Giancarlo Esposito always had leading man credentials. ‘Parish’ just makes it official

NEW YORK — Giancarlo Esposito has long been lauded as a charismatic, scene-stealing thespian and commander of roles who’s worthy of leading man stature. “I say, ‘Ask for what you want.’ So, I wanted this badly,” said the star of “Parish,” who’s also an executive producer of the new crime drama. “Parish,” based on the BBC One series “The Driver,” follows Gracian “Gray” Parish, a New Orleans-based former getaway driver-turned successful law-abiding taxi entrepreneur whose life unravels after his son’s murder. Actor Giancarlo Esposito poses for a portrait in New York on March 26, 2024, to promote his series “Parish.” The 65-year-old Esposito, a six-decade acting veteran who was first introduced to wide audiences through his work in Spike Lee Joints, is most recognized for his villainous, sinister roles like the iconic drug kingpin Gustavo Fring from “Breaking Bad” and its spinoff, “Better Call Saul.” More recently, he’s appeared in popular series like “The Mandalorian,” “Godfather of Harlem,” “The Boys,” “Kaleidoscope” and “The Gentlemen.” Despite how long it’s taken for him to reach the top of the call sheet, Esposito doesn’t fixate on whether he receives the professional respect many believe he’s owed. Actor Giancarlo Esposito poses for a portrait in New York on March 26, 2024, to promote his series “Parish.” Esposito: In the last five years, I’ve given myself an assignment, and that assignment is to make it personal.