Bob Odenkirk

Biography

Bob Odenkirk (born October 22, 1962) is a versatile American actor, writer, comedian, director, and producer who has built a remarkable career spanning several decades.

Early Career in Comedy: Odenkirk began his entertainment journey in the Chicago comedy scene, honing his skills in improv and sketch writing. This led to a writing gig at Saturday Night Live (SNL) from 1987 to 1991, where he contributed to memorable sketches and won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series in 1989. He later wrote for other shows like Get a Life, The Dennis Miller Show, and Late Night with Conan O'Brien.

A significant part of his early career was his collaboration with David Cross, which culminated in the critically acclaimed HBO sketch comedy series Mr. Show with Bob and David (1995-1998). This show, which Odenkirk co-created, wrote, and starred in, became a cult hit and influenced a generation of comedians. He earned another Emmy Award for writing for The Ben Stiller Show in 1993.

Transition to Acting and Breakthrough Role: While consistently working as a writer and taking on smaller acting roles in television and film, Odenkirk's career reached a turning point with his casting as the morally ambiguous lawyer Saul Goodman in the AMC drama series Breaking Bad (2009-2013). Initially a supporting character, Odenkirk's portrayal was so compelling that it led to the spin-off prequel series Better Call Saul (2015-2022), where he took on the lead role of Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman.

Acclaim for Better Call Saul and Beyond: Better Call Saul cemented Odenkirk's status as a leading dramatic actor. His nuanced and complex performance earned him multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and a Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series. He also served as a producer on the show.

Since Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, Odenkirk has continued to diversify his roles, starring in the action thriller Nobody (2021), appearing in films like Nebraska, The Post, Little Women, and the series Fargo and The Bear (for which he received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series in 2024). In 2025, he made his Broadway debut in Glengarry Glen Ross, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play.

Other Ventures: Odenkirk has also directed films (Melvin Goes to Dinner, Let's Go to Prison, The Brothers Solomon), written and produced various television projects, and is a New York Times bestselling author for his memoir "Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama" (2022).

Bob Odenkirk's career is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and ability to successfully transition and excel in different facets of the entertainment industry, solidifying his place as a respected and admired figure in Hollywood.