20 TV Villain Performances That Are Practically Flawless
11. Giancarlo Esposito - Gus Fring (Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul)
Over the last decade or so, audiences have been treated to some truly unique villains, but few have been as immortalised quite like Breaking Bad's Gustavo Fring, who's brought to life by the wonderfully cold Giancarlo Esposito.
Monosyllabic and rarely changing his facial expression, Esposito's performance as Fring is both subtle and enveloping. Whenever he's on screen, he demands your attention, and makes you fearful with just the flick of his eyes.
At once unwaveringly calm and collected, Fring is prone to moments of shocking violence, but even in his most charismatic moments Esposito makes sure not to let his tough facade fall or betray any hidden vulnerabilities.
Despite the secretive nature of the Chicken Man and his sociopathic nature, Esposito brings Fring to life with a vibrant energy that brilliantly clashes with his co-stars. His return in Better Call Saul has only cemented his greatness further.