Which actor played Jerry's dentist Tim Whatley?

Bryan Cranston played Jerry Seinfeld's dentist, Dr. Tim Whatley, on Seinfeld.

Tim Whatley is introduced as a successful dentist whose relationship with Jerry becomes increasingly uncomfortable. Jerry suspects Whatley converted to Judaism mainly so he could tell Jewish jokes, creating the episode's “re-gifted” controversy and one of the show's most memorable social misunderstandings.

Cranston played Whatley in recurring appearances beginning in 1994 and continuing through 1997. The role is especially notable in hindsight because Cranston later became famous as Hal in Malcolm in the Middle and Walter White in Breaking Bad. Seinfeld viewers often recognize Whatley only after learning that the dentist was played by the future Emmy-winning dramatic actor.

The character is sometimes confused with other guest performers from Seinfeld, such as Jon Lovitz or Brad Garrett, but neither played Jerry's dentist. Whatley also appears in “The Yada Yada,” the season-eight episode centered on the phrase that became one of the sitcom's best-known expressions.