Mickey Middleton: The Untold Story of Bryan Cranston’s First Wife

You probably know Bryan Cranston from Breaking Bad or Malcolm in the Middle. He’s one of Hollywood’s most respected actors. But before all the fame, before the awards and red carpets, there was a woman by his side—Mickey Middleton.

Many people don’t know much about Mickey. She was Bryan Cranston’s first wife, but her life is far more than just being an “ex-wife.” She’s a writer, teacher, and a woman who followed her own path after a short-lived Hollywood connection.

In this article, we’ll explore Mickey Middleton’s full story—from her early life and dreams to her time with Bryan Cranston, and what happened after they parted ways. Her journey is inspiring, surprising, and truly worth reading.

Mickey Middleton Quick Bio

Who Is Mickey Middleton?

Mickey Middleton is an American writer and former teacher. But most people first heard of her as the first wife of actor Bryan Cranston. She was born in 1945 in Daytona Beach, Florida, and grew up with a deep love for music, stories, and teaching.

Over the years, Mickey has used different names in her writing, including Mickey MorningGlory and M.M. Busby. Even though she had a short time in the spotlight because of her marriage, she has quietly built a life filled with creativity, education, and love.

She may not be a celebrity, but Mickey’s story has a lot to teach us about choosing your own path, even after heartbreak.

Mickey Middleton’s Early Life

Mickey was born into a loving family. Her parents were Mary S. Middleton and Dr. Wilbur A. Middleton. Her father was not just a smart man—he was also a helicopter pilot and a World War II combat veteran. After the war, he used the GI Bill to get his college education and eventually earned a Ph.D.

Growing up in Florida, Mickey developed a love for books, music, and performing. She often took part in school plays and local performances. From a young age, she had a big imagination and a love for storytelling.

Her father, Dr. Wilbur, played a huge role in her confidence as a writer. When she showed him one of her early novels, he praised it so much that Mickey began to believe in her own talent. That kind of support helped shape the path she would later follow.

Her Time as an Actress and Performer

Before becoming a full-time writer, Mickey tried her luck in acting and singing. She moved to West Hollywood, California, where she lived for a while, hoping to make it in the entertainment world.

During this time, she worked as an actress, singer, and writer, performing on stage and joining creative groups. She even became a member of AFTRA, which is the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists—a sign that she was taking her dreams seriously.

Though her acting career didn’t lead to big fame, it gave her valuable experience and eventually led her to someone very important in her life—Bryan Cranston.

How Mickey Middleton Met Bryan Cranston

Mickey met Bryan Cranston at the Daytona Playhouse, a small theater in Florida. They were both young, passionate, and excited about acting. Spending long hours together during rehearsals helped them grow close.

Bryan later wrote in his book A Life in Parts that their relationship just sort of “happened.” One day, he looked around and realized Mickey was his girlfriend. It felt natural, and they shared a lot of dreams, especially about becoming successful actors.

But while Mickey was thinking about love and settling down, Bryan had his eyes set on Hollywood. Still, when his acting job ended, Mickey surprised him by saying she wanted to move to Los Angeles with him—and she did.

Their Marriage

In November 1977, Mickey and Bryan got married at her parents’ home in Prescott, Arizona. At the time, Bryan was only 23 years old, and Mickey was a few years older. She was ready for a family, a house, and a peaceful life. But Bryan wasn’t ready.

He admitted in his memoir that he wasn’t sure he wanted to get married, but didn’t know how to say no. So they got married anyway. They moved into a two-bedroom apartment in Van Nuys, California, and tried to build a life together.

But the truth is—they wanted very different things. Mickey dreamed of joining a church choir, raising a child, and living a quiet life. Bryan was still chasing auditions and trying to find his big break. In the end, the love they had just wasn’t enough to hold them together.

Mickey Middleton’s Life After the Divorce

By 1982, their marriage came to an end. The divorce was not full of drama. In fact, it was an amicable breakup. They both realized something important—they cared about each other, but they were not in love.

After the divorce, Mickey didn’t stop believing in love. Just six months later, she married a man named Steve, and they had a son named Stephen in 1986. Later, they had a daughter named Katie. However, that marriage also ended in divorce.

In January 2022, Mickey found love again and married John Lane. She even posted photos from their wedding on Facebook, showing her wedding ring and a big smile on her face. Today, she often shares sweet posts about her husband and their life together in Mesa, Arizona.

