From the writer’s room at “Saturday Night Live” to the sun-scorched deserts of Albuquerque and the action-packed streets of “Nobody,” Bob Odenkirk’s career is a masterclass in artistic evolution. Known to millions as the fast-talking, morally flexible lawyer Saul Goodman, Odenkirk has crafted a professional life as unpredictable and compelling as any of his characters, transitioning from a cult comedy icon to a celebrated dramatic actor and an unlikely action hero.
Born in Berwyn, Illinois, Robert John Odenkirk began his journey in the vibrant Chicago comedy scene of the 1980s, honing his skills in improv and sketch writing. His talent landed him a writing position at “Saturday Night Live” from 1987 to 1991, where he worked alongside future comedy legends like Conan O’Brien and Robert Smigel, earning his first Primetime Emmy Award in 1989. He won a second Emmy for his writing on “The Ben Stiller Show.” However, it was his collaboration with David Cross on the HBO sketch series “Mr. Show with Bob and David” (1995-1998) that cemented his status as a pioneer of alternative comedy. The series became a cult classic, influencing a generation of comedians and leading to a 2015 Netflix revival, “W/ Bob and David.”
For years, Odenkirk remained a respected figure in comedy, directing films like “Let’s Go to Prison” (2006) and making memorable guest appearances. But in 2009, his career took a dramatic turn when he was cast as the corrupt lawyer Saul Goodman in AMC’s “Breaking Bad.” Initially intended for just a few episodes, Odenkirk’s charismatic performance made the character a fan favorite, and he became a series regular. This role led to the critically acclaimed prequel, “Better Call Saul” (2015–2022), which delved into the tragic transformation of earnest lawyer Jimmy McGill into the cynical Saul Goodman. The series earned Odenkirk six Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, proving his formidable dramatic range.
Never one to be typecast, Odenkirk redefined himself again in 2021, starring as the lead in the action-thriller “Nobody.” The film was a surprise hit, grossing over $6.7 million in its opening weekend and showcasing his physical prowess. In a poignant twist of fate, Odenkirk believes the intense training for the role helped save his life. On July 27, 2021, he suffered a near-fatal heart attack on the set of “Better Call Saul.” He later revealed his heart had stopped and required defibrillation to be revived. Reflecting on the experience in an interview with Esquire, he described it as “a new book of my life,” one that allowed him to see the world as fresh and be more present. “I just loved being alive,” he recalled.
Since his recovery, Odenkirk has continued to explore new creative avenues. He earned another Emmy nomination for his guest role in “The Bear,” made his Broadway debut in a 2025 revival of “Glengarry Glen Ross,” and has authored several books, including his 2022 memoir, “Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama.” In a surprising discovery on the show “Finding Your Roots,” he learned he is an eleventh cousin to King Charles III. He is married to producer Naomi Yomtov, with whom he has two children.
Despite his immense success and a career spanning decades, Odenkirk maintains a striking humility. “I feel more uncertain than I have in a long time about who I am and what I’m trying to do,” he told Esquire. This earnest uncertainty is perhaps the key to his enduring appeal—an artist who, even at the peak of his powers, is still searching, still risking, and still evolving.
