Bryan Cranston, known for his versatile roles in both comedy and drama, has had his fair share of ups and downs in personal relationships. While his first marriage ended "amicably" after a few years, it was his 'serendipitous' encounter with Robin Dearden, his current wife of over three decades, that piqued his interest. Bryan revealed that he would retire from acting in 2026 to spend time with his wife.
Cranston tied the knot with writer Mickey Middleton in 1977, but their marriage dissolved in 1982. Reflecting on their separation, Cranston revealed that they "loved each other as people" but "weren't in love with each other." Cranston acknowledged that “she wanted more than anything a house, a baby, and to be in the church choir, and by the time I was courageous enough to face that, we were already married.”
Bryan Cranston and Robin Dearden's on-screen tension to lasting love
In a twist of fate, Cranston and Dearden crossed paths on the set of the military drama 'Airwolf' in 1986. Playing the role of a jilted lover turned villain, Cranston found himself holding a gun to Dearden's character's head—a captivating scene that would later become a significant turning point in their lives. Sadly, their initial connection and playful banter were cut short due to their respective relationships at the time. However, destiny intervened, bringing them back together a year later.
Cranston admitted it was 'serendipitous' and that waiting a year was crucial to the success of their relationship because there was undeniable sexual tension between them. The 'Breaking Bad' actor humorously remarked they “were able to flirt without the heavy sexual tension, but there was sexual tension, let me tell you,” reported Cheatsheet. While Cranston's career skyrocketed, Dearden's acting journey didn't experience the same level of success. Nevertheless, their marriage proved to be stronger than his first.
Bryan Cranston's retirement plans to prioritize Robin Dearden's happiness
When the time came for Cranston to propose, he orchestrated a whimsical surprise while they were in the bathtub but the location created a dilemma. He ended up hiding the engagement ring on his pinky toe and playfully presented it to her, jokingly saying, "Here's your ring, but I can't reach it. Take the ring off my toe." Dearden fondly remembers this unconventional proposal as "romantic," marking the beginning of their 31-year-long marriage.
Together, they share a daughter named Taylor Dearden, who has also embraced the world of acting. Taylor even had the opportunity to act alongside her mother in an episode of 'Breaking Bad.' Looking ahead, Cranston has expressed his desire to temporarily retire in 2026, stepping away from the limelight. His plan involves shutting down his production company and relocating with Dearden to a charming French village. "I want to go for day trips and have the fire in the fireplace and drink wine with new friends and not read scripts. It’s not going to be like, ‘Oh, I’ll read and see what I’m going to do.’ No, it’s a pause. It’s a stop. I won’t be thinking about (work). I’m not going to be taking phone calls."
Cranston's decision stems from his desire "to change the paradigm" of their relationship, acknowledging the years of Dearden adapting to his celebrity status. "For the last 24 years, Robin has led her life holding onto my tail. She’s been the plus-one, she’s been the wife of a celebrity," Cranston said. "She’s had to pivot and adjust her life based on mine. She has tremendous benefits from it, but we’re uneven. I want to level that out. She deserves it."
