"

They discuss potential plot developments, such as the fate of Pedro Pascal’s character, Joel, and speculate on future storylines involving flashbacks and character arcs.

Dean Norris ([35:52]): "It was him saying, you know, honey, the universe is trying to tell me something... he's in a position to get up."

4. Car Talk: Kevin Clancy’s New Bronco

Timestamp: [59:59 – 74:02]

Kevin excitedly shares his recent purchase of a Ford Bronco Outer Banks edition, highlighting its features and the unique way he acquired it through a local dealership collaboration with Barstool.

Kevin Clancy ([60:00]): "It's the Outer Banks. Bronco has like the interior a little bit... it's a cool car."

He discusses the practical aspects of owning a convertible and the dealership’s exceptional service, mentioning special offers available to listeners.

5. Interview Segment: Dean Norris on His Career and Breaking Bad

Timestamp: [83:29 – 135:21]

The episode features an extensive interview with Dean Norris, delving into his illustrious acting career. Key topics include:

a. Career Beginnings and Breakthroughs

Dean recounts his early roles, education at Harvard where he was involved in theater, and his first major break with Lethal Weapon.

Dean Norris ([95:10]): "And I was like, are you sure? I took my weight. My thing off. Like, here you go."

b. Experience on Breaking Bad

He reflects on his time playing Hank Schrader, praising Bryan Cranston’s leadership and the collaborative environment on set.

Dean Norris ([131:38]): "You got to be like, I don't know, nothing I could come up would be as good as they come up."

Dean shares memorable moments from the show, including intense scenes and character development, emphasizing how the show elevated television storytelling.

Dean Norris ([131:59]): "We didn't really know... Luckily it was on AMC and they didn't know what. Because we would have been canceled."

c. Writing a Book: The Oral History of Breaking Bad

Dean announces his upcoming book detailing the behind-the-scenes experiences of Breaking Bad, aiming to capture the authentic stories from cast and crew.

Dean Norris ([122:16]): "I think it's going to be a fun book... just telling stories from the actors and all the different people."

d. Philosophy on Acting and Roles

He discusses his approach to acting, choosing roles that resonate personally, and the importance of authenticity in his performances.

Dean Norris ([117:40]): "I thought it was funny because the early Hank was much more fun and kind of more me."

6. Miscellaneous Discussions: TV Shows, Movies, and Personal Anecdotes

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in various conversations about other TV shows like Law & Order, Friends and Neighbors, and movies such as Last Night in Soho and Warfare. They share personal stories, opinions on current media trends, and humorous exchanges about everyday life.

Kevin Clancy ([84:07]): "What else we got? I got my new car. I got a Bronco."

Dean Norris ([95:16]): "I have some history with Chris Maloney... We have a great chemistry on this show."

7. Closing Remarks and Future Episodes

The episode concludes with the hosts expressing their enthusiasm for future content, including upcoming interviews and continuing listener interactions through voicemails.

Kevin Clancy ([135:19]): "That is awesome. Well, let me ask you one last question about Breaking Bad, because we were just saying how incredible it is."

Notable Quotes:

• Dean Norris ([00:09]): "Brian was such a spokesperson and leader. He was like the father of our show... in six years, man, he never showed up late to the set."

• Kevin Clancy ([00:25]): "It's like sports, man. It's like the captain of the team."

• Kevin Clancy ([20:45]): "It was like one of the best episodes of TV ever, right?"

• Dean Norris ([131:38]): "You got to be like, I don't know, nothing I could come up would be as good as they come up."

• Dean Norris ([122:16]): "I think it's going to be a fun book... just telling stories from the actors and all the different people."

Conclusion:

This episode of KFC Radio provides listeners with an intimate look into Dean Norris's experiences on Breaking Bad, highlighting the exceptional leadership of Bryan Cranston. Through engaging storytelling and insightful discussions on current TV shows and personal anecdotes, the hosts create a rich and entertaining conversation for both fans and newcomers alike.

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