Anthony Hopkins 'praises Breaking Bad cast' in enthusiastic midnight email

The Welsh screen legend reportedly burned the midnight oil to type out enthusiastic fan email praising "best acting he has seen - ever"
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It's official: Breaking Bad is Shakespeare for the 21st century. Or, at least, Sir Anthony Hopkins seems to think so.

The Silence of the Lambs star reportedly wrote an extraordinary email to leading actor Bryan Cranston detailing a two-week viewing marathon in which he watched the whole show from start to finish.

The message, which has not been officially verified, was nonetheless shared on the Facebook pages of Steven Michael Quezad (Gomez) and Charlie Baker (Skinny Pete).

In a letter that millions of Breaking Bad fans will feel compelled to nod vigorously to, Hopkins wrote: "This work of yours is spectacular - absolutely stunning. What is extraordinary, is the sheer power of everyone in the entire production."

He adds: "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."

The 75-year-old screen legend addressed the message to Bryan Cranston, who plays the lead role of Walter White, and allegedly had it passed on by their mutual contact Jeremy Barber at agency UTA, which he said represents both actors.

He said he had watched the full 62-episode run in a fortnight, finding it addictive and downloading the final series on Amazon.

The Welshman praised the performance of Cranston in particular, writing: "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 Hopkins also complimented the rest of the cast, saying: "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."

Hopkins said he'd felt strongly enough to sit up and write the email at midnight in Malibu.

The Academy award-winner and knighthood-holder signed the letter off using the humble handle "Tony Hopkins".

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