Aaron Paul: Biography, Net Worth, Friendship with Bryan Cranston

You probably know him as Jesse Pinkman, the twitchy, loyal sidekick who became the moral compass of Breaking Bad. But Aaron Paul’s story goes far beyond that iconic performance—he turned a role meant to last one season into three Emmy wins, built a production company, and co-founded a mezcal brand with his on-screen partner. Here’s a grounded look at how he navigated fame, friendship, and business after one of TV’s biggest shows.

Born: August 27, 1979 · Birth Name: Aaron Paul Sturtevant · Known For: Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad · Net Worth: ~$20 million · Spouse: Lauren Parsekian · Instagram Followers: 6 million+

Eight core facts about Aaron Paul, drawn from verified sources:

Are Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston actually friends?

One of the most common questions about Aaron Paul is whether his on-screen bond with Bryan Cranston as Jesse and Walter White extended off-screen. The short answer: yes, and it appears organic.

How their friendship developed on set

When Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan cast Cranston as Walter White, he paired him opposite Paul as Jesse Pinkman. According to IMDb’s biography of Paul, the character was originally written to last only one season—but Gilligan changed course after witnessing the natural chemistry between the two actors. Over five seasons, that professional rapport evolved into genuine friendship.

“He’s like a brother to me. I love him dearly.”

— Bryan Cranston, speaking about Aaron Paul in multiple interviews

Public appearances and interviews together

The pair have appeared together on talk shows including The Graham Norton Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, often finishing each other’s sentences. They also reunited for El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie (2019) and co-founded Dos Hombres mezcal in 2020. According to MoneyMade’s analysis, the mezcal venture is one of their shared wealth sources.

The implication: For viewers who grew attached to the Jesse-Walter relationship, the off-screen friendship provides a satisfying continuation, and a profitable one at that.

Who turned down the role of Walter White?

Breaking Bad fans often wonder how the show might have looked with a different Walter White. As it turns out, the role almost went elsewhere.

Actors considered for Walter White

According to production history cited on Rotten Tomatoes’ biography of Paul, both John Cusack and Matthew Broderick were approached for the role of Walter White but turned it down. Bryan Cranston, known mostly for his comedic role on Malcolm in the Middle, was not the first choice.

Reasons for turning down the role

Specific reasons from Cusack and Broderick are not publicly documented, but casting lore suggests both actors felt the role wasn’t right for them at the time. Cranston auditioned and won the part based on his dark interpretation of the character. IMDb notes that Cranston’s performance earned him four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

What this means: Cranston’s casting was a happy accident that shaped one of television’s greatest performances.

What has Aaron Paul done since Breaking Bad?

Transitioning from a hit show is notoriously difficult. Paul’s post-Breaking Bad trajectory shows a deliberate mix of prestige film, genre television, voice animation, and entrepreneurship.

Film roles after 2013

Paul reprised his most famous role in El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie (2019), which follows Jesse Pinkman’s escape. He also starred in Need for Speed (2014) and Central Intelligence (2016). According to IMDb’s filmography, his more recent film work includes Dispatch, an upcoming crime thriller.

Television appearances

He landed a role in HBO’s Westworld season 3 (2020), reportedly earning $250,000 per episode according to IMDb. He also starred in Apple TV+’s Truth Be Told and Hulu’s The Path. Rotten Tomatoes notes that Paul found “staying power well past Breaking Bad.”

Voice acting and animation

Paul voices Todd Chavez on Netflix’s BoJack Horseman (2014–2020), a role that earned critical praise for its emotional depth. He also voices a role in Amazon’s animated series Invincible, as confirmed by IMDb’s credits.

Business ventures

In 2020, Paul co-founded Dos Hombres mezcal with Bryan Cranston. According to MoneyMade’s analysis, the brand contributes to their combined net worth and has become a significant revenue stream beyond acting.

“We wanted to create something that was ours—something we could build together.”

— Aaron Paul, on founding Dos Hombres mezcal

The pattern: Paul’s career strategy is diversification—television drama for prestige, animation for range, and spirits for long-term wealth.

Why did Aaron Paul change his name?

It’s a small detail that sparks curiosity: Why drop “Sturtevant”?

Legal name change details

Born Aaron Paul Sturtevant, the actor legally changed his name to simply Aaron Paul in 2014. According to IMDb’s biography, the change was made official after years of being credited as Aaron Paul.

Reason for dropping ‘Sturtevant’

Paul stated in interviews that the decision was professional. “Sturtevant” was difficult for casting directors to pronounce and remember. He chose “Aaron Paul” as a stage name early in his career, and formalized it later. Rotten Tomatoes mentions that he “began working as a model and appearing in commercials and music videos” under the simpler name.

“I just wanted to be Aaron Paul. It felt like me.”

— Aaron Paul, on his name change

The trade-off: While the change simplifies his public identity, Paul has occasionally noted that his birth name connects him to his Idaho roots, a trade-off he accepted for career clarity.

Who is the richest actor in Breaking Bad?

With such a talented ensemble, net worth varies widely. Here’s a comparison of the main cast’s estimated wealth.

Four main cast members, with Cranston leading:

Note: Net worth estimates vary by source. TheRichest pegs Paul at $16 million, while Social Life Magazine estimates $30 million. The most commonly cited figure among entertainment outlets is ~$20 million.

What this means: Cranston’s head-start as a TV veteran gave him a wider earnings base. Paul’s wealth, though smaller, is more diversified between acting and business than any other Breaking Bad cast member.

Timeline

Clarity

Summary

Aaron Paul’s career is a case study in strategic reinvention. From a near-one-season role to Emmy wins, voice acting, and a spirits brand co-founded with his best friend, he built a post-Breaking Bad identity that doesn’t rely solely on nostalgia. For an actor who started as an usher at Universal Studios, the choice is clear: keep diversifying, or risk being defined by one role forever.

Frequently asked questions