Before Skyler White: Anna Gunn's Surprising Role In The Backstreet Boys' 'Everybody' Music Video
For many, the name Anna Gunn instantly conjures images of Skyler White, the complex and often controversial wife of Walter White in AMC's groundbreaking crime drama, Breaking Bad. Her portrayal earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards, cementing her status as a formidable actress capable of delivering powerful performances. However, long before she navigated the moral complexities of Albuquerque's meth empire, Anna Gunn made a rather "sneaky appearance" in a pop culture phenomenon from a completely different genre: a '90s boy band music video. Prepare to have your mind blown, because yes, Anna Gunn was indeed in the Backstreet Boys' iconic 1997 hit, "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)."
This surprising tidbit has become a favorite piece of trivia among fans, often sparking a double-take and a frantic search for verification. It's the kind of fact that makes you exclaim, "Tell me something I don't know!" and then immediately question if it's actually true. Well, folks, it's absolutely true, and it adds a fascinating layer to the already diverse career of this talented American actress.
From Haunted Mansions to Meth Labs: Anna Gunn's Diverse Career
A Star in the Making: Early Career Highlights
Anna Kathryn Gunn, born on August 11, 1968, has cultivated a remarkable career on both stage and screen, consistently portraying a "vast array of complex and powerful characters." While Breaking Bad brought her global recognition, her journey in acting began much earlier, showcasing her versatility and dedication to her craft. Before Skyler White, Gunn was known for her compelling performance as Martha Bullock on the HBO Western series Deadwood, which ran from 2004 to 2006. She also graced the screens in the ABC series The Practice (1997–2002) and the Fox series Gracepoint.
Beyond live-action roles, Anna Gunn also lent her distinctive voice to the world of video games, notably portraying Ariel in four installments of the popular Legacy of Kain series. Her early work laid the groundwork for the critically acclaimed performances that would follow, demonstrating her range and ability to adapt to various genres and character demands. This foundation, built over years of dedicated acting, makes her unexpected cameo in a boy band video all the more intriguing.
The Ultimate '90s Throwback: "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)"
An Iconic Music Video
To truly appreciate Anna Gunn's appearance, one must first revisit the cultural impact of the "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" music video. Released in 1997, it quickly became a global phenomenon, selling millions of copies and reaching the top 5 in numerous countries. The video itself is a masterpiece of '90s pop extravagance: the Backstreet Boys find themselves stranded in a haunted mansion, transforming into various classic monsters – a mummy, a vampire, a werewolf, and so on. It's campy, it's fun, and it's undeniably iconic. Even two decades later, the video "rocks harder than ever" and is widely considered "nothing short of perfect" by fans and critics alike.
The visual narrative, coupled with the song's infectious beat and catchy lyrics, cemented its place in pop culture history. It was a staple on music channels like MTV and VH1, constantly playing in homes around the world. Given its widespread popularity, it's remarkable how many people missed the subtle presence of a future Emmy winner within its elaborate set pieces.
Spotting the Future Skyler White
So, where exactly does Anna Gunn fit into this monstrous pop spectacle? She appears as one of the dancers in the haunted mansion, specifically during the group dance sequences. While not a central character, her presence is undeniable once you know to look for her. The fact that she was a "backup dancer" in such a high-profile video is a testament to the diverse paths actors take early in their careers. It's a common experience for aspiring performers to take on various roles, from commercials to music videos, to gain experience and exposure.
The discovery of Anna Gunn in "Everybody" often comes as a delightful shock to fans, especially those who primarily know her from the intense drama of Breaking Bad. Social media is rife with posts like, "Her: Tell me something I don't know. Me: Anna Gunn (SKYLER), came out as a dancer in the Backstreet Boys 'Everybody' video. IS THIS CHECKED FOLKS? OR IS SHE VERY SIMILAR? HELP ME. I HAD TO GO TO THE VIDEO AND IT'S THE SAME. 🤣🤣🤣" This reaction perfectly encapsulates the delightful surprise and the immediate need for verification that this fact triggers. Her ability to "dance very well," as noted by some, is evident in her brief but clear appearance.
Why This Fact Continues to Surprise Fans
The Power of Transformation
The sheer contrast between Anna Gunn's role in "Everybody" and her later, more famous characters is what makes this fact so captivating. On one hand, you have a fun, lighthearted performance in a vibrant pop music video. On the other, you have the emotionally charged, often harrowing portrayal of Skyler White, a character who evolves from a seemingly ordinary housewife into a complex figure entangled in a criminal enterprise. The dramatic shift in genre, tone, and character depth is profound.
This stark difference highlights not only Anna Gunn's incredible acting range but also how an actor's early career can be filled with unexpected turns. For many, her image is so strongly associated with the serious, often somber world of Breaking Bad that seeing her in a '90s boy band video feels almost surreal. It's a testament to her transformative abilities as an actress that she can inhabit such wildly different roles so convincingly.
A Testament to Versatility
While a small role, Anna Gunn's appearance in "Everybody" is an early indicator of her versatility. It shows a performer willing to take on various projects, hone her craft, and immerse herself in different creative environments. This foundational experience, whether in a music video or a theatrical play, contributes to the development of an actor's skills and their ability to tackle more demanding roles later on. It’s a fun, quirky footnote in a career defined by powerful dramatic performances, underscoring that even the most acclaimed actors have unexpected beginnings.
Beyond the Backstreet Boys: Anna Gunn's Lasting Impact
While her "sneaky appearance" in a boy band video is a fun piece of trivia, Anna Gunn's legacy extends far beyond a single cameo. Her work as Skyler White on Breaking Bad earned her critical acclaim, including those two Primetime Emmy Awards, solidifying her place as one of the most respected actresses of her generation. Her nuanced portrayal of Skyler, often facing intense fan scrutiny, showcased her ability to bring depth and humanity to a character navigating extraordinary circumstances.
Gunn's career is a testament to her dedication to complex storytelling and character development. From the Western frontier of Deadwood to the dark underbelly of Breaking Bad, she has consistently delivered memorable performances. The Backstreet Boys video is merely a delightful reminder that even the most serious actors have unexpected, and often amusing, chapters in their professional journeys.
In conclusion, the revelation that Anna Gunn, the acclaimed actress known for her powerful roles in series like Breaking Bad and Deadwood, once appeared as a dancer in the Backstreet Boys' iconic "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" music video is a truly surprising and delightful piece of celebrity trivia. It highlights the diverse paths actors take in their careers and offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of a performer who would go on to win multiple Emmy Awards. This fun fact not only adds a layer of unexpected charm to her professional history but also serves as a testament to her versatility, showing that even before her dramatic breakthroughs, Anna Gunn was a part of pop culture history in a way many never suspected.
Anna Gunn, ‘Skyler White’ en ‘Breaking Bad’, y su pasado con los
Anna Gunn | WikiSein | Fandom
Betsy Brandt & Anna Gunn – Emmys 2012 Red Carpet | 2012 Emmy Awards
