Anthony Hopkins to Bryan Cranston: 'Breaking Bad' Performance Was 'the Best Acting I Have Seen -- Ever'

Hannibal has met Heisenberg — and is singing his praises.

In a letter to Bryan Cranston, “Silence of the Lambs” Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins calls Cranston’s “Breaking Bad” performance “the best acting I have seen — ever.”

Also read: ‘Breaking Bad’: Vince Gilligan Shares 5 Alternate Endings (Video)

Sir Fava Beans and a Nice Chianti reached out to The One Who Knocks through their mutual agency, UTA. When Hopkins’ graceful letter went public, his publicist confirmed its authenticity to TheWrap.

Hopkins said he had watched a marathon of “Breaking Bad,” and was blown away by the work of not only Cranston, but his co-stars. He asked Cranston to pass on his regards.

Also read: ‘Breaking Bad’s’ Walter White Gets a Funeral

“That kind of work/artistry is rare, and when, once in a while, it occurs, as in this epic work, it restores confidence,” Hopkines wrote. “You and all the cast are the best actors I’ve ever seen. That may sound like a good lung full of smoke blowing. But it is not. It’s almost midnight out here in Malibu, and I felt compelled to write this email.”

Here’s Hopkins’ letter in its entirety:

Dear Mister Cranston. I wanted to write you this email – so I am contacting you through Jeremy Barber – I take it we are both represented by UTA. Great agency.I’ve just finished a marathon of watching “Breaking Bad” — from episode one of the First Season – to the last eight episodes of the Sixth Season. (I downloaded the last season on AMAZON) A total of two weeks (addictive) viewing.I have never watched anything like it. Brilliant!Your performance as Walter White was the best acting I have seen – ever.I know there is so much smoke blowing and sickening bulls— in this business, and I’ve sort of lost belief in anything really.But this work of yours is spectacular – absolutely stunning. What is extraordinary, is the sheer power of everyone in the entire production. What was it? Five or six years in the making? How the producers (yourself being one of them), the writers, directors, cinematographers…. every department – casting etc. managed to keep the discipline and control from beginning to the end is (that over-used word) awesome.

From what started as a black comedy, descended into a labyrinth of blood, destruction and hell. It was like a great Jacobean, Shakespearian or Greek Tragedy.

If you ever get a chance to — would you pass on my admiration to everyone — Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Aaron Paul, Betsy Brandt, R.J. Mitte, Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Steven Michael Quezada — everyone — everyone gave master classes of performance … The list is endless.

Thank you. That kind of work/artistry is rare, and when, once in a while, it occurs, as in this epic work, it restores confidence.

You and all the cast are the best actors I’ve ever seen.

That may sound like a good lung full of smoke blowing. But it is not. It’s almost midnight out here in Malibu, and I felt compelled to write this email.

Congratulations and my deepest respect. You are truly a great, great actor.

Best regards

Tony Hopkins.

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