Featured Image Credit: AMC
It's heralded as one of the best television shows of all time, but just because you landed a role in Better Call Saul, that doesn't mean you've got a one-way ticket to Easy Street. When you look at iconic TV shows like Lost, Prison Break, and Game of Thrones, the fact that they're viewed by millions doesn't mean you're guaranteed to become a household name.
While it's true that the golden age has seen an influx of Hollywood stars swapping the silver screen for the small screen, spare a thought for those who aren't as well-known. Westworld nabbed Anthony Hopkins, True Detective landed Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, and Big Little Lies had a cast that boasted everyone from Nicole Kidman to Meryl Streep.
Others find their start in TV shows, and just look at how Aaron Paul went from starring in commercials to becoming a megastar after he played Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad. Similarly, Bryan Cranston returned to the limelight after largely being known for playing the goofy Hal in Malcolm in the Middle.
Others, like Giancarlo Esposito, have gone on to appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, while Bob Odenkirk landed starring roles in The Incredibles 2, the Nobody movies, and led six seasons of Better Call Saul.
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Sadly, one Better Call Saul alumnus now claims he's struggled to find acting work and has taken a more everyday job.
Popping up on a Reddit thread called AmazonDSPDrivers thread, John Christian Love confirmed his time as Ernesto on Better Call Saul is just a distant memory. You might remember Love from the first three seasons of Better Call Saul, playing a mailroom worker at Hamlin, Hamlin & McGill, and later serving as a personal assistant for Chuck (Michael McKean). After being fired toward the start of season 3, Love had a singular flashback appearance in season 4 and was absent from the rest of the series.
Over on Reddit, Love spoke about his new career as an Amazon delivery driver in a post titled, "Delivering smiles & autographs".
Speaking to his fans, the actor wrote: "Hey it’s me John Christian Love. Just want yall to know that as the actor who brought you the character ‘Ernesto/Ernie’ in Better Call Saul, that I too am out here delivering with you!"
Sharing a snap of him in his van and another of him delivering a package alongside a signed photo, Love added: "It sucks. But 1 delivery at a time. Be blessed out there! #IMissTheMailroom."
Many in the comments were surprised to see someone who'd appeared in such a big show to have such a career pivot, with one person asking: "Serious question, was that role not enough to continue acting as a career? Assuming you wanted to."
An honest Love admitted: "I haven’t given up on it, just really slow right now. And BCS [Better Call Saul] wasn’t the breakout I was hoping. Did a significant film working opposite Lily Gladstone / Bryan Cranston but film ran out of money and I was never paid…"
He directed those who wanted to support him to his John Christian Love YouTube channel.
Offering to give back, Love also said he'd give our free signed photographs to anyone who sends him a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Others were asking what he gets in royalties from Better Call Saul, with Love claiming he earns "$100 here and there." While it's clear there's still a lot of love for the character of Ernesto, his seemingly short-lived fame is a reminder of how fickle the industry can be.
