Giancarlo Esposito can speak at length about his strategy for navigating a career in the arts, but what it all boils down to is quite simple: “Do what means something, and then don’t be exclusive.” As first a child actor doing musical theater, then a voiceover and radio artist (Backstage magazine in hand), then as an award-winning scene-stealer onscreen, Giancarlo has pursued every role with the kind of passion required to persevere in such a fickle industry. “Your intention is proved out over time,” he tells his fellow artists. “If you feel like you’re connected to that gift, then pursue that, whatever that is.”

Born in Copenhagen and raised in Manhattan, Giancarlo spent his teenage years in Broadway musicals, then turned a radio and television communications degree at Elizabeth Seton College into a screen career. His Hollywood breakout came courtesy of Spike Lee in “School Daze,” then “Do the Right Thing,” “Mo’ Better Blues,” and “Malcolm X,” as well as “Taps,” “The Usual Suspects,” “Ali,” “Once Upon a Time,” “Revolution,” “Okja,” and last year’s “Unpregnant” and “Star Girl.” He’s recently dominated prestige TV, earning five Emmy Award nominations—including this year as Moff Gideon on Disney+’s “The Mandalorian” and, most famously, as Gus Fring on AMC’s “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul”—and has appeared on Netflix’s “Dear White People,” Epix’s “Godfather of Harlem,” and Amazon’s “The Boys.” To read more of Giancarlo’s wisdom, head over to backstage.com: https://bit.ly/3m7FL5f

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Backstage has been the #1 resource for actors and talent-seekers for 60 years. In the Envelope, Backstage’s podcast, features intimate, in-depth conversations with today’s most noteworthy film, television, and theater actors and creators. This is your guide to every aspect of acting, from voiceover and commercial work to casting directors, agents, and more. Full of both know-how and inspiration, In the Envelope airs weekly to cover everything from practical advice on navigating the industry, to how your favorite projects are made, to personal stories of success and failure alike. Join host Jack Smart, Awards Editor at Backstage, for this guide on how to live the creative life from those who are doing it every day: https://bit.ly/2OMryWQ

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