'Breaking Bad' Actor Makes Good For Young Artists Of The Valley

TEMECULA, CA — As a student at Harvard University, Dean Norris often watched classic films at the local theatre with the hope he would someday appear in a production relished by audiences for decades. At 54, with his dream come to life, Norris is mentoring area youths to gain a foothold on their dreams.

The actor has had a long career in Hollywood, including a five-year stint as the fearless Hank Schrader in the award-winning AMC television show “Breaking Bad” — a production that so enthralled millions of fans, its reruns still get high ratings; but now he'll also help local talent find their way in the competitive entertainment industry through his new performing arts center in Murrieta.

Last summer, Norris and his wife Bridget opened the Norris Performing Arts Center, which has about 15 teachers who guide more than 200 students in different forms of art. Bridget Norris, a former entertainment attorney, manages the center’s daily operations.

“(The center) provides a place for kids who want to express themselves in various forms,” Norris said. “Whether they have a passion for dancing or acting or singing or all of the above — they can find it here. The creative mind helps make a better student and ultimately a better citizen.”

Being part of his community is important to Norris, who is a fan of restaurants Goat and Vine in Temecula and The Mill in Murrieta. You might also see him at Costco, where he admits he shops regularly. At his home, he also loves to garden and has a yard filled with tomatoes, corn, beans and herbs. Long before moving to California, however, Norris' life began humbly in South Bend, Indiana.

In South Bend, Norris’ acting career began when he appeared in his local church’s plays starting at the age of 5. Inspired by his father, Jack, Norris said he knew early on he wanted to be an actor.

“My dad was my original artistic inspiration,” said Norris of his father, who was a musician. “He had a great love of entertainment that was passed down to me. He always encouraged me to pursue this as a passion.”

Norris' theatrical career gained steam during his time at Harvard where he majored in social studies. He performed in roughly 40 plays at the American Repertory Theater, founded by playwright Robert Brustein, before he made his way to Tinseltown.

Appearing in a number of classic '80s and '90s action movies, Norris said his break came when he landed a role in “Lethal Weapon 2.”

“I quit my job as a waiter when I got that job,” said Norris, who also appeared in "Total Recall" and "Terminator 2: Judgement Day.” “It was fun to be a part of that era and work with Schwarzenegger and Gibson.”

Norris eventually transitioned to the small screen as Father Jerry Downey in “NYPD Blue.” But, it wasn’t until more than a decade later where Norris landed his most notable role in “Breaking Bad.”

“(‘Breaking Bad’) was the best pilot I had ever read, and I think that was true for most of the people in the show,” Norris said. “I knew it was the role for me. I knew I could turn the character into something special.”

For five seasons, Norris and his cast-mates hooked millions of viewers as they saw a high school teacher struggling with cancer tap into the illegal drug trade. The show, created by Vince Gilligan, won dozens of awards and has been named one of the best shows in the history of television.

“It’s nice to be a part of something special,” Norris said. “That show will be airing for the rest of my life. College kids will be binge-watching that show for the next 20 years.”

Life has been good since the critically acclaimed show, Norris said. He’s guest-starred in several different sitcoms and currently plays Clay Husser in the TNT television show “Claws.” Now, he also wants to share his passion for the entertainment and arts industry with the next generation.

For anyone looking to start their acting career in Hollywood, Norris said perseverance is all you need.

“Strive to be the best you can be and focus on what you can control,” Norris said. “Jobs will go to other people for reasons that are not in your control, but you can control being the best you can possibly be. If you continue to pursue that, you will make it.”

When asked if he will continue his role as Hank Schrader with "Breaking Bad" spin-off "Better Call Saul," Norris just cast his trademark smile.

"Even if I were," Norris replied, "I can't tell you."

One thing is for sure, you can look for Norris in "Beirut" and "Death Wish" coming to theaters this year.

Photo by Hoa Quach for Patch