Her Career as a Teacher

While Mickey’s personal life had its ups and downs, she built a strong and beautiful career as a public school teacher. Teaching became one of her greatest joys.

She earned a degree in Elementary Education and got certified in Music K–12 and Ethnomusicology from Florida State University. She taught in several states, even on military bases, as she moved across the country.

Mickey didn’t just teach—she created learning programs to help kids enjoy reading. She earned certification as an Accelerated Reader Model and Master Class instructor, and even developed a sing-along system that helped students with reading fluency.

She won awards, touched many lives, and became a respected name in the education community. And in 2018, she retired to focus on her other passion: writing.

Mickey Middleton’s Career as a Writer

After retiring from teaching in 2018, Mickey Middleton focused fully on something she had always loved — writing. And she didn’t hold back.

She wrote children’s books, mystery novels, musicals, and even training manuals. Her writing style is warm and creative, and she often shares deep life lessons through her stories. Some of her well-known books include The Beautiful One, Egg Hide Homicide, The Tainted Teacup, and Heart Burn Holiday.

Mickey writes under three different names — Mickey Middleton, Mickey MorningGlory, and M.M. Busby. This shows her fun side and how much she enjoys storytelling in different forms. Her late father, Wilbur, once helped proofread one of her early books, and his support gave her the courage to publish her work.

Mickey Middleton’s Family and Children

Mickey’s greatest joy has always been her family. She may not have had children with Bryan Cranston, but she later had two children in her second marriage.

Her son Stephen Newman was born in 1986, and her daughter Katie Newman followed later. Mickey often posts sweet notes about them on her Facebook page, saying how thankful she is to be their mother.

In one post, she wrote, “I am grateful every day to have had the opportunity to be a mother.” That one line says a lot about how much her children mean to her. Even as a busy teacher and writer, Mickey always put her kids first.

Where Is Mickey Middleton Now?

So, where is Mickey Middleton in 2025?

She now lives in Mesa, Arizona, with her husband John Lane, whom she married in January 2022. The couple often shares simple and happy moments online, like celebrating birthdays or enjoying nature together.

Mickey stays active in the writing world. She’s part of several writer groups like Sisters in Crime, NAIWE (National Association of Independent Writers and Editors), and American Copy Editors. She keeps learning, growing, and sharing her love for words with others.

Even in her late 70s, she’s full of life, always working on a new idea or writing project. Her journey proves that it’s never too late to do what you love.

Mickey Middleton’s Net Worth and Achievements

Mickey never chased fame, but she built a strong and steady life. Today, her net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. That comes from her long career as a teacher, her work as a writer, and even a bit of work in TV.

She once contributed to the well-known show Roseanne as a creative writer, showing that her talent goes beyond books. She also worked in roles like technical writing and proposal writing for major companies like NantHealth and iSirona.

From classrooms to storybooks, Mickey has always found a way to connect with others and make a difference.

Final Thoughts

When people hear the name Mickey Middleton, they often think, “Oh, Bryan Cranston’s first wife.” But now you know there’s so much more to her story.

She was once a young woman chasing acting dreams. Then, a teacher, a mother, a writer, and a woman who found love again, even in her later years. Mickey Middleton didn’t just live in someone else’s shadow. She built a meaningful life of her own.

In 2025, she continues to inspire others with her kindness, creativity, and strong spirit. Her story reminds us that even after heartbreak or change, there’s always a chance to start again — and shine in your own way.

(FAQs)

Who was Bryan Cranston’s first wife, and why did they divorce?

Bryan Cranston’s first wife was Mickey Middleton. They divorced after five years because he wasn’t ready for marriage — he admitted he married her even though he didn’t truly want to.

How old is Mickey Middleton, and when was she born?

Mickey Middleton was born in 1945, making her around 80 years old in 2025. Her age surprises many, especially since she’s still active in writing and creative work.

Does Mickey Middleton have any children?

Yes, she has two children — a son named Stephen and a daughter named Katie, both from her second marriage, not with Bryan Cranston.

Is Mickey Middleton really a writer?

Absolutely. She’s written children’s books, novels, musicals, and even TV scripts, using names like Mickey MorningGlory and M.M. Busby. Her book The Beautiful One is especially loved.

What is Mickey Middleton doing today?

In 2025, Mickey lives in Mesa, Arizona, happily married to John Lane. She still writes, stays active in writer groups, and shares sweet family moments on Facebook.

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