Breaking Bad antihero Bryan Cranston turns wholesome for Malcolm in the Middle six year reunion

By Mike Larkin and Nadia Mendoza

PUBLISHED: 18:13 EST, 18 September 2012 | UPDATED: 10:02 EST, 19 September 2012

We know him as the meth-meddling good guy gone bad in the addictive Breaking Bad.

But before taking centre stage in the cult AMC show, Bryan Cranston was rather more wholesome.

The antihero devoted six years to Malcolm in the Middle, before the sitcom ended in 2006.

And on Tuesday, the 56-year-old joined forces with his former colleagues at a special reunion.

Before Walt went Bad: Bryan Cranston starred in Malcolm in the Middle - reuniting with the cast for the first time in six years

Before Walt went Bad: Bryan Cranston reunites with Malcolm in the Middle cast for the first time in six years

Changing faces of Walter White: Bryan started the show with a full head of hair, and ends up shaving it off after battling cancer

Changing faces: Bryan started Breaking Bad with head of hair, and ends up shaving it off after battling cancer

Looking rather different to his Walter White alter ego, in which he sports a shaved head and goatee beard, Bryan was seen clean-shaven and wearing an all-American dad T-shirt and combat pants.

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Bryan established enormous success on both shows, being nominated for three Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe and a Satellite Award for his role as father Hal in Malcolm in the Middle.

However, he superceeded these nods by actually winning nine trophies for the mantlepiece for his conniving, touching and heartbreaking efforts in Breaking Bad - including three Emmys.

Mother and son: Frankie Muniz posted a picture of himself and Jane Kaczmarek at the Malcom in the Middle reunion

Mother and son: Frankie Muniz tweeted a picture with Jane Kaczmarek, who played his mother

Fair to middling! Malcolm in the Middle cast are all smiles at reunion six years on

Bryan could potentially win a fourth on Sunday at the 64th annual event, having been recognised once again for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Triumphant: Bryan won his second Emmy in 2009

Co-star Frankie Muniz tweeted a series of pictures of the cast, the first time they had all been together since the Emmy-winning show aired for the final time over six years ago.

The 26-year-old, once considered to be one of Hollywood's most bankable teens, looked thrilled when he caught up with his old friends.

And the actor, who played the show's titular child genius, looked particularly pleased to catch up with onscreen mum Jane Kaczmarek.

The 56-year-old, who played Lois, flashed a grin as she posed with her arm around her 'son'.

Writing on Twitter, he said: 'First time the whole Malcolm gang was together in over 6 years.'

And his brothers on the show, who were played by Christopher Masterson and Erik Per Sullivan were also in high spirits as they posed up for a family photograph.

The programme started its life as a mid-season replacement and became an instant success.

It eventually ended its six-and-a-half-year run in May 2006, after seven seasons and 151 episodes.

It followed the adventures of Malcolm, an ordinary boy who tests at genius level - who enjoys being smart but despises having to take classes for gifted children - and his dysfunctional family.

Frankie goes to Hollywood: And he ended up starring alongside Jane in one of the decade's most popular comedies

Frankie goes to Hollywood: And ended up starring alongside Jane in one of the decade's most popular shows

It was as successful critically as it was in the ratings, winning a Peabody Award, seven Emmy Awards, one Grammy Award and was nominated for seven Golden Globes.

Breaking Bad fans are currently suffering at the hands of the season break of the final fifth series, with the first half having aired and the latter episodes not due for broadcast until summer 2013.

However, fans of Bryan can catch him in Ben Affleck's latest directing venture Argo.

The true tale follows a CIA specialist who plans to free six Americans sheltering at the home of the Canadian ambassador during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis.