Few names in the entertainment industry ring as true as Aaron Paul's. Best known for his portrayal as the iconic Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad, Paul has effortlessly transitioned his talents from on-screen to several other pursuits, revealing an intricate personality beyond the gripping characters he brings to life.
Aaron Paul's journey is a testament to the endless opportunities that come with success, from his passionate love of poker to his venture into the drinks business with Dos Hombres Mezcal.
The Poker Fan
Aaron Paul isn’t just skilled at bringing intense characters to life; he’s also a highly skilled player who enjoys playing poker games and tournaments. News of Paul’s love for poker broke out after he was spotted at the California State Poker Championship in 2016. Since then, Paul has engaged in many high-stakes poker matches, where his competitive determination and strategic gameplay shine through.
In an interview back in 2016, after his Global Poker League debut, Paul spoke candidly about his love for the game. “I’ve been playing games my whole life – card games – but I didn’t get into poker until about 12 years ago” he explained. “I’m just obsessed with this game.”
Paul’s determination and love for the game have seen him compete against some of the best players, including Fabrice Soulier. However, his most notable competition was against football legend Cristiano Ronaldo in 2016 as a part of the PokerStars Duel series.
At the start of the game, nothing separated the two icons, with neither player having a perfect hand - Paul had the minor advantage with an ace-high card and raised the stakes by £4,500. However, although Paul was a favorite to win, being a member of the L.A. Sunset from the GPL, Ronaldo managed to edge out Paul with a pair of jacks as his winning hand.
Paul accepted defeat graciously, quoting “I wanted to win, but it was super fun and it was great to play with him. A great sport, a great player – it’s been fantastic.”
In 2023, Paul has a global poker index ranking of 277,149th and is currently competing in the World Poker Tour Championship.
The Drinks Business
Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston played partners in crime on Breaking Bad. Now, they’re partners in mezcal – an alcoholic beverage made from agave. Back in 2016, the pair cooked up the idea during a sushi dinner – after discussing potential projects they could work on together after the success of Breaking Bad.
Three years later, the pair launched Dos Hombres Mezcal. Combining a unique blend of hand-selected Espadin agave, the mezcal has won several awards worldwide and is sold in several countries.
Few celebrity spirits appear to have the same enthusiasm for their brand as Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul do for their Dos Hombres mezcal. Since 2019, the Breaking Bad stars have grown their company from a sushi dinner idea to one of the top mezcals on the market.
His Philanthropic Efforts
Outside of his acting career, Paul is actively involved in several charitable causes. He supports charities like the Kind Campaign, which strives to eliminate bullying and encourage kindness. One of the other charities he helps is The Trevor Project which helps to prevent suicides amongst the LGBTQ+ community.
In 2013, Paul and Brian Cranston raised over $1 million for charity, with over $750,000 of Paul's share going to the Kind Campaign. They raise the funds through Breaking Bad-themed contests where they offered the winning donor an opportunity to ride in the show’s infamous RV meth lab.
Paul has most certainly used his fame for good, supporting causes that prevent bullying, and support the LGBTQ+ community, children, women, and the creative arts.
The Production Company
Alongside his acting and poker career, Aaron Paul also serves as a producer. Paul made his debut as a producer in 2014 with the film Hellion, for which he was recognized as a co-producer. He's credited as a producer on 26 episodes of The Path, The Parts You Lose, and El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie. BoJack Horseman was also executive-produced by Aaron Paul.
Inspired by his love of storytelling, Paul also founded his own production company, Lucid Road Productions, back in 2014. Partnering with Breaking Bad producer Sony Pictures, Paul has shepherded several series projects through his production company, including Hulu original drama The Path.
In the realm where talent, passion, and philanthropy converge, Aaron Paul stands as a shining example. From the poker table to the world of spirits, from his charitable endeavors to his role as a producer, Paul's journey encapsulates the diversity of his interests and the profound impact one individual can have beyond the silver screen. As we continue to witness the evolution of Aaron Paul, it becomes evident that his legacy extends far beyond the characters he portrays.
