Whenever Giancarlo Esposito shows up on the screen, his presence is palpable, commanding the camera with every line.
At 65 years old, this performer has mastered the art of many acting mediums, including live theater, film, and television. In the last few decades, Esposito has firmly established himself as not only a titan of television but a class act of professionalism and intellect.
Giancarlo Esposito looking snazzy at the AMC Networks 2023 Upfront held at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City on April 18, 2023 (Credit: Udo Salters / Startraksphoto)
Although he’s most well-known for his villainous roles, Giancarlo Esposito is a multifaceted actor who always brings his best. Like many of the characters he has portrayed, Esposito is enormously sharp-witted, wise, and knows how to achieve his goals. Through determination and talent, he’s earned a remarkable reputation after decades of screen time.
To celebrate this wonderful actor, we’re digging into his best performances as we list the best Giancarlo Esposito movies and television shows.
Before He Was a Star
Born on April 26, 1958, in Copenhagen, Denmark, Giancarlo Esposito (pronounced “jaan-kaar-low eh-spuh-zee-tow”) moved around a lot in his formative years.
Born to a multi-cultural heritage, Giancarlo Esposito, son of Italian father Giovanni and African-American mother Elizabeth, spent a significant portion of his formative years in Europe, shaping his unique perspective. In the 1960s, his family relocated to the United States, marking a pivotal chapter in his life.
Bouncing between New York City and Cleveland, Ohio, Esposito’s family found a partially permanent home in Manhattan, New York, where the young actor began to spread his wings.
Giancarlo Esposito, born on April 26, 1958, was 43 years old at the time of the Piñero premiere in New York City on December 10, 2001 (Credit: Everett Collection / Shutterstock)
At the age of 10, Esposito embarked on his acting journey by securing his first role in the renowned 1968 Broadway musical Maggie Flynn.
However, it wasn’t until a decade later that he would debut on the silver screen, taking on the character of the “Puerto Rican Teenager” in the 1979 sports drama, Running.
Finally, after another decade of secondary roles, Esposito got his big break in the Spike Lee film School Daze (1988), where he appeared as college frat president Julian.
Giancarlo Esposito at the opening of Ash Tuesday during the Tribeca Film Festival in New York on May 9, 2003 (Credit: Everett Collection / Shutterstock)
Now that he’s received due time in the limelight, Esposito has had plenty of opportunities to indulge in other hobbies, some of which might surprise you.
In addition to his acting career, Esposito finds solace and rejuvenation by engaging in regular yoga sessions, which help him relax and center his mind.
Furthermore, he derives spiritual guidance from his religious practice, which is important to him. It is intriguing to note that Esposito contemplated becoming a priest at one stage in his life, demonstrating the depth of his spiritual inclination.
On the flip side of the coin, he also loves busting a tune on the saxophone and tending to his impressive collection of vintage motorcycles.
Giancarlo Esposito looking dapper at the 2nd Annual HCA TV Awards: Broadcast & Cable held at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California on August 13, 2022 (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
A Ranking of Giancarlo Esposito’s Best Movies and TV Shows
This list of Giancarlo Esposito’s best movies and television shows is ranked according to the Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score. The aggregate score is determined by hundreds of critics from around the world, including journalists, film reviewers, and industry experts.
We’ve done our best to include a wide variety of Giancarlo Esposito’s roles, showcasing the actor’s exceptional range and talent.
6. The Usual Suspects (1995) – 88% Score
Often considered one of the best crime thrillers ever made, The Usual Suspects was written by Christopher McQuarrie and directed by Bryan Singer.
The film focuses on a group of criminals being interrogated after a dockside massacre that leaves the police scratching their heads. Mostly told through flashbacks, the whodunnit mystery features an impressive cast, including Kevin Spacey, Stephen Baldwin, Benicio del Toro, and more.
Kevin Pollak, Stephen Baldwin, Benicio del Toro, Gabriel Byrne, and Kevin Spacey in the 1995 neo-noir mystery film The Usual Suspects (Credit: Gramercy Pictures/Columbia TriStar Film Distributors International)
At 37 years old, Giancarlo Esposito plays FBI Jack Baer, who tries to find answers from a wounded survivor at the hospital. As the rest of the authorities interrogate suspects, Jack Baer works to salvage actionable clues from an ailing mobster.
Quick, calculated, and always to the point, Jack Baer is a perfect example of Esposito’s talent. While most of the story is dominated by personable criminals, Jack Baer stands out as a memorable good guy, who actually manages to find some real evidence while his colleagues are easily fooled.
5. The Mandalorian (2019 – Present) – 90% Score
Created by Jon Favreau and set between the events of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi and Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Mandalorian is easily the most popular Star Wars spin-off of modern times.
Removed from most of the overarching drama between the New Republic and the defeated Empire, The Mandalorian centers on a masked bounty hunter named Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) who guards over an innocent, Force-sensitive alien infant.
