What Happened to Robert John Odenkirk?
Bob Odenkirk is an acclaimed American actor, screenwriter, comedian, and producer, widely recognized for his transformative role as Saul Goodman in 'Breaking Bad' and 'Better Call Saul'. Following a significant health scare in 2021, he has successfully pivoted into an unexpected career as an action star, while continuing to pursue diverse projects across film, television, and theater, including his recent Broadway debut and upcoming film releases in 2026.
Quick Answer
Bob Odenkirk continues to be highly active in the entertainment industry, having successfully transitioned into an action star with films like 'Nobody' and its 2025 sequel, 'Nobody 2'. He made his Broadway debut in 2025 with 'Glengarry Glen Ross', earning a Tony nomination, and is starring in the new action film 'Normal', which premiered in theaters on April 17, 2026. This follows his recovery from a heart attack in 2021, which has influenced his approach to work and life.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Berwyn, Illinois
Robert John Odenkirk was born in Berwyn, Illinois, the second of seven children.
Hired as a writer for Saturday Night Live
Odenkirk began his professional comedy career as a writer for 'Saturday Night Live', working there until 1991.
Wins Emmy for The Ben Stiller Show
He won his second Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series for his work on 'The Ben Stiller Show'.
Co-creates Mr. Show with Bob and David
Odenkirk co-created and starred in the influential sketch comedy series 'Mr. Show with Bob and David' on HBO, which ran until 1998.
Debuts as Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad
Odenkirk joined the cast of 'Breaking Bad' in its second season, introducing the character of criminal lawyer Saul Goodman, a role that brought him widespread recognition.
Stars in Better Call Saul
He reprised his role as Saul Goodman (Jimmy McGill) in the spin-off prequel series 'Better Call Saul', which premiered to critical acclaim.
Stars in action film Nobody
Odenkirk took on a leading role in the action thriller 'Nobody', showcasing a surprising pivot to action hero status.
Suffers heart attack on Better Call Saul set
While filming the final season of 'Better Call Saul', Odenkirk suffered a 'small heart attack' and was hospitalized, making a full recovery.
Better Call Saul series finale airs
The critically acclaimed series 'Better Call Saul', starring Odenkirk, concluded its six-season run.
Filmed 'The Room' remake
Odenkirk filmed a shot-for-shot remake of Tommy Wiseau's 'The Room' for charity, playing the role of Johnny, though its wide release remains unconfirmed.
Emmy nomination for The Bear
He received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Uncle Lee in the FX series 'The Bear'.
Broadway debut in Glengarry Glen Ross
Odenkirk made his Broadway debut as Shelly Levene in a revival of David Mamet's 'Glengarry Glen Ross', earning a Tony Award nomination.
Nobody 2 released
The sequel to his action hit, 'Nobody 2', was released, with Odenkirk reprising his role as Hutch Mansell.
Filmed Machu Picchu documentary
Odenkirk filmed a documentary with his 'Mr. Show' co-star David Cross about their trip climbing Machu Picchu.
Normal theatrical release
Odenkirk's new action film, 'Normal', in which he stars as an interim sheriff, was released in theaters.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Bob Odenkirk's career began in the late 1980s as a prolific comedy writer, contributing to iconic sketch shows such as 'Saturday Night Live' (1987–1991) and 'The Ben Stiller Show' (1992), for which he earned two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series. He co-created and starred in the influential HBO sketch comedy series 'Mr. Show with Bob and David' (1995–1998), solidifying his reputation in alternative comedy.
His career took a dramatic turn when he was cast as the morally ambiguous lawyer Saul Goodman in AMC's critically acclaimed series 'Breaking Bad' (2009–2013). This role led to his starring in the hugely successful prequel spin-off, 'Better Call Saul' (2015–2022), where his nuanced portrayal of Jimmy McGill's transformation into Saul Goodman garnered widespread critical acclaim, including six Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
In July 2021, Odenkirk suffered a 'widow-maker' heart attack on the set of 'Better Call Saul', an event that nearly cost him his life. He underwent a quick recovery and returned to filming, later revealing he had two stents placed due to arterial plaque build-up. This health scare profoundly impacted his perspective, leading him to prioritize a more balanced lifestyle and embrace diverse acting challenges.
Post-'Better Call Saul', Odenkirk embarked on an unexpected but highly successful venture into action films, beginning with 'Nobody' in 2021. He reprised his role as Hutch Mansell in the sequel, 'Nobody 2', released in mid-2025, which performed well on streaming platforms. In 2025, he also made his Broadway debut as Shelly Levene in a revival of David Mamet's 'Glengarry Glen Ross', earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play.
As of April 2026, Odenkirk remains highly active. His new action film, 'Normal', where he stars as a small-town sheriff, was theatrically released on April 17, 2026. He also received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Uncle Lee in the FX series 'The Bear' in 2024. Odenkirk has expressed ideas for 'Nobody 3' and 'Nobody 4', indicating a desire to continue the action franchise, though Universal Pictures has yet to confirm further sequels. Additionally, he filmed a documentary with David Cross about their climb of Machu Picchu in 2025 and participated in a remake of 'The Room' in 2023, though its release status remains uncertain due to potential issues with Tommy Wiseau.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Robert John Odenkirk made different choices?