Breaking Bad Stars Charm Fans at Okanagan Winery Ahead of Fan Convention

Key facts

• Raymond Cruz and Cesar Garcia attended a meet-and-greet at Volcanic Hills Winery in West Kelowna on April 29, 2026.
• Approximately 25 fans participated in the event.
• The Okanagan International Film Festival Society (OKIFF) brought the actors to the Central Okanagan.
• The actors will appear at Northern Fancon in Prince George from May 2-4.
• Cruz and Garcia appeared in only a handful of Breaking Bad episodes across seasons 1 and 2.
• Both characters were written off in season 2 but later returned for the spin-off Better Call Saul.
• Cruz noted that despite limited screen time, fans remember his character as one of the greatest villains in television history.

An Intimate Evening with Tuco Salamanca and No-Dose

Fans of the hit television series Breaking Bad gathered at Volcanic Hills Winery in West Kelowna on Wednesday evening for a rare meet-and-greet with two of the show's most memorable antagonists. Raymond Cruz and Cesar Garcia, who portrayed the drug dealers Tuco Salamanca and No-Dose, spent the night answering questions and posing for photographs with roughly 25 attendees. The event, organized by the Okanagan International Film Festival Society (OKIFF), offered an intimate setting that allowed for extended interaction between the actors and fans. Volcanic Hills Winery president Bobby Gidda described the experience as "fun and intimate" for both the audience and the performers, who fielded numerous inquiries about the show.

From West Kelowna to Prince George: A Brief Tour

The appearance at the winery was part of a short visit to the Central Okanagan before the actors travel to Prince George for Northern Fancon, scheduled from May 2 to 4. OKIFF facilitated the stop, giving local fans a preview of the convention's offerings. During their time in the region, Cruz and Garcia also spoke about their experiences on Breaking Bad, their other projects, and their impressions of the Okanagan. The two-day detour allowed them to engage with a smaller audience before facing the larger crowds expected at the fan convention.

Minor Roles, Lasting Impact

Despite appearing in only a handful of episodes across the first two seasons of Breaking Bad, Cruz and Garcia left an indelible mark on the series. Cruz, who played the volatile Tuco Salamanca, reflected on the challenge of bringing his character to life. "Everything about the character was challenging, and then to breathe life into it and make him walk and talk, have him resonate and scream like he does," he said. "I'm only in four hours of the show, but people look back and think I'm in the whole series." Garcia's character, No-Dose, served as Tuco's henchman, and both were written out of the series in season 2. However, the actors returned years later for the spin-off Better Call Saul, which explored the backstory of the Breaking Bad universe.

Enduring Fandom Across Generations

More than a decade after Breaking Bad concluded its 62-episode run, the show continues to attract new viewers. Cruz noted that "new generations are finding it all the time," and described the fan base as "crazy about the show." The actors expressed gratitude that their work remains appreciated, with Cruz stating, "It was great that the fans really appreciated the work we did on it as actors, and telling the story about Walter White and his whole journey." The sustained popularity of Breaking Bad has turned even minor characters into cult icons, and events like the one at Volcanic Hills Winery demonstrate the enduring appetite for direct engagement with the show's cast.

What Comes Next for the Actors

After their appearance in West Kelowna, Cruz and Garcia will head to Prince George for Northern Fancon, where they are expected to participate in panels, autograph sessions, and photo opportunities. The convention runs from May 2 to 4, and will likely draw fans from across British Columbia. Both actors have continued to work in film and television since their time on Breaking Bad, but they remain most closely associated with the roles that made them famous. The ongoing interest in the series ensures that events like these will continue to draw crowds, as new generations discover the show and seek connections with its cast.

The bottom line

• Raymond Cruz and Cesar Garcia, known for playing Tuco Salamanca and No-Dose, met about 25 fans at Volcanic Hills Winery on April 29.
• The event was organized by the Okanagan International Film Festival Society ahead of the actors' appearance at Northern Fancon in Prince George from May 2-4.
• Cruz and Garcia appeared in only a handful of Breaking Bad episodes across seasons 1 and 2, but their characters are remembered as iconic villains.
• Both characters were killed off in season 2 but later returned for the spin-off Better Call Saul.
• More than a decade after the show ended, Breaking Bad continues to attract new generations of fans.