What Happened to Jesse Pinkman after Breaking Bad? Who plays Jesse Pinkman?
by Srinithi
Updated May 31, 2023
Jesse Pinkman
Jesse Bruce Pinkman is a fictional character and a key figure in the American crime drama television series Breaking Bad. Portrayed by actor Aaron Paul, Jesse serves as the deuteragonist of the show. He is introduced as a crystal meth cook and dealer who becomes involved in the drug trade alongside his former high school chemistry teacher, Walter White, portrayed by Bryan Cranston. Throughout the series, Jesse's character undergoes significant development and transformation.
One notable aspect of Jesse's character is his constant presence throughout the entire run of Breaking Bad. He is the only character, besides Walter, to appear in every episode of the show. Jesse's journey and dynamic with Walter form a central narrative thread within the series, showcasing their complex relationship as they navigate the dangerous world of drug production and distribution.
Aaron Paul reprised the role of Jesse Pinkman for the 2019 spin-off film, El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie. This film serves as a sequel to Breaking Bad, continuing Jesse's story after the events of the show's finale. Jesse's character also made an appearance in 2022 during the sixth and final season of the prequel series Better Call Saul, making him one of the few characters to appear across Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, and the El Camino movie.
Jesse Pinkman's character arc and the portrayal by Aaron Paul have garnered significant praise and recognition, contributing to the overall success and enduring popularity of Breaking Bad and its related projects.
What Happened to Jesse Pinkman After Breaking Bad?
The ending of Breaking Bad is one of the reasons the show captivated audiences during its five-season run. The series showcased a compelling cast of characters within Albuquerque's drug underworld, but only a select few survived the intense events. The fate of these survivors was left uncertain, but additional content such as Better Call Saul and the Netflix movie El Camino shed some light on what happened to the core characters after the series concluded.
Breaking Bad's success can be attributed not only to its strong cast but also to the emotional investment fans had in these characters. Unfortunately, viewers had to witness the gruesome ends of many beloved characters as Walter White's all-consuming quest for power in the meth trade took its toll. Ultimately, Walter himself met his demise in the Breaking Bad finale, succumbing to his vengeful actions. While the fate of Walter White is clear, the futures of other beloved Breaking Bad characters remain somewhat mysterious.
Jesse Pinkman, Walter's former cooking partner, has one of the most detailed post-Breaking Bad storylines. The spinoff movie, El Camino, specifically explores the question of "What happened to Jesse Pinkman?" After escaping from the Brotherhood compound, Jesse devises a plan to make authorities believe he fled to the south. He then arranges to be "disappeared" by Ed Galbraith, portrayed by Robert Forster, who provides the same service that Saul Goodman used in Breaking Bad.
Through El Camino, viewers gain insight into Jesse's journey as he seeks to start a new life and escape the trauma of his past. The movie provides closure for Jesse Pinkman's character and gives fans a glimpse into his post-Breaking Bad fate. This exploration of Jesse's story is one example of how the Breaking Bad universe continues to engage and satisfy audiences, offering answers and resolution for beloved characters beyond the original series.
Who Plays Jesse Pinkman?
Aaron Paul, whose birth name is Aaron Paul Sturtevant, is an American actor and producer. He rose to prominence for his portrayal of Jesse Pinkman in the critically acclaimed AMC series Breaking Bad, which aired from 2008 to 2013. Paul's performance in the show earned him numerous awards, including the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2014, the Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries, or Television Film in 2013, and the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, which he won three times (2010, 2012, 2014). He is one of only two actors to have won the latter category three times since its division into comedy and drama.
Additionally, Aaron Paul has won the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor on Television three times (2009, 2011, 2013), making him the most awarded actor in that category. His portrayal of Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad became one of his most iconic and acclaimed roles.
After the conclusion of Breaking Bad, Aaron Paul reprised the role of Jesse Pinkman in the 2019 Netflix film El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, which takes place six years after the series ended. He also made an appearance during the final season of the Breaking Bad spin-off series Better Call Saul in 2022, earning further critical acclaim for his performance.
Before Breaking Bad, Aaron Paul had various roles in music videos, guest appearances on television shows, and minor roles in films. He had a recurring role as Scott Quittman in the HBO series Big Love from 2007 to 2011. In 2009, he starred in the remake of The Last House on the Left.
