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Entertainment • Actor

Jonathan Banks

Jonathan Banks is an American actor best known for playing Mike Ehrmantraut in *Breaking Bad*, *Better Call Saul*, and *El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jonathan Banks is an American actor best known for playing Mike Ehrmantraut in *Breaking Bad*, *Better Call Saul*, and *El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie*. He also became known earlier for his role as Frank McPike in *Wiseguy* and for supporting roles in films such as *Airplane!*, *48 Hrs.*, and *Beverly Hills Cop*.

Early life and education

Jonathan Ray Banks was born in Washington, D.C., in 1947. Sources indicate he studied at Indiana University before pursuing acting professionally.

Career

Banks worked extensively in film and television, often in character or villain roles. His notable early screen work included *Airplane!*, *48 Hrs.*, *Beverly Hills Cop*, and *Wiseguy*.

Breaking Bad franchise

Banks received renewed prominence for playing Mike Ehrmantraut in *Breaking Bad*, then reprised the role in *Better Call Saul* and *El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie*. This role brought him major critical attention and multiple Emmy nominations.

Recognition

Banks has been nominated several times for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. His performance as Mike Ehrmantraut is widely regarded as his signature role.

Key facts

  • Banks gained wide recognition for portraying Mike Ehrmantraut across the *Breaking Bad* franchise.
  • His earlier television breakthrough was Frank McPike in *Wiseguy*.
  • He appeared in notable films including *Airplane!*, *48 Hrs.*, and *Beverly Hills Cop*.
  • He was born in Washington, D.C., in 1947.
  • He has received multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations for supporting actor roles.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jonathan Banks?
Jonathan Banks is an American actor best known for playing Mike Ehrmantraut in the *Breaking Bad* franchise.
What is Jonathan Banks's full name?
His full name is Jonathan Ray Banks.
When was Jonathan Banks born?
He was born on January 31, 1947.
What was Jonathan Banks's breakthrough role?
His television breakthrough is commonly associated with Frank McPike in *Wiseguy*.
Which films is Jonathan Banks known for?
He is known for supporting roles in *Airplane!*, *48 Hrs.*, and *Beverly Hills Cop*.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Banks
    Supports: Birth date, birth place, major roles in Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, and El Camino.
  2. Television Academy — https://www.televisionacademy.com/bios/jonathan-banks
    Supports: Birthplace, early film roles, and Emmy-related career recognition.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0052186/bio/
    Supports: Birth name, place of birth, and career description.
  4. TMDb — https://www.themoviedb.org/person/783-jonathan-banks?language=en-US
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, and identification as an American actor.
  5. Indiana University Honors and Awards — https://honorsandawards.iu.edu/awards/honoree/7917.html
    Supports: Alumnus status, Emmy nominations, and honorary doctorate.