Breaking Bad Rich List: The Wealthiest Actors in the Heisenberg Empire, Ranked

Money in the world of Walter White does not stop at the meth lab. The actors who brought this universe to life built careers across hit series, films, publishing, directing, and smart business moves. This list looks at the cast from the wider Heisenberg world and focuses on steady series paychecks, big screen runs, producing credits, and ventures outside acting that add up over time.

To keep things clear, the scope includes stars who made their mark in either ‘Breaking Bad’ or ‘Better Call Saul’. The order reflects a sensible read of long running lead roles, franchise extensions, residual rich syndication, and off camera work that keeps the income coming in even when the cameras stop.

15. Laura Fraser

Laura Fraser joined the universe as Lydia and has worked steadily in television across the UK and the US. Her career includes series leads and key recurring parts that bring reliable pay and international syndication exposure. She has also built a strong film resume that keeps her present on both sides of the Atlantic.

Her earnings base comes from recurring work in serialized dramas and crime shows, guest shots on major networks, and festival backed independent films. That mix tends to create consistent residuals and appearance fees across markets where her shows continue to air.

14. Steven Michael Quezada

Steven Michael Quezada made an impact as Gomez and parlayed that into a broad slate of work in comedy and local media. He performs stand up, appears in regional productions, and takes character roles in film and television that keep his schedule full year after year.

Outside acting he has served in community roles and hosted events that add hosting fees and touring income to his acting checks. That combination of live work and screen work creates dependable revenue even between larger roles.

13. RJ Mitte

RJ Mitte’s run as Walt Jr. opened doors in scripted TV and brand work. He has taken recurring roles on cable dramas and youth focused series that maintain on screen visibility and bring ongoing residuals.

He also works in modeling and public speaking which adds appearance fees and campaign income. This blend of screen credits and advocacy related engagements helps smooth the gaps between series jobs.

12. Betsy Brandt

Betsy Brandt moved from Marie to a long run of network comedies and dramas. Multi season parts on ensemble shows bring regular pay, and her mix of single camera comedies and procedurals helps with repeat airings.

She rounds that out with guest arcs, limited series, and theater projects. The steady network presence, plus residuals from shows that rerun often, supports a reliable earnings profile.

11. Charles Baker

Charles Baker turned Skinny Pete into a fan favorite presence and leveraged that visibility into guest roles on crime and action series. He has worked across streaming, cable, and network which spreads residuals across several platforms.

Voice work and indie film parts add more variety. Those areas often involve shorter shoots and keep income flowing while he lines up his next screen appearance.

10. Matt Jones

Matt Jones built on Badger with long stretches on network comedies and animated projects. A series regular role on a family comedy means steady paychecks during production and a strong residual tail when the show hits syndication.

His voice acting in animation and games adds another layer of revenue. Voice gigs are flexible and can overlap with live action shoots which boosts total yearly earnings.

9. Rhea Seehorn

Rhea Seehorn’s role as Kim Wexler brought lead actor pay across multiple seasons along with award attention that raises future quotes. She has also directed and produced episodes which adds behind the scenes compensation.

Her slate includes films, limited series, and development work for new projects. That pipeline keeps income diversified across acting, directing, and producing fees between major series commitments.

8. Anna Gunn

Anna Gunn followed Skyler with roles in prestige dramas and limited series. She has a history of acclaimed work in earlier shows which means residuals from multiple titles across premium cable and streaming.

Stage productions and guest leads in television movies add to the earnings mix. Those projects often come with favorable schedules and strong day rates that complement series work.

7. Jonathan Banks

Jonathan Banks brings decades of experience that predate Mike Ehrmantraut. He has logged major credits in film and television since the eighties which creates a large residual base from long running hits.

Returning as a lead across two series extended that runway with season after season of pay. He also records voice roles and appears at select events which add to his yearly income.

6. Krysten Ritter

Krysten Ritter used her turn in the universe as a springboard to headline ‘Jessica Jones’. A multi season lead in a Marvel series carries strong pay and international syndication value that continues to generate residuals.

She also develops projects through a production shingle and works as an author which creates additional revenue streams beyond acting. Guest leads and limited series keep her profile high between larger commitments.

5. Dean Norris

Dean Norris leveraged Hank into a lead on a network summer hit that ran for multiple seasons. Series regular pay on broadcast, plus syndication, forms a strong earnings core.

He continues to book steady film and television roles and makes select stage and voice appearances. Teaching, producing, and occasional brand partnerships add more variety to his income over time.

4. Jesse Plemons

Jesse Plemons expanded far beyond Todd with major roles in prestige films and award winning limited series. Lead and key supporting parts in studio and indie films keep him active at the top level of the industry.

That film heavy slate sits alongside event television that pays at premium rates. Festival wins and nominations tend to raise quotes for subsequent projects which helps the long term earnings picture.

3. Giancarlo Esposito

Giancarlo Esposito took Gus Fring across two series and added prominent roles in ‘The Mandalorian’, ‘The Boys’, and ‘Godfather of Harlem’. Lead and recurring parts across multiple franchises create layered residuals and strong per episode fees.

He also works in video games and animation which brings voice acting income to the table. Speaking engagements and select endorsements round out a diversified portfolio that grows year after year.

2. Bob Odenkirk

Bob Odenkirk’s long run as Jimmy McGill brought lead pay across six seasons along with producer and occasional director fees. His earlier career in writing and sketch built a large catalog that still generates residuals.

He has headlined films like ‘Nobody’ and fronted new series which supports a higher quote for future work. Books, production deals, and live appearances add further income beyond on camera roles.

1. Bryan Cranston

Bryan Cranston’s path includes lead roles in ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ which both carry strong syndication tails. Executive producer credits, feature films, and Broadway projects add multiple income lines beyond acting.

He also co founded the Dos Hombres mezcal brand with Aaron Paul which brings business earnings outside entertainment. Recent series work and voice roles keep new revenue coming in while past hits continue to pay.

Share your take on who belongs where in this rich list in the comments.