Let me start by saying that Friday’s Chicago Fan Expo was quite the rollercoaster ride of emotions. I mean, who would’ve thought that the calm and collected Giancarlo Esposito, aka the mastermind Gustavo Fring from “Breaking Bad,” would turn into a passionate orator right before our eyes? Hold onto your popcorn, folks, ’cause this one’s a doozy.
As I strolled through the bustling halls of the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, I couldn’t help but notice a palpable energy in the air. Fans were gathering in a line for the panel featuring Giancarlo Esposito, Katee Sackhoff, and Emily Swallow and the energy was building like a crescendo in a Hans Zimmer score. I joined the line in excitement to see what a panel could look like under the rules of the SAG-AFTRA strike. The host explained that topics pertaining to specific Hollywood projects were off-limits. We were also warned that questions like that could result in a response from the host. This panel gave the looks and feels of a fairly predictable and curated discussion about the actors’ lives and personal experiences.
Little did we know that this panel would take an unexpected turn, putting the Hollywood strike front and center. As the trio settled in and began to share their thoughts, Giancarlo Esposito had his turn on the mic, and boy, did he grab our attention. Picture this: Giancarlo Esposito, a man known for his chilling calmness on screen, transformed into a force of nature as he passionately delved into the ongoing Hollywood strike. It was as if Gustavo Fring himself had stepped out of the TV screen and onto the convention stage. Esposito’s monologue was a masterclass in the art of expression, a mix of frustration, determination, and a touch of theatrical flair that would make even Shakespeare proud.
“They are versions of us.,” Esposito proclaimed, his voice echoing through the room. “And so Our job is to convince them and to help them understand with grace and patience and love and also fierceness courage fortitude and dire that we are not going to back down!”
Now, don’t get me wrong, folks. The monologue was powerful, but it wouldn’t be a true Giancarlo Esposito moment without a sprinkle of that signature wisdom. As he wrapped up his passionate speech, he added, “Now, we must convince US that we are valuable and worthy of grace and love and applause and it can be done and it will be done. ”
The room was electric, and even though the panel was about to end, Giancarlo’s words lingered like the haunting melodies of his characters. We all left the room with a newfound appreciation for the depth and dedication that actors bring to their craft and the impact on their personal circumstances.