Bryan Cranston, renowned for his role as Hal in the iconic sitcom Malcolm in the Middle, shared a hilarious and painful anecdote during a recent appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. The 70-year-old actor recounted an unforgettable experience from the show’s first season, where he endured physical discomfort for the sake of comedy.
A Bee-filled Misadventure
During the April 8 episode of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Cranston revealed that he was stung twice on his private part while filming a scene involving 60,000 bees. The moment became one of the most memorable in the show’s history, with Hal being covered in bees by Malcolm and his friends.
“I had 60,000 bees on me and I was stung twice,” Cranston recalled. “And a couple things that you realize when you’re wearing 60,000 bees, you should not be surprised if you get stung.”
A Hilarious Exchange
Cranston described the moment he realized he had been stung, adding a comedic twist to the story. “I went, ‘Oh, I think I got stung.’ And the bee wrangler said he’s ready to scrape it off, right? He goes, ‘Where is it?’ And I go, ‘On my s——.’ ”
Left to His Own Devices
The beekeeper, however, wasn’t about to help. As Cranston explained, the apiarist responded with, “You’re on your own. I’m not going to help you.”
Stephen Colbert, clearly entertained by the tale, pressed for more details, asking how Cranston could only “think” he was stung in such a sensitive area.
“Do you have a really insensitive s——?” Colbert joked.
“No! I have a very sensitive s——,” Cranston replied, prompting laughter from the audience.
How Did the Bees Get On Him?
Curious about the logistics of the scene, Colbert asked how the bees were placed on Cranston. The actor explained that pheromones from the queen bee were applied to his body, except for his face, which was coated in insect repellent so that viewers could still recognize him.
A Return to Malcolm in the Middle
Cranston made the appearance to promote the revival of Malcolm in the Middle, titled Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair, which premiered on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ on April 10.
The actor also shared other memorable stunts from the original series, including being strapped to a bus, covered in blue paint, and even shaved completely in the first episode.
A Nostalgic Journey
Colbert showcased photos of Cranston’s previous antics on the show, highlighting the humor and chaos that defined Malcolm in the Middle. The revival has brought back many fans, eager to see the return of the beloved characters and the show’s signature style.
As the conversation wrapped up, Cranston reflected on the challenges and rewards of working on the show, emphasizing the dedication required to pull off such scenes.
Whether it was dealing with bees, paint, or unexpected stings, Cranston’s commitment to his craft has always shone through. His return to the show is a testament to the enduring appeal of Malcolm in the Middle and the lasting impact of its characters.
