Long before he made television history as Walter White, Bryan Cranston had taken an assortment of odd jobs to help him as he was trying to find his way in Hollywood. Cranston worked as a server, loaded trucks alongside Andy Garcia, and even served as a videotape interviewer for a dating service called “Great Expectations.” Kelly Clarkson shared an unearthed advertisement of the latter on her titular talk show.

But even before that infamous job, Cranston appeared as one of those lucky bachelors on The Dating Game. Now, whether host Jim Lange could predict Cranston’s future, the highly decorated actor was introduced as an “experimental cook,” a coincidental and unintentional reference to Breaking Bad. But looking back on his appearance on the game show, it’s the most “Bryan Cranston” Bryan Cranston has ever been.

Bryan Cranston Brought the Funny to ‘The Dating Game’

The year was 1979. As Bachelor Number 1, Cranston was introduced as an experimental cook and map collector who had won physical fitness awards and trophies. When the lights rose on him, he gave a cheery smile while wearing a sweater wrapped around his neck. Could this have been the blueprint for Hal on Malcolm in the Middle? He was very put-together and innocent-looking, but upon opening his mouth, the comedian inside emerged. Marilyn Staley, the bachelorette looking for a date, had no idea what she was up against with Cranston.

Rather than being a “genuine” person, it was evident that the illustrious actor was sitting behind the sugar wall. Cranston put a bit of a character on. For one of his direct questions, Staley asked, “When do you know you’ve been a bachelor for too long?” Cranston responded, “When you find yourself doing your own laundry and the dishes and having to iron your own clothes. It’s time to give it up and get married.” Was this how young Cranston was back in the day?

Unfortunately, Staley did not select the future television superstar. Knowing this was his time to own his appearance and ham it up, Cranston fixed up his sweater, gave Staley a kiss on the cheek, and stood next to Lange in dismay. Everything about Cranston’s appearance on The Dating Game felt like a scripted character. Looking back, it’s evident that the character of Cranston on The Dating Game was a chance for Hollywood to get to know the abilities of a future star.

Bryan Cranston’s Past Continues to Pop Up

Cranston has had to speak about his hilarious past on countless occasions. As talk show hosts often do, they enjoy digging up their guests’ pasts in hopes of earning a viral anecdote. Luckily for Graham Norton, he achieved such greatness. In October 2016, Cranston appeared on The Graham Norton Show alongside Benedict Cumberbatch and Eddie Redmayne, where a hot topic became dating in the ’80s. Cranston dove deeper into “Great Expectations,” explaining how it was a precursor to the online dating of today. Cranston mocked the hilariously awful participants, discussing how he had to bring in his wit and comedy to get the best of singles eager to find a match.

Loving a bit, Cranston even made his mock video on the spot for the Irish host, “If you like threesomes, I like Malcolm in the middle.” Redmayne and Cumberbatch hilariously created their own. He noted that the trio would have remained single if theirs were ever released.

Though he may not have found a date on The Dating Game, Cranston eventually found love, marrying Robin Dearden in 1989. Acting stayed in the family as they are parents to The Pitt star Taylor Dearden. Though no talk show seemed to have showcased Cranston’s appearance on The Dating Game, he is part of a long legacy of future stars who have played the game. Before becoming stars, previous players included Farrah Fawcett, Suzanne Somers, John Ritter, and Steve Martin.

The Dating Game is currently unavailable to stream.