Bob Odenkirk is an American actor, comedian, writer, and director, best known for his acclaimed portrayal of the crafty lawyer Saul Goodman in the hit television series "Breaking Bad" and its prequel "Better Call Saul."
Robert John Odenkirk was born on October 22, 1962, in Berwyn, Illinois. He is one of seven children of Barbara Odenkirk and Walter Odenkirk, who worked in the printing industry. His parents divorced due in part to his father's struggle with alcoholism, a factor that influenced Odenkirk's aversion to alcohol from a young age.
He grew up in Naperville, Illinois, a suburb he later described as creatively stifling, which motivated him to pursue greater ambitions in entertainment. He attended Naperville North High School before enrolling at Marquette University in Milwaukee. He later transferred to Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, where he became increasingly involved in comedy and broadcasting. While in college, he hosted a late-night radio show titled "The Prime Time Special" on WIDB, his campus station.
Odenkirk's comedic career took off in Chicago where he began performing and writing sketches. At the age of 14, he had his first exposure to professional comedy at Chicago’s renowned Second City Theater. It wasn’t long before his writing talent garnered attention, and in 1987, he joined the writing staff at "Saturday Night Live." There, he formed a creative friendship with fellow writer Robert Smigel, who helped sharpen Odenkirk's comedic voice.
Odenkirk earned critical acclaim for his writing on "Saturday Night Live," ultimately winning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program in 1989. He received a second Emmy in 1993 for his work on "The Ben Stiller Show.”
Although he had steady work as a writer and performer, Odenkirk rose to international fame through his role on AMC’s "Breaking Bad," where he debuted in Season 2 as Saul Goodman, a morally flexible lawyer. His performance was so well received that it led to the creation of the spin-off prequel "Better Call Saul," which centered around the character’s origin story. The series earned widespread critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, solidifying his status as a leading dramatic actor.
In addition to his television success, Odenkirk has taken on roles in both independent and mainstream films. His film credits include "The Spectacular Now," "Nebraska," "The Giant Mechanical Man," and comedies such as "Take Me Home Tonight," "Dealing with Idiots," and the animated film "Hell and Back."
| Birth Date: | 22 Oct, 1962 |
| Age: | 57 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Berwyn |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American actor, comedian, writer, director and producer |
| Net Worth 2021: | 16 million |