Following his success in Breaking Bad, Aaron Paul appeared in several films, including Need for Speed (2014), Hellion (2014), Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014), Eye in the Sky (2015), and Central Intelligence (2016). He also lent his voice to the character Todd Chavez in the Netflix animated series BoJack Horseman from 2014 to 2020, on which he also served as an executive producer. Furthermore, he portrayed Eddie Lane in the Hulu drama series The Path from 2016 to 2018 and Caleb Nichols in the HBO science fiction drama series Westworld from 2020 to 2022.
Aaron Paul's versatile acting career and his compelling portrayal of Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad have solidified his reputation as a talented and acclaimed actor in both television and film.
How Long was Jesse Pinkman Held Captive?
According to Peter Gould, the writer of the Breaking Bad episode titled "Granite State," he mentioned that Jesse Pinkman's time as a prisoner and Walter White's seclusion in the cabin lasted approximately four and a half to five months. This timeframe is significant because, in contrast, most of the events of the entire series occurred within a span of one year. The extended period of six months felt excessively long in comparison.
Gould's comment sheds light on the passage of time during these specific periods in the show. Jesse's captivity, during which he endured immense suffering and abuse, and Walt's isolation in the cabin, marked a significant stretch of time in the series. The discrepancy between these extended periods and the condensed timeline of the rest of the show's events underscores the impact and weight of those specific storylines.
This information provides further context to viewers and helps them understand the time progression within the Breaking Bad narrative. The inclusion of such details adds depth and realism to the characters' experiences and contributes to the overall storytelling of the series.
Walter White and Jessica Pinkman
The relationship between Walter "Walt" White and Jesse Pinkman in the television series Breaking Bad can be described as volatile and complex. Although they started out as teacher and student, their journey led them to become the major players in the methamphetamine manufacturing business in Albuquerque, New Mexico. While their collaboration brought them financial success and a sense of camaraderie, their relationship was characterized by constant fluctuations and conflicts, leading to arguments and moments of estrangement. This dynamic has led to discussions about whether they were true friends or merely frenemies.
One of the arguments supporting the frenemies dynamic between Walt and Jesse is the continuous back-and-forth nature of their relationship. They often found themselves in situations where they had to rely on each other, saving each other's lives and working together to overcome obstacles. However, these moments of unity were often followed by periods of mistrust, betrayal, and resentment. Their relationship was marked by a series of ups and downs, making it difficult to categorize them simply as friends.
Throughout the series, there were instances where Walt took advantage of Jesse's loyalty and manipulated him for personal gain. He would often use Jesse's vulnerability and emotional connections to further his own agenda, demonstrating a selfish and manipulative side to their relationship. On the other hand, Jesse struggled with feelings of resentment towards Walt, stemming from the belief that Walt constantly undermined and disrespected him.
Another factor supporting the frenemies perspective is the contrasting moral compasses of the two characters. While Walt became increasingly consumed by his thirst for power and control, often resorting to violent and morally questionable actions, Jesse exhibited moments of moral conflict and remorse. Their differing ethical standpoints created constant tension and a sense of betrayal within their dynamic.
Despite their complex relationship, it is undeniable that Walt and Jesse shared genuine moments of connection and understanding. They experienced shared hardships and challenges that forged a bond between them, at least temporarily. Their journey from teacher and student to partners in crime brought them closer, but their differences ultimately led to fractures in their friendship.
The portrayal of Walt and Jesse's relationship in Breaking Bad is a testament to the layered and nuanced storytelling of the series. It showcases the intricacies of human connections and the blurred lines between friendship and animosity. Whether viewed as frenemies or friends, their relationship remains one of the most captivating and memorable aspects of Breaking Bad's narrative.
Jesse Pinkman Zodiac Sign
Jesse Pinkman, a fictional character from the television series Breaking Bad, can be associated with the zodiac sign Libra. Libra is an Air sign in astrology, sharing its element with Aquarius and Gemini. Represented by the symbol of scales, Libra signifies a balanced and harmonious approach to life.
Being a Libra, Jesse Pinkman embodies the traits commonly associated with this zodiac sign. As a peacemaker, he has a natural inclination towards creating harmony and avoiding conflicts. Jesse demonstrates tactfulness in his communication, carefully choosing his words to navigate various situations. He seeks common ground with others, striving to establish rapport and maintain positive relationships.
