How Bob Odenkirk Got Into Acting
Bob Odenkirk is best known for his portrayal of Saul Goodman, the morally dubious lawyer in Breaking Bad and its prequel Better Call Saul. His career is a fascinating testament to how versatility, persistence, and a sharp comedic sensibility can propel an actor into unexpected fame. From his humble beginnings as a writer and comedian to becoming one of the most respected actors in television, Odenkirk’s journey into acting was far from typical.
Early Life and Comedy Beginnings
Born on October 22, 1962, in Naperville, Illinois, Bob Odenkirk had an unconventional entry into the world of entertainment. Raised in a large family, he was drawn to comedy early on, particularly after watching shows like Monty Python’s Flying Circus. “I always loved comedy. I remember watching Monty Python and thinking, ‘This is what I want to do.’ But I didn’t think I could ever be one of those guys,” Odenkirk said in an interview with Rolling Stone in 2016. “But the idea of making people laugh, that was a big thing for me.”
Odenkirk attended the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, before transferring to Southern Illinois University, where he majored in English. While he was studying, Odenkirk discovered that his true passion lay not just in writing but in performing. “I loved writing sketch comedy, but I was also drawn to being in the spotlight, even if it terrified me,” Odenkirk recalled in a 2017 Vulture interview. “I knew I had a knack for making people laugh, so I just started performing in small theater groups.”
Odenkirk’s first major exposure to the comedy scene came when he moved to Chicago in the 1980s. He immersed himself in the city’s thriving comedy scene, performing at the famous Second City, a renowned improv theater. “Second City was a real turning point,” Odenkirk said. “I didn’t know anyone there, but I threw myself into it and quickly realized that comedy was where I belonged.”
Writing for Television: The Big Break
Although Odenkirk was already performing on stage, his big break came not through acting but through writing. In the early 1990s, he moved to Los Angeles and began writing for television. His first major writing gig was on the popular sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL). Odenkirk’s time on SNL from 1987 to 1991 introduced him to some of the biggest names in comedy, including Adam Sandler and Chris Farley.
“It was an incredible experience, but it was also kind of a nightmare at times,” Odenkirk said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2014. “The pressure of writing for SNL, the constant deadlines, and the pace—it was grueling. But I learned so much about comedy, timing, and what it means to make people laugh under pressure.”
After SNL, Odenkirk went on to write for other successful TV shows, including The Ben Stiller Show (1992-1993) and Mr. Show with Bob and David (1995-1998), a cult classic sketch comedy series co-created by Odenkirk and David Cross. Mr. Show was a turning point in Odenkirk’s career, allowing him to hone his writing and performing skills while gaining a following among comedy fans. “With Mr. Show, we had a lot of freedom to experiment,” Odenkirk reflected. “We could push boundaries and do whatever we wanted. And that was a real gift.”
A Shift to Acting: Saul Goodman
While Odenkirk had already earned recognition for his comedy writing, it was his transition into acting that truly changed his career. In 2009, Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan cast Odenkirk in a recurring role as Saul Goodman, the sleazy, fast-talking lawyer. Odenkirk initially thought the role would be a small, one-off guest appearance, but it quickly evolved into one of the most iconic characters in television history.
“Vince Gilligan called me, and I thought, ‘Oh, sure, I’ll do it,’” Odenkirk said in a 2015 New York Times interview. “I didn’t think it would become such a big part of the show. But that character—Saul Goodman—was just so much fun to play. It was a chance to do comedy, but it was also dramatic, which was exciting for me.”
Odenkirk’s performance as Saul Goodman was a revelation. He seamlessly blended comedy with drama, bringing a unique, layered energy to the character. Saul’s charm, cunning, and complete disregard for ethics made him both loveable and detestable, and Odenkirk’s performance earned him widespread critical acclaim. “Saul was like nothing I had ever played before,” Odenkirk said. “He was a mix of so many things—he was hilarious, but he had this dark side. That kind of complexity is what I love as an actor.”
The Prequel: Better Call Saul
In 2015, Odenkirk’s character got his own spinoff show, Better Call Saul, which focused on the transformation of Jimmy McGill into Saul Goodman. The show allowed Odenkirk to delve deeper into the character’s backstory and motivations, giving him an opportunity to showcase his dramatic range. The role garnered him multiple Emmy nominations and established him as one of the most versatile actors of his generation.
Reflecting on Better Call Saul, Odenkirk said, “When we started the show, I didn’t know how much depth we could add to Jimmy’s character. But as we dove deeper into his journey, I realized that this was a chance to explore the darkness of the human condition. And it was amazing to be able to do that in a way that felt real and grounded.”
Odenkirk’s performance in Better Call Saul is often hailed as one of the best in television, with critics praising his ability to portray a character torn between his desire for success and his inherent moral flaws. “Playing Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman has been the greatest acting challenge of my career,” Odenkirk admitted. “Every season, we tried to push the character in new directions, and it was an incredible ride.”
From Comedy to Drama: A Versatile Career
Bob Odenkirk’s transition from comedian to dramatic actor is a testament to his remarkable versatility. Though he initially rose to fame for his sharp comedic writing and performances, it was his ability to blend comedy with drama that truly set him apart. Whether he was playing the sarcastic, morally gray lawyer on Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, or taking on more serious roles in films like Nebraska (2013) and The Post (2017), Odenkirk showed that his acting range was far broader than many expected.
“I’ve always believed that comedy and drama are not that far apart,” Odenkirk said in a 2020 The Ringer interview. “Both rely on timing, both require emotional investment, and both have moments of truth in them. I’ve been lucky to be able to show that I can do both.”
Conclusion
Bob Odenkirk’s journey to becoming a household name is an inspiring tale of persistence, reinvention, and dedication to the craft. From his early days as a writer and comedian to his groundbreaking performances in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, Odenkirk’s career proves that success doesn’t come overnight. With a deep commitment to his characters and an ability to balance humor with intensity, Odenkirk continues to push the boundaries of what it means to be an actor in the modern entertainment landscape.
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