The Versatile Rex Linn Enriches "Better Call Saul" With His Enigmatic Presence

Who Is Rex Linn and What Is His Role in Better Call Saul?

Rex Linn is an American character actor who has appeared in over 100 films and television shows. He is best known for his roles as Detective Harry Bosch in the Amazon Prime series Bosch, and as Kevin Costner's father in the film Draft Day.

In Better Call Saul, Linn plays the role of Howard Hamlin, a successful lawyer and the managing partner of the law firm Hamlin, Hamlin & McGill. Howard is a complex character who is often torn between his loyalty to his firm and his desire to do the right thing. He is also a close friend of Jimmy McGill, theof Better Call Saul, and he often finds himself caught in the middle of Jimmy's schemes.

Linn's performance as Howard Hamlin has been praised by critics, and he has been nominated for several awards for his work on the show. He has won the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series twice, and he has also been nominated for an Emmy Award. Linn's portrayal of Howard Hamlin has helped to make Better Call Saul one of the most acclaimed television shows of the past decade.

Here is a table with some personal details and biographical information about Rex Linn:

Born November 13, 1956
Birthplace Ranger, Texas
Occupation Actor
Years active 1985present
Spouse Rene Zellweger (2021present)

Rex Linn is a talented actor who has made a significant contribution to the world of television and film. His work on Better Call Saul has helped to make the show one of the most critically acclaimed and popular shows of recent years.

Rex Linn in Better Call Saul

Rex Linn's portrayal of Howard Hamlin in Better Call Saul is a masterclass in character acting. Here are six key aspects of his performance:

  • Nuanced: Linn brings a remarkable depth and nuance to the character of Howard Hamlin. He captures the character's complexities, contradictions, and vulnerabilities with remarkable skill.
  • Believable: Linn's performance is incredibly believable. He makes Howard Hamlin feel like a real person, with real emotions and motivations. The audience can't help but empathize with him, even when he's making mistakes.
  • Compelling: Linn's performance is utterly compelling. He commands the audience's attention every time he's on screen. Even in scenes where he's not the main focus, his presence is always felt.
  • Subtle: Linn's performance is remarkably subtle. He doesn't rely on showy theatrics or over-the-top gestures. Instead, he uses subtle nuances and gestures to convey Howard Hamlin's inner turmoil.
  • Heartbreaking: Linn's performance is often heartbreaking. He captures the character's pain, loneliness, and vulnerability with raw emotion. The audience can't help but feel sorry for Howard Hamlin, even when he's making bad choices.
  • Memorable: Linn's performance is unforgettable. He creates a character that will stay with the audience long after the credits have rolled.

These six key aspects combine to create a truly exceptional performance by Rex Linn. His portrayal of Howard Hamlin is one of the most memorable and nuanced characters in recent television history. It is a testament to Linn's talent and skill as an actor.

1. Nuanced

Rex Linn's nuanced portrayal of Howard Hamlin is a key component of what makes Better Call Saul such a critically acclaimed and popular show. His ability to capture the character's complexities, contradictions, and vulnerabilities makes Howard Hamlin a truly memorable and relatable character.

One of the most striking things about Linn's performance is his ability to convey Howard Hamlin's inner turmoil without resorting to showy theatrics or over-the-top gestures. Instead, he uses subtle nuances and gestures to express the character's pain, loneliness, and vulnerability.

For example, in the scene where Howard Hamlin learns that Chuck McGill has committed suicide, Linn's performance is heartbreaking. He captures the character's grief and despair with a quiet dignity that is both moving and powerful.

Linn's nuanced portrayal of Howard Hamlin also helps to highlight the character's complexity. Howard Hamlin is not a simple villain or hero. He is a flawed character who makes both good and bad choices. Linn's performance allows the audience to see the humanity in Howard Hamlin, even when he is making mistakes.

The nuanced performance of Rex Linn is a key reason why Howard Hamlin is one of the most memorable and complex characters in Better Call Saul. His ability to capture the character's complexities, contradictions, and vulnerabilities makes Howard Hamlin a truly relatable and engaging character.

2. Believable

One of the key reasons why Rex Linn's portrayal of Howard Hamlin is so effective is because it is incredibly believable. He makes the character feel like a real person, with real emotions and motivations. This is due in part to Linn's own natural charisma and acting skills, but it is also due to the careful attention he pays to the character's development.

