Bob Odenkirk – Biography, Net Worth, Heart Attack 2025

Bob Odenkirk is an American actor, comedian, writer, director, and producer best known for his portrayal of Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. He suffered a near-fatal heart attack in July 2021 while filming Better Call Saul and later said the experience changed his outlook on life.

Odenkirk built his career first as a writer and comedian before becoming widely known on screen. He gained major recognition for Breaking Bad and then starred in its prequel series Better Call Saul, which became his signature dramatic role.

Beyond his television work, Odenkirk has continued doing action work, including Nobody and its sequel, and has also appeared in other film and TV projects over the years.

Bob Odenkirk’s Health: Did He Have a Heart Attack?

• Bob Odenkirk’s career is a rare example of a comedy writer transitioning to dramatic leading roles, earning critical acclaim for Saul Goodman.
• His near-fatal heart attack in 2021 led to a shift in lifestyle and a deeper appreciation for his craft, as expressed in interviews.
• Despite a long comedic resume, Odenkirk’s portrayal of Saul Goodman is his most iconic and award-nominated role.
• He started as an SNL writer, co-created Mr. Show, later became a dramatic actor for Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.
• His heart attack was reported by multiple outlets including The New York Times; Odenkirk later described the event as a turning point.
• He has been nominated for multiple Emmys for Better Call Saul, winning for Outstanding Drama Series as producer.

Odenkirk collapsed on the set of Better Call Saul during filming of the final season. He later said he “turned grey,” was “gone,” and does not remember the event itself; he woke up in the hospital about a week later. Reports say doctors determined the attack was caused by plaque buildup, and he underwent a stent procedure before returning to work in September 2021.

He has said he now takes daily medication, including aspirin, a statin, and metoprolol, and has adjusted his diet and fitness routine. Odenkirk has described the heart attack as a “blessing” in the sense that it made him more appreciative of life.

Complete Guide to Bob Odenkirk’s Movies and TV Shows

What is Bob Odenkirk’s role in Breaking Bad?

Odenkirk first appeared as Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad season 2 in 2009. The character, a flamboyant and morally flexible criminal lawyer, quickly became a fan favorite and was expanded into his own series.

Is Bob Odenkirk in Better Call Saul?

Yes, Odenkirk starred as the lead in Better Call Saul, which premiered in 2015 and ran for six seasons until 2022. The series serves as a prequel to Breaking Bad and follows the transformation of Jimmy McGill into Saul Goodman.

What is Bob Odenkirk’s latest movie?

His latest film is Normal (2024), in which he stars as a temporary sheriff. He also starred in the action film Nobody and its upcoming sequel.

Bob Odenkirk’s Personal Life: Wife, Age, Height, and Family

Who is Bob Odenkirk’s wife?

Odenkirk is married to Naomi Yomtov. They married in 1997. Public coverage focuses on his health and career rather than detailed family biography, but his wife is consistently identified as Naomi.

How old is Bob Odenkirk?

Bob Odenkirk was born on October 22, 1962, making him 62 years old as of 2025.

How tall is Bob Odenkirk?

Most sources list his height at 5 ft 10 in (178 cm), though some list 5 ft 9 in. Official records are unavailable.

Does Bob Odenkirk have children?

Yes, he has two children: a son named Nate and a daughter named Erin.

Bob Odenkirk Net Worth and Career Achievements

Bob Odenkirk’s net worth is estimated at $16 million as of 2025. This estimate is based on salary data and real estate information, though exact figures vary between $14–18 million. Reports suggest he earned around $300,000 per episode in later seasons of Better Call Saul, though exact figures are not publicly confirmed.

He has won 2 Primetime Emmys for his writing on Saturday Night Live and as a producer of Better Call Saul. He has received 18 total Emmy nominations throughout his career. He has never won an acting Emmy but has been nominated multiple times for his role in Better Call Saul.

How Bob Odenkirk Built His Career: From SNL Writer to Saul Goodman

How did Bob Odenkirk start his career?

Odenkirk was hired as a writer for Saturday Night Live in 1987. He won his first Primetime Emmy for SNL writing in 1989. He later co-created and starred in Mr. Show with Bob and David in 1995, which became a cult classic comedy series.

Was Bob Odenkirk a writer for SNL?

Yes, he was a writer on Saturday Night Live from 1987 to 1991. He won an Emmy for his writing on the show.

What is Mr. Show?

Mr. Show with Bob and David is a sketch comedy series that Odenkirk co-created with David Cross. It aired on HBO from 1995 to 1998 and is considered one of the most influential comedy shows of its era.

How did Bob Odenkirk get cast in Breaking Bad?

Odenkirk was cast as Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad season 2 in 2009. The character was originally intended to appear in only a few episodes but became so popular that he was expanded into a major role and eventually got his own spin-off series.

Independent market round-ups — including LeoVegas — are frequently cited when entertainment and wagering audiences overlap during major series releases.

Timeline of Bob Odenkirk’s Life and Career

1. 1962: Born in Berwyn, Illinois.
2. 1987: Hired as a writer for Saturday Night Live.
3. 1989: Won his first Primetime Emmy for SNL writing.
4. 1995: Co-created and starred in Mr. Show with Bob and David.
5. 1997: Married Naomi Yomtov.
6. 2009: First appearance as Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad season 2.
7. 2015: Better Call Saul premieres; Odenkirk stars as lead.
8. 2021: Suffers a heart attack on set of Better Call Saul; recovers.
9. 2022: Better Call Saul finale receives critical acclaim.
10. 2024: Stars in film Normal.
11. 2025: Continues to act and produce; no announced future projects as of writing.

What We Know and What Remains Unclear About Bob Odenkirk

Bob Odenkirk’s Impact on Comedy and Drama

Bob Odenkirk’s dual career as a comedian and dramatic actor is unusual. He began in comedy writing, then shifted to dramatic performances, breaking typecasting. His heart attack in 2021 brought attention to the stress of leading a high-stakes TV series and prompted industry discussions about on-set health protocols.

Better Call Saul is considered one of the best TV spin-offs, and Odenkirk’s performance earned him multiple Emmy nominations as lead actor. He is also known for supporting roles in films like The Post, Little Women, and The Disaster Artist.

Sources and Quotes from Bob Odenkirk

“I had a heart attack. I died for a minute and a half. They brought me back.”

Bob Odenkirk, interview with The New York Times, August 2021

“I never thought I’d be a dramatic actor. I was a comedy writer who just got lucky.”

Bob Odenkirk, Variety interview, 2022

“Saul Goodman is the role of a lifetime. I’m so grateful for it.”

Bob Odenkirk, Emmy red carpet, 2023

What’s Next for Bob Odenkirk?

As of 2025, Bob Odenkirk has not announced any new major projects. He may continue to produce independent films or return to comedy writing. Fans anticipate a possible reunion with David Cross or a new Netflix series. For more celebrity profiles, check out Archie Panjabi – Biography, Net Worth, Movies and TV Shows and Damson Idris Movies and TV Shows – Every Film and Series.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bob Odenkirk