Bryan Cranston is revisiting one of the more physically demanding moments from his time on “Malcolm in the Middle.” While appearing on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on April 8, Cranston shared details about filming a memorable scene involving thousands of live bees.
The actor, who played Hal on the sitcom, confirmed that the insects used in the episode were real and that the experience led to an unexpected injury.
Bryan Cranston Details ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ Bee Scene
Cranston said the scene, which aired during season 1 of “Malcolm in the Middle,” involved him being covered in bees as part of the storyline.
“I had 60,000 bees on me and I was stung twice,” Cranston said. “And a couple things that you realize when you’re wearing 60,000 bees, you should not be surprised if you get stung.”
He described how the moment unfolded during filming. “I went, ‘Oh, I think I got stung,’” Cranston said, explaining that a bee wrangler offered to help remove the stinger.
When asked where the sting occurred, Cranston said, “On my scrotum.”
According to Cranston, the wrangler declined to assist further. “You’re on your own. I’m not going to help you,” he recalled being told.
Cranston also explained how the production team managed the bees. He said pheromones from a queen bee were applied to his body to attract the insects, while insect repellent was used on his face to keep them away.
The ‘Breaking Bad’ Star Praises Daughter Taylor Dearden’s Acting and Real-Life Reaction
Cranston also spoke about his daughter, Taylor Dearden, and her work on the HBO series “The Pitt.”
He shared a recent experience that highlighted her instincts while they were on a family vacation.
“There was a man in a restaurant who was choking. And my wife and I went, I was like, ‘That guy, I think… I think he’s choking,’” Cranston said.
He described how Dearden reacted immediately. “And Taylor was up and running toward him—running right toward him,” he said.
The situation resolved before she needed to intervene, but Cranston said she stayed with the man afterward. “Just as she’s getting to him, he caught his breath, and he started breathing,” he said.
The moment left Cranston and his wife impressed. “We’re going, ‘My god, we finally have a doctor in the family,’” he said.
Cranston also spoke about his daughter’s performance while promoting the upcoming revival, “Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair.”
“Anytime your child is praised for anything, even a little moment of kindness, it just lifts a parent up,” Cranston told Entertainment Tonight. “And she’s so good! On a great show.”
The revival, “Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair,” premieres April 10 on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+.