  • Linn has a deep understanding of Howard Hamlin's character. He has spent a great deal of time studying the character's backstory, motivations, and relationships. This knowledge allows him to bring a depth and nuance to his performance that would not be possible otherwise.
  • Linn is able to tap into his own personal experiences to bring authenticity to his portrayal of Howard Hamlin. He has drawn on his own experiences with loss, grief, and redemption to create a character that is both relatable and believable.
  • Linn is committed to creating a truthful and authentic performance. He is not afraid to show Howard Hamlin's flaws and vulnerabilities. This honesty makes the character even more believable and sympathetic.
  • Linn has a strong connection with the other actors on the show. This allows him to create believable and natural relationships between Howard Hamlin and the other characters.

The combination of these factors creates a truly believable and engaging performance by Rex Linn. He makes Howard Hamlin feel like a real person, with real emotions and motivations. This makes it easier for the audience to empathize with the character, even when he is making mistakes.

3. Compelling

Rex Linn's compelling performance is a key reason why Howard Hamlin is such a memorable and engaging character in Better Call Saul. His ability to command the audience's attention, even in scenes where he is not the main focus, is a testament to his skill as an actor.

One of the things that makes Linn's performance so compelling is his ability to convey Howard Hamlin's inner turmoil without resorting to showy theatrics or over-the-top gestures. Instead, he uses subtle nuances and gestures to express the character's pain, loneliness, and vulnerability.

For example, in the scene where Howard Hamlin learns that Chuck McGill has committed suicide, Linn's performance is heartbreaking. He captures the character's grief and despair with a quiet dignity that is both moving and powerful.

Linn's compelling performance is also essential to the show's overall success. His ability to create a character that is both relatable and engaging helps to keep the audience invested in the story. Even when Howard Hamlin is making bad choices, the audience can't help but root for him.

The compelling performance of Rex Linn is a key component of what makes Better Call Saul such a critically acclaimed and popular show. His ability to command the audience's attention and create a relatable and engaging character is a testament to his skill as an actor.

4. Subtle

Rex Linn's subtle performance is a key element of what makes his portrayal of Howard Hamlin in Better Call Saul so effective. By eschewing showy theatrics and over-the-top gestures, Linn is able to create a character that is both believable and relatable.

  • Linn uses subtle facial expressions and body language to convey Howard Hamlin's inner turmoil. For example, in the scene where Howard Hamlin learns that Chuck McGill has committed suicide, Linn's eyes well up with tears, but he doesn't cry out or make any grand gestures. This subtle performance choice allows the audience to see the depth of Howard Hamlin's grief and despair without being overwhelmed by it.
  • Linn also uses subtle vocal inflections to convey Howard Hamlin's inner turmoil. For example, in the scene where Howard Hamlin confronts Jimmy McGill about his role in Chuck McGill's death, Linn's voice trembles slightly. This subtle vocal inflection allows the audience to hear the pain and anger that Howard Hamlin is feeling without being overpowering.
  • Linn's subtle performance choices help to create a character that is both believable and relatable. The audience can see the depth of Howard Hamlin's grief and despair, but they can also understand his motivations and actions. This makes Howard Hamlin a complex and engaging character that the audience can root for, even when he is making mistakes.

Overall, Rex Linn's subtle performance is a key element of what makes his portrayal of Howard Hamlin in Better Call Saul so effective. By eschewing showy theatrics and over-the-top gestures, Linn is able to create a character that is both believable and relatable.

5. Heartbreaking

Rex Linn's heartbreaking performance is a key element of what makes his portrayal of Howard Hamlin in Better Call Saul so effective. By capturing the character's pain, loneliness, and vulnerability with raw emotion, Linn creates a character that is both believable and relatable.

One of the most striking examples of Linn's heartbreaking performance is in the scene where Howard Hamlin learns that Chuck McGill has committed suicide. Linn's portrayal of Howard Hamlin's grief and despair is both moving and powerful. The audience can't help but feel sorry for Howard Hamlin, even though he has made some bad choices in the past.

Linn's heartbreaking performance is also essential to the show's overall success. It helps to create a sense of empathy and connection between the audience and the characters. Even when Howard Hamlin is making bad choices, the audience can still understand and sympathize with him.

The heartbreaking performance of Rex Linn is a key component of what makes Better Call Saul such a critically acclaimed and popular show. His ability to create a character that is both believable and relatable helps to keep the audience invested in the story. Even when Howard Hamlin is making bad choices, the audience can't help but root for him.

6. Memorable

Rex Linn's portrayal of Howard Hamlin in Better Call Saul is a masterclass in character acting. His performance is nuanced, believable, compelling, subtle, heartbreaking, and memorable. These six key aspects combine to create a truly exceptional performance that will stay with the audience long after the credits have rolled.

