‘Love and trust yourself’ | Giancarlo Esposito inspires Penn State students in lecture | Lifestyle

Penn State students filled Heritage Hall with excitement and anticipation as acclaimed actor Giancarlo Esposito took the stage Friday evening.

The event was organized by the Penn State Student Programming Association (SPA), which has been known for bringing influential speakers and entertainers to campus. SPA’s efforts allowed students to hear directly from Esposito, whose career and life experiences have inspired millions.

From the moment he entered, Esposito energized the room by leading a “We Are” chant that united the audience with Penn State pride.

Esposito, known for his unforgettable role as Gustavo “Gus” Fring in “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” as well as his roles in “The Mandalorian” and “The Boys,” has become one of Hollywood’s most respected talents.

Esposito began the lecture by recalling stories from his life and career. With roots in Broadway, where he began performing as a child, Esposito’s journey has been shaped by the challenges and triumphs of navigating the entertainment industry as a Black and Italian man. This unique background, he explained, profoundly influenced his approach to acting.

Reflecting on his upbringing and early career, Esposito stressed the importance of staying true to oneself, urging students to “love and trust yourself.”

He added, “If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.” His words resonated with students, many of whom came to the lecture not only as fans of his work but also as aspiring professionals seeking guidance on their own careers.

Among the attendees was Otávio Pinheiro, who was dressed in costume for the event. Pinheiro has a deep admiration for Esposito’s role in “The Mandalorian.”

“I’m a big ‘Mandalorian’ fan – I bought a costume before he even announced he was here, so when I saw the notification, I had to go,” Pinheiro, a fourth-year studying neuroscience, said.

For Pinheiro and many others, Esposito’s presence on campus was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear from a beloved actor who has moved countless viewers.

Brendan Santore spoke about Esposito’s impact on him through his portrayal of Gus Fring in “Breaking Bad. “

“‘Breaking Bad’ was the first thing I watched that had him in it, and he was such an impressive actor. He conveyed his presence there, and I wanted to come out to see what he had to say today,” Santore, a second-year studying aerospace engineering, said.

Lily Weber, who has a background in musical theater, was equally inspired by Esposito’s talk.

Weber, a first-year, said she came out to see Esposito because he’s in “Breaking Bad,” and was interested in learning about his experiences on Broadway and acting on camera.

“I didn’t know too much about him, but I was inspired by a lot of the things he had to say tonight. I learned a lot, and it was a really good experience – I’m glad I came,” Weber said.

Esposito delved into his process for character preparation, describing the rigorous research he undertakes to bring each role to life.

For him, embodying Gus Fring was a “monumental experience” that required meticulous attention to detail. He explained how he sought to avoid stereotypes by portraying Gus as a fully multifaceted character.

He also discussed the importance of imagination and courage in his craft. He encourages students to find their own voices and pursue their dreams with conviction.

Esposito’s words left a lasting impression on his audience. He moved them to approach life and work with passion and authenticity.

For Penn State students, the night was more than a lecture – it was a call to embrace their own identities and strive for excellence. His visit left the audience inspired and entertained, but it was his final moments that truly captivated the room.

Just before leaving, he flashed a mischievous grin and slipped into character as Gus, delivering the infamous line from Breaking Bad: “I will kill your wife. I will kill your son. I will kill your infant daughter,” sending a wave of laughter and applause through the crowd.

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