3. Bryan Cranston: Breakthrough at 43, Legend in His 50s

For years, Bryan Cranston was the actor you recognized but couldn't name. He was the dentist on Seinfeld and did countless guest spots. At 43 he landed Hal, the lovable dad on Malcolm in the Middle.

His defining role came even later. In 2008, at 51, he became chemistry teacher Walter White in Breaking Bad. The part won him four Emmy Awards for Lead Actor and made him one of the most respected actors in the world.