  • Linn's performance is nuanced and complex. He captures the character's complexities, contradictions, and vulnerabilities with remarkable skill. Howard Hamlin is a flawed character, but Linn's performance allows the audience to see the humanity in him.
  • Linn's performance is believable. He makes Howard Hamlin feel like a real person, with real emotions and motivations. The audience can't help but empathize with him, even when he's making mistakes.
  • Linn's performance is compelling. He commands the audience's attention every time he's on screen. Even in scenes where he's not the main focus, his presence is always felt.
  • Linn's performance is subtle. He doesn't rely on showy theatrics or over-the-top gestures. Instead, he uses subtle nuances and gestures to convey Howard Hamlin's inner turmoil.
  • Linn's performance is heartbreaking. He captures the character's pain, loneliness, and vulnerability with raw emotion. The audience can't help but feel sorry for Howard Hamlin, even when he's making bad choices.

Overall, Rex Linn's performance as Howard Hamlin in Better Call Saul is a truly memorable one. He creates a character that is complex, believable, compelling, subtle, heartbreaking, and unforgettable. His performance is a key reason why Better Call Saul is such a critically acclaimed and popular show.

FAQs on Rex Linn's Role in Better Call Saul

Rex Linn's portrayal of Howard Hamlin in Better Call Saul has garnered widespread acclaim and raised several common questions among viewers. This FAQ section aims to provide informative answers to these queries.

Question 1: What is the significance of Howard Hamlin's character in Better Call Saul?


Howard Hamlin serves as a crucial character in Better Call Saul. Initially introduced as Jimmy McGill's colleague and rival at the law firm Hamlin, Hamlin & McGill, Howard's character undergoes a complex evolution throughout the series. He represents the traditional values of the legal profession and the challenges faced by those who deviate from them.

Question 2: How does Rex Linn's performance contribute to the character of Howard Hamlin?


Rex Linn's nuanced and captivating performance brings Howard Hamlin to life. He portrays the character's complexities, vulnerabilities, and inner conflicts with remarkable authenticity. Linn's ability to convey Hamlin's emotions and motivations through subtle gestures and expressions adds depth and credibility to the character.

Question 3: What are some of the key moments that showcase Howard Hamlin's transformation?


Howard Hamlin's transformation unfolds through several pivotal moments in Better Call Saul. These include his realization of Jimmy McGill's true nature, his struggles with depression and self-doubt, and his ultimate confrontation with Lalo Salamanca. Each of these moments contributes to Hamlin's evolution and provides insight into his character.

Question 4: How does Howard Hamlin's relationship with Jimmy McGill shape his character arc?


Howard Hamlin's relationship with Jimmy McGill is central to his character arc. Initially dismissive of Jimmy's unconventional approach to law, Howard gradually develops a grudging respect for him. However, Jimmy's increasingly unethical behavior and manipulation of the justice system put their relationship to the test, forcing Howard to confront his own values and priorities.

Question 5: What is the impact of Howard Hamlin's death on the overall narrative of Better Call Saul?


Howard Hamlin's untimely demise in Better Call Saul serves as a turning point in the series. It highlights the consequences of Jimmy McGill's actions and sets him on a path of irreversible moral decline. Howard's death also underscores the fragility of life and the profound impact that one's choices can have on others.

In conclusion, Howard Hamlin is a multifaceted and thought-provoking character whose journey in Better Call Saul is enriched by Rex Linn's exceptional performance. The character's complexities and the actor's portrayal contribute significantly to the show's overall narrative and exploration of the human condition.

Continue reading for an in-depth analysis of Howard Hamlin's character and its significance in Better Call Saul.

Conclusion on Rex Linn's Portrayal in Better Call Saul

Rex Linn's exceptional portrayal of Howard Hamlin in Better Call Saul has left an indelible mark on the series and the character's legacy. Through his nuanced and compelling performance, Linn brought depth and complexity to a character who serves as a moral compass and a cautionary tale.

Howard Hamlin's journey in Better Call Saul is a testament to the consequences of one's actions and the fragility of human relationships. His transformation from a respected lawyer to a tragic figure underscores the themes of morality, loyalty, and the pursuit of justice. Linn's portrayal captures the character's inner struggles, vulnerabilities, and the weight of his choices.

The character of Howard Hamlin and Rex Linn's masterful performance have contributed significantly to the success and critical acclaim of Better Call Saul. They have sparked discussions about ethics, redemption, and the human condition. As the series concludes, Howard Hamlin's legacy will continue to resonate with audiences, reminding us of the complexities of life and the choices we make.

JMM (2020)
Kevin Wachtell (Rex Linn) in 2020 Better call saul, Vince gilligan
HOLLYWOOD, CA FEBRUARY 5 Rex Linn, Cara Pifko, at the Premiere Of

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