One of the core values of Libra is a strong sense of justice. This attribute is evident in Jesse's character, as he often advocates for fairness and equality. He desires to ensure that everyone has a voice and feels heard, standing up for the rights of others. This commitment to justice aligns with Libra's inclination to maintain balance and promote harmony in all aspects of life.
As a complex character, Jesse Pinkman's journey throughout Breaking Bad showcases his struggle to find balance within himself and his surroundings. His Libra traits, such as seeking peace and justice, sometimes clash with the challenging circumstances he faces in the world of drug trade and crime. This internal conflict adds depth to his character and highlights the tension between his innate peacemaking tendencies and the harsh realities he encounters.
Understanding Jesse Pinkman's association with the Libra zodiac sign provides further insight into his personality and motivations. It emphasizes his desire for equilibrium and his ability to navigate complex relationships with empathy and diplomacy. As the story of Breaking Bad unfolds, viewers witness Jesse's continuous quest for balance amidst the chaos of his circumstances, making him a compelling and multi-dimensional character.
Jesse Pinkman Crying
Aaron Paul's acting talent is truly a gift to the world, and his portrayal of Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad is nothing short of phenomenal. He masterfully embodies every aspect of Jesse's character, which is incredibly complex and layered.
While Jesse is often portrayed as hilarious, with moments that can leave audiences in fits of laughter (such as his elated face as he blew air into a yellow lab suit), one of the most powerful aspects of Aaron Paul's performance is his ability to convey deep emotions, particularly when it comes to crying scenes. Aaron Paul is widely regarded as one of the best cry-actors in the industry, capable of evoking genuine and intense emotions from viewers.
Throughout the five seasons of Breaking Bad, Jesse Pinkman endures numerous hardships that give him plenty of reasons to cry. He experiences countless beatings, the deaths of three close friends who were bald, the loss of two girlfriends, and the traumatic ordeal of being kidnapped by Todd Alquist, who bears a resemblance to actor Matt Damon. As a result, Jesse is seen shedding tears approximately 17,000 times throughout the series.
There are numerous examples of Aaron Paul's exceptional crying performances as Jesse Pinkman, showcasing his ability to tap into the character's deep pain and vulnerability. These emotional moments not only highlight Aaron Paul's acting prowess but also add depth and realism to Jesse's character arc. As Breaking Bad nears its one-year anniversary since its finale, it's worth appreciating and acknowledging the top ten cries of Jesse Pinkman, which serve as a testament to Aaron Paul's incredible talent and the emotional depth he brought to the role.
How Old was Aaron Paul in Breaking Bad?
In Breaking Bad, Jesse Pinkman's birthdate is mentioned as September 24, 1984. The events of the pilot episode take place between September 7 and 28, 2008. During this time, both Walt and Jesse celebrate their birthdays. Walt turns 50 years old, while Jesse is 24 years old in the show. It's worth noting that actor Aaron Paul, who portrays Jesse, was 29 years old when the show debuted.
At the start of Breaking Bad, Jesse already has a history of involvement in drug distribution, including methamphetamine. This background makes him a valuable asset to Walter White's new venture in the meth business. With his strained relationship with his family and the freedom to live in his late aunt's house, Jesse lacks strong deterrents against drug abuse. Agreeing to become a meth cook alongside Walt further immerses Jesse in the dangerous and illicit world of drugs.
The show explores the consequences of Jesse's decisions and the downward spiral he experiences as a result of his involvement in the meth trade. His collaboration with Walt takes him deeper into the criminal underworld and exposes him to numerous challenges and personal struggles. Jesse's journey serves as a compelling narrative arc throughout Breaking Bad, highlighting the impact of his choices and the toll it takes on his life.
What happened to Jesse Pinkman after breaking bad-FAQ
A Breaking Bad Movie, Jesse Pinkman is on the run from the law and seeking a fresh start. The movie follows his attempts to evade capture, confront his past, and find a way to move on with his life.
Yes, Jesse Pinkman survives in El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie. The film explores the aftermath of his escape from captivity and provides closure to his story.
Aaron Paul, born Aaron Paul Sturtevant on August 27, 1979, is an American actor and producer. He is best known for his role as Jesse Pinkman in the television series Breaking Bad, for which he received critical acclaim and multiple awards.
According to Breaking Bad, Jesse Pinkman's zodiac sign is Libra. Libra is an air sign in astrology and is represented by the scales, symbolizing a balanced approach to life. Jesse is portrayed as a peacemaker who values justice and strives to find common ground with others.