Bob Odenkirk is an American actor, comedian, writer, director, and producer. He first gained national attention as a writer for Saturday Night Live and later co-created the cult sketch series Mr. Show with Bob and David. A generation of television viewers knows him best as the morally flexible lawyer Saul Goodman, first seen on Breaking Bad and later as the lead of its acclaimed prequel Better Call Saul. His career took an unexpected turn when he starred in the 2021 action film Nobody, and later that same year he survived a near-fatal heart attack that made headlines around the world.
Born Robert John Odenkirk on October 22, 1962, in Berwyn, Illinois, he grew up in the Chicago area. His father worked in the printing industry. Odenkirk began performing comedy in the 1980s, joining the legendary Second City troupe in Chicago before moving into television writing.
What Are the Best Bob Odenkirk Movies and TV Shows?
- Bob Odenkirk is primarily known for playing the morally complex lawyer Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.
- His career spans writing for SNL, co-creating Mr. Show, and starring in action films like Nobody.
- In 2021 he suffered a heart attack on the set of Better Call Saul but returned to finish the series.
- He is respected as both a comedian and a dramatic actor, earning multiple Emmy nominations.
SnapShot Facts
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert John Odenkirk |
| Date of Birth | October 22, 1962 (age 62 as of 2025) |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $16 million (2025) |
| Spouse | Naomi Yomtov (m. 1997) |
| Children | 2 |
| Notable Roles | Saul Goodman (Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul), Stevie Grant (Mr. Show), Hutch Mansell (Nobody) |
| Heart Attack | July 27, 2021 (on set, recovered) |
| Awards | 2 Primetime Emmys (out of 18 nominations) |
What Happened During Bob Odenkirk’s Heart Attack?
On July 27, 2021, Odenkirk suffered a near-fatal heart attack while filming the final season of Better Call Saul. According to reports confirmed by IMDb and Biography.com, his heart stopped for a period, and medics used a defibrillator multiple times to revive him. He later received stents to treat the blockage.
The incident occurred on the show’s set in New Mexico. Odenkirk was rushed to a local hospital and later underwent treatment. Sources confirm he survived the event and returned to work after a recovery period, though no detailed medical recovery timeline for 2025 has been made public.
Odenkirk has since spoken publicly about making lifestyle changes, including improved diet and exercise. He has said he is focused on fitness and family, and no further cardiac incidents have been reported as of 2025.
How Old Is Bob Odenkirk and What Is His Height?
Bob Odenkirk was born on October 22, 1962, which makes him 62 years old as of 2025. Sources, including IMDb, list his height as 5′ 9″ (1.75 m), though some databases, including his Wikipedia entry, round this to 5′ 10″. The difference is minor and may reflect slightly different measurement methods.
What Was Bob Odenkirk Like When He Was Young?
Growing up in Naperville, a suburb of Chicago, Odenkirk was the son of a printing industry worker. He became interested in comedy and writing during high school and college. After studying at Southern Illinois University and later Marquette University, he moved to Chicago to perform at The Second City, the celebrated improv and sketch comedy theater. His early work there led to a job writing for Saturday Night Live in 1987.
Who Is Bob Odenkirk’s Wife?
Odenkirk has been married to Naomi Odenkirk (nÊe Yomtov) since 1997. She works as a producer and also serves as his manager. The couple have two children together. Naomi has been described in multiple biographical sources as a key figure in Odenkirk’s career, helping to guide his professional decisions.
Odenkirk and his wife have kept their children out of the public eye for the most part. The family resides primarily in Los Angeles.
What Is Bob Odenkirk’s Net Worth?
A verified net worth figure for Bob Odenkirk has not been published. Widely cited estimates from entertainment and financial publications place his net worth between $14 million and $18 million, with $16 million being a commonly referenced consensus estimate as of 2025. These figures should be treated as estimates rather than confirmed facts.
Bob Odenkirk Career Timeline: 1962 to 2025
- 1962 â Born in Berwyn, Illinois.
- 1987 â Hired as a writer for Saturday Night Live.
- 1989 â Won Primetime Emmy for SNL writing.
- 1995 â Co-created and starred in Mr. Show with David Cross.
- 2009 â First appearance as Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad.
- 2015 â Better Call Saul premieres, starring as lead.
- 2021 â Suffers heart attack on set; film ‘Nobody’ released.
- 2022 â Returns to finish final season of Better Call Saul.
- 2025 â Continues acting and producing new projects.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Born 1962 in Illinois | Net worth: widely cited between $14 million and $18 million; $16 million is a consensus estimate |
| Heart attack occurred July 2021 on set, confirmed by multiple news sources and his own statement | Heart attack cause: reports mention blockage but no detailed medical report released |
| Married to Naomi Yomtov since 1997 | Early life details: basic facts known but some anecdotes vary by interview |
| Height approximately 5’9″â5’10” per multiple databases | Rumor of retirement: no official confirmation |
Why Does Bob Odenkirk’s Career Matter?
Odenkirk’s shift from sketch comedy to dramatic television redefined his career. Before Breaking Bad, he was known almost exclusively as a comedic writer and performer. His portrayal of Saul Goodman demonstrated range that few had anticipated. The character, a flamboyant criminal lawyer, became an iconic television antihero in his own right, eventually earning his own series. Meanwhile, Mr. Show remains a cult classic that influenced a generation of alternative comedians, including the creators of shows like Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!
His return to work after a near-fatal heart attack has also been cited as an example of perseverance. In interviews, Odenkirk discussed the lifestyle changes he made afterward, including a renewed focus on fitness. Rotten Tomatoes and other entertainment platforms identify him as a major figure in sketch comedy who later expanded into dramatic and action roles, a transition that remains relatively rare in Hollywood.
Claims that Odenkirk is retiring from acting, or that he has a feud with a former co-star, have not been substantiated by any reliable source.
What Do Official Sources and Interviews Say?
“I had a heart attack, but I’m fine now. I’m taking care of myself.”
â Bob Odenkirk, in later interviews (source: various news outlets)
“Mr. Show was the purest expression of what David and I thought was funny.”
â Bob Odenkirk, from oral histories
These quotes are drawn from official interviews, including appearances on Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, as well as podcast appearances such as Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend. Odenkirk has also shared updates directly with fans on his verified Instagram account. Social media statements and verified news reports are the primary reliable sources for his current activities and health outlook.
In Summary: Who Is Bob Odenkirk in 2025?
Bob Odenkirk is a versatile entertainer whose career has evolved from sketch comedy writer to award-winning dramatic actor and action movie star. He survived a serious health crisis in 2021 and returned to complete his acclaimed television series. With a stable family life and new projects reportedly in development, he remains an active and respected figure in the entertainment industry. For a look at similar career stories, read our profile on Rick Moranis â Why He Left Hollywood and His 2025 Return and Ken Jeong â Biography, Net Worth, Movies and TV Shows.
Jack Sutton is Senior Reporter at RegionalReport.co.uk, covering breaking regional news, councils, transport, business and community stories across the UK.