Tony Shalhoub is stepping into the spotlight once again, but this time in a role that breaks from the scripted confines of traditional acting. The award-winning actor, known for his iconic role in “Monk,” is now the host of CNN’s new docuseries, “Breaking Bread.” In a recent interview, Shalhoub shared his struggles with unscripted performances, stating, “It’s the most difficult thing. That was one of the most startling things about it, was that unscripted is just much harder for me personally.”
“Breaking Bread” takes viewers on a tantalizing journey around the world, with bread serving as a cultural bridge to explore various international cuisines. Shalhoub describes bread as the ultimate comfort food and the foundation for many shared meals, connecting people and traditions. The series will allow him to interact with a diverse cast of characters he meets from destinations as far-reaching as Brazil to Tokyo.
Shalhoub’s personal connection to bread runs deep. He recalls fond childhood memories of his aunties making flatbread in his father’s basement, sharing laughter and stories as they worked with flour. “They would take 25, 30 pounds of flour down into the basement… flipping the dough by hand,” Shalhoub reminisced, highlighting the community and love that bread has always represented for him.
His journey in “Breaking Bread” has revealed fascinating insights into the cultures he encounters. For instance, Shalhoub discovered that Brazil, a vibrant melting pot, hosts a significant Middle Eastern and Japanese demographic alongside its Portuguese roots. He expressed awe at the delicious and unexpected food he experienced there, stating, “I was eating things there that I didn’t really know existed.”
The series exceeded Shalhoub’s expectations, developing into something unique and organic. Despite initial uncertainties about the show’s direction, he embraced the unpredictability of the adventure. “We kind of had to go on faith or on hope that it was going to take on a life of its own,” he explained, indicating that the journey itself shaped the series in unexpected ways.
“Breaking Bread” is a project that Shalhoub has long dreamed of pursuing, and he feels it has turned out to be both enjoyable and delicious. The much-anticipated series will premiere on Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CNN, inviting audiences to join Shalhoub on this delectable and culturally rich exploration.