Actor Giancarlo Esposito reportedly converts to Islam in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Riyad, Saudi Arabia — Giancarlo Esposito, the American actor known for his role as Gus Fring in "Breaking Bad," converted to Islam in Saudi Arabia, according to the head of the kingdom's General Entertainment Authority. Turki al-Sheikh said in a Facebook post that Esposito pronounced the shahada and prayed at a mosque with the crew of the film "7DOGS," which is being shot in the kingdom. He added that the actor took the step after experiencing "a sense of comfort working with Muslims" during production in Saudi Arabia. Esposito made the announcement after meeting with staff of Salla, a company involved in the film. The cast of "7DOGS" includes Egyptian actor Ahmed Ezz and Italian actress Monica Bellucci, both of whom attended celebrations marking the production. Born in Copenhagen on April 28, 1958, and later based in New York, Esposito gained international recognition for "Breaking Bad" and was nominated for an Emmy. His other credits include "Better Call Saul," "The Mandalorian," "The Boys" and "The Gentlemen."