Bob Odenkirk is a well-known actor, comedian, writer, and producer. He is best known for his role as Saul Goodman in the hit TV series Breaking Bad and its spin-off Better Call Saul. But before he became a household name, Odenkirk was just a young man trying to make it in the world of comedy.
Early Life
Robert John Odenkirk was born on October 22, 1962, in Berwyn, Illinois. He grew up in Naperville, a suburb of Chicago, with his six siblings. His parents were both Catholics of Irish and German descent.
As a child, Odenkirk was interested in comedy and would often make his siblings and friends laugh with his jokes. He attended Naperville North High School, where he was active in the drama club.
College Years
After graduating from high school, Odenkirk attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He studied radio and television production and was a DJ on the college radio station.
During his college years, Odenkirk became involved in the local comedy scene. He performed at open mic nights and improv shows and was a member of the comedy group The Second City.
Early Career
After graduating from college in 1984, Odenkirk moved to Chicago to pursue a career in comedy. He worked as a writer and performer for The Second City and also wrote for the TV show Saturday Night Live.
In 1987, Odenkirk moved to Los Angeles to further his career. He worked as a writer for several TV shows, including The Ben Stiller Show and Get a Life.
Mr. Show
In 1995, Odenkirk teamed up with comedian David Cross to create the sketch comedy show Mr. Show with Bob and David. The show aired on HBO for four seasons and was a critical success.
Odenkirk and Cross won an Emmy award for outstanding writing for a variety or music program in 1999 for an episode of Mr. Show.
Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul
In 2009, Odenkirk was cast as Saul Goodman in the hit TV series Breaking Bad. The character was so popular that Odenkirk was given his own spin-off show, Better Call Saul, which premiered in 2015.
Odenkirk has received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Saul Goodman and has been nominated for several Emmy awards.
Personal Life
Odenkirk is married to Naomi Yomtov, and they have two children together. He is also a supporter of the Democratic Party and has campaigned for various political candidates.
In 2021, Odenkirk suffered a heart attack on the set of Better Call Saul and was hospitalized. He has since made a full recovery.
Conclusion
Bob Odenkirk's early years were filled with comedy and a passion for making people laugh. His hard work and dedication to his craft have paid off, and he is now one of the most successful actors and comedians in the industry.
From his early days in Chicago to his success on Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, Odenkirk has proven himself to be a true talent. We can't wait to see what he does next.