Giancarlo Esposito as Moff Gideon in the space Western television series The Mandalorian (Credit: Disney+)
Acting opposite Pedro Pascal, Giancarlo Esposito plays the role of Moff Gideon, an Imperial loyalist with dark plans for the bounty hunter’s ward. Armed with the iconic Darksaber, Moff Gideon casts a memorable shadow over the show and is one of the best villains in the Star Wars canon.
As you might expect, Esposito was ecstatic to play the part, especially when it came time for the action sequences. Like a true Star Wars fan, the 61-year-old practiced his lightsaber skills at home by wielding a broomstick, along with a homemade cape for good measure.
4. Do the Right Thing (1989) – 92% Score
Written and directed by Spike Lee, Do the Right Thing is a comedy and drama set in Brooklyn, New York. Ripe with social commentary and sharp humor, the film explores the tribulations of one neighborhood as racial tensions erupt. Funny, fast-paced, and impacting as can be, the movie stars Danny Aiello, Spike Lee, Ossie Davis, and more.
One of the most outspoken members of the neighborhood, Giancarlo Esposito plays the appropriately named character, Buggin’ Out.
Equipped with bug-eyed glasses and a firm set of beliefs, Buggin’ Out often draws the ire of pizzeria owner, Sal.
Giancarlo Esposito as Buggin’ Out in the 1989 comedy-drama film Do the Right Thing (Credit: Universal Pictures)
When discussing the movie with GQ, Esposito said he was particularly drawn to the story, as it spoke directly to his ethnic identity as Black and Italian-American.
Despite this connection, Buggin’ Out is arguably Esposito’s most transformative role, as the 31-year-old actor disappears behind the wide eyes of this eccentric character.
3. Bob Roberts (1992) – 93% Score
Displaying the simultaneously ridiculous and insidious nature of politics, Bob Roberts is a mockumentary written and directed by Tim Robbins.
Robbins also stars in the lead role as Bob Roberts, a conservative musician who looks to become the senator of Pennsylvania, running against opponent Brickley Paiste (Gore Vidal). Satirical in nature but oddly prophetic, Bob Roberts pokes fun at some extremely important topics.
Tim Robbins as Bob Roberts in the 1992 satirical mockumentary film Bob Roberts (Credit: Paramount Pictures)
As a voice of reason amid the madness, Esposito plays the role of John “Bugs” Raplin, an investigative journalist convinced that Bob Roberts is a fraud. Hoping to uncover some hard evidence, Raplin gets in a bit too deep and eventually discovers the true horror of political loyalty.
To prepare for the character, Esposito admitted to becoming “obsessed” with political research, using an almost method-acting approach rather than basing his character off any real-life journalist.
2. The Boys (2019 – Present) – 97% Score
Based on the comic series by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, The Boys is an adult superhero drama created by Eric Kripke.
Set in a world where a group of corrupt superheroes called “The Seven” are both world-savers and celebrities, the show follows a group of misfits who want to expose their lies. Packed to the brim with talent, the show stars Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Anthony Starr, and more.
Giancarlo Esposito as Stan Edgar in the superhero television series The Boys (Credit: Amazon Prime Video)
At 61 years old, Giancarlo Esposito fills the role of Stan Edgar, the former CEO of the company that controls The Seven. In a story with multiple villains of varying degrees, Stan is a remarkably effective villain who exudes power and intimidation without the need for superpowers.
Ruthlessly straightforward and unflinching in the face of destruction, the role actually “frightened” Esposito a bit, but he was up to the challenge.
Reportedly, Esposito wanted the role badly enough that he spoke with Eric Kripke directly to make a deal when his agents and the showrunners clashed over contracts.
1. Better Call Saul / Breaking Bad (2008 – 2022) – 98% Score
Existing in the same fictional universe, Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad are two dramas that need little introduction.
Created by Vince Gilligan, these two shows revolve around a drug-dealing empire that goes sour, affecting the lives of everyone caught in the crossfire.
Giancarlo Esposito as Gustavo “Gus” Fring in the crime drama television series Breaking Bad (Credit: AMC)
Thoroughly gripping and arguably two of the best television shows ever made, Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad have been showered with awards since their inception.
In both shows, Giancarlo Esposito plays the role of Gustavo Fring, an unassuming businessman who moonlights as a drug kingpin. Although he only appears in a handful of seasons in both shows, Gus Fring has gone down in television history as one of the best villains of all time, acting as a perfect counterpart for protagonists Walter White (Bryan Cranston) and Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk).
Giancarlo Esposito as Gustavo “Gus” Fring in the legal crime drama television series Better Call Saul (AMC)
Interestingly, echoing the case of Aaron Paul’s character, Jesse Pinkman, Gus Fring was originally meant to be a guest star, but Giancarlo Esposito convinced Vince Gilligan to expand the part, resulting in television history.
For his efforts across both shows, Esposito was nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards – one for Breaking Bad and two for Better Call Saul.