Actor Bryan Cranston Reveals His Creepy Encounter with Charles Manson | The Dan Patrick Show

Bryan Cranston’s Encounter at Spahn Ranch

Bryan Cranston recalls a chilling childhood encounter with Charles Manson at Spahn Ranch, where he and his cousin had gone horseback riding. When someone shouted, “Charlie’s on the hill,” several people immediately mounted up and rode away. The ranch’s old-timer reassured the children and sent them on their ride.

About 20 minutes later, Cranston and his cousin passed a group of riders. In the middle was a small, black-haired man with unsettling, “dead” eyes, slumped on his horse while another rider held the reins. His cousin guessed it was Charlie, but they didn’t think much of it at the time.

The following year, news broke about the Tate–LaBianca murders and Manson’s arrest. Cranston says that seeing Manson’s face again years later brought the memory rushing back—and made him certain he had recognized him.

The conversation opens with a brief reference to Manson’s connections to the Beach Boys. Cranston quips that Manson’s musical group was “hot,” an oddly light note before the eerie story.

People Mentioned

• Bryan Cranston
• Dan Patrick
• Charles Manson
• Mike Love
• Dennis Wilson