BOB ODENKIRK

Bob Odenkirk: A Detailed Introduction

Personal Information

• Full Name: Robert John Odenkirk

• Date of Birth: October 22, 1962

• Age: 62 (as of 2025)

• Place of Birth: Berwyn, Illinois, USA

• Ethnicity: German and Irish descent

• Family: Second of seven children; married to Naomi Odenkirk since 1997; father to two children

• Education: Attended Naperville North High School; studied at Marquette University and Southern Illinois University Carbondale

• Height: 5'10" (178 cm)

• Social Media: 

Early Life and Career

Bob Odenkirk was born in Berwyn, Illinois, and raised in Naperville. His father, Walter, was a printing press worker, and his mother, Barbara, was a homemaker. The family faced challenges due to his father's alcoholism, which led to his departure when Odenkirk was nine years old. This experience influenced Odenkirk's decision to avoid alcohol later in life. He attended Naperville North High School and graduated at 16. After briefly attending the College of DuPage, he transferred to Marquette University and then to Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he honed his comedy skills by working at the college radio station WIDB. There, he created a late-night comedy show called "The Prime Time Special" .

Breakthrough in Comedy and Television

Odenkirk's professional career began in Chicago, where he studied comedy at The Second City and met Robert Smigel, who later helped him secure a writing position at Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 1987. During his tenure, he won an Emmy Award in 1989 for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program . He co-created the iconic character Matt Foley, portrayed by Chris Farley, and contributed to the "Superfans" sketch. After leaving SNL in 1991, Odenkirk continued to write for various shows, including The Ben Stiller Show, for which he won another Emmy in 1993 ..

In 1995, Odenkirk co-created and starred in Mr. Show with Bob and David on HBO, a sketch comedy series that became a cult classic and influenced a generation of comedians . He also worked on other projects like Tenacious D and Tom Goes to the Mayor, showcasing his versatility in the comedy genre.

Transition to Dramatic Roles

Odenkirk's career took a significant turn when he was cast as Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad in 2009. Initially appearing in a minor role, his performance was so compelling that it led to the spin-off series Better Call Saul in 2015. His portrayal of the morally ambiguous lawyer earned him critical acclaim, including five Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series .

In addition to his television work, Odenkirk has appeared in films such as Nebraska (2013), The Post (2017), Little Women (2019), and voiced characters in Incredibles 2 (2018) and The Incredibles 2 (2018) . In 2021, he starred in the action film Nobody, which showcased his ability to perform in intense action sequences and was well-received by audiences .

Recent Projects and Personal Life

In 2023, Odenkirk starred in the AMC comedy-drama series Lucky Hank, based on the novel Straight Man by Richard Russo. The series received positive reviews, but it was canceled after one season in December 2023 . In 2025, he made his Broadway debut in a revival of David Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross, playing the role of Shelly Levene alongside Kieran Culkin and Bill Burr .

Beyond his acting career, Odenkirk is known for his philanthropic efforts and his support for various charitable causes. He is married to Naomi Odenkirk, and they have two children together. In 2022, he released his memoir, Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama, which offers insights into his career and personal life .