Gus Fring

Gustavo “Gus” Fring (Spanish pronunciation: [gusˈtaβo ˈfɾin]) is a fictional character portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito in the Breaking Bad crime drama franchise, serving as the main antagonist in the original series and a major character in its spinoff Better Call Saul. Outwardly, Gus is a respectable Chilean-American businessman who operates a successful fast food chain, Los Pollos Hermanos (earning him the nickname El Pollero, "the Chicken Man"). In reality, however, his legitimate businesses are fronts for a vast drug operation, which he runs in conjunction with a Mexican cartel. Gus secretly resents the cartel for killing his business partner and lover, Max Arciniega, and is constantly planning his revenge against them. Part of his plan involves building his own methamphetamine lab north of the border, which he hires Walter White to run. Gus was created to replace the character of Tuco Salamanca (played by departing actor Raymond Cruz) during the second season of Breaking Bad. As a serious businessman, he was intended to contrast with the chaotic Tuco and act as a foil to protagonist Walter White. The character has received high acclaim, with critics hailing Gus as one of the best villains on television. Esposito's performance in the role has earned him several nominations and awards.