Bryan Cranston catches a break

Bryan Cranston stunned viewers by taking home the Emmy for lead actor in a drama series for AMC’s “Breaking Bad,” winning over the heavy favorite, Jon Hamm of “Mad Men.”

Cranston took the honors even though the series, cut short by the writers strike, aired only seven episodes.

Apparently surprised himself, Cranston’s initial reaction was bleeped by network censors.

For years, Cranston, a star of “Malcolm in the Middle,” was overshadowed at Emmy time by then-costar Jane Kaczmarek.

In the press tent, Cranston was asked about his shaved head.

“My character is well into his chemotherapy,” he said. “I lost 17 pounds and shaved my head. This is what most actors dream about.”

-- Lynn Smith and Maria Elena Fernandez