Bob Odenkirk: Better Call Saul Star, Family Life & Acting Career

With his sharp intelligence, rapid-fire comedic rhythm, and surprising dramatic power, Bob Odenkirk has executed one of the most compelling reinventions in television and film history. From co-creating the influential 1990s sketch comedy series Mr. Show with Bob and David to embodying the morally flexible lawyer Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, Odenkirk has carved out a unique place as an iconic leading actor.

Published exclusively for Tushstories.com, here is the ultimate, up-to-date look into the biography, career evolution, filmography, net worth, family life, marriage, public reputation, social media presence, and ongoing projects of Bob Odenkirk.

Biography

Bob Odenkirk

Born Robert John Odenkirk on October 22, 1962, in Berwyn, Illinois, he grew up in Naperville. Raised in a Catholic household by his parents, Barbara and Walter Odenkirk, he was the second eldest of seven siblings. His father worked in printing, and his brother Bill Odenkirk also became a comedy writer.

Odenkirk developed an early interest in satire and radio comedy, influenced by Monty Python and Second City. He attended Southern Illinois University and Columbia College Chicago, actively performing on local radio stations and pursuing improv workshops at Second City and ImprovOlympic under legendary mentor Del Close. Moving to New York in his early twenties, he secured a writing position at Saturday Night Live in 1987, where he co-created famous sketches including Chris Farley’s “Matt Foley, Motivational Speaker.”

Bob Odenkirk’s Age

Born in October 1962, Bob Odenkirk is 63 years old. Continuing to headline major action features, prestige streaming thrillers, and comedy revivals, he remains a key figure in the entertainment industry.

Career

The trajectory of Bob Odenkirk’s career highlights a remarkable transition from behind-the-scenes comedy writing to globally recognized dramatic lead acting:

  • Comedy Writing & Mr. Show (1987–2007): After winning two Primetime Emmy Awards for writing on Saturday Night Live and The Ben Stiller Show, Odenkirk co-created and starred in HBO’s Mr. Show with Bob and David (1995–1998) alongside David Cross. The sketch show became a cult landmark. He also directed comedy features like Let’s Go to Prison (2006) and The Brothers Solomon (2007).
  • The Saul Goodman Era (2009–2022): In 2009, Odenkirk was cast as criminal defense attorney Saul Goodman (Jimmy McGill) in AMC’s Breaking Bad. The character’s popularity led to the prequel series Better Call Saul (2015–2022). Odenkirk’s performance earned him five Golden Globe nominations, six Primetime Emmy nominations for Lead Actor in a Drama Series, and multiple SAG nominations.
  • Action Star Transformation & Modern Roles (2021–Present): Odenkirk surprised audiences by transforming into an action star for Universal’s Nobody (2021). He went on to star in AMC’s dark comedy-drama Lucky Hank (2023), returned for the sequel Nobody 2 (2025), and led the action-thriller feature Normal (2026).

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Bob Odenkirk Movies

Bob Odenkirk playing the character Jimmy McGill in the TV show Better Call Saul

Spanning indie comedies, major animation, critically acclaimed dramas, and action blockbusters, key highlights of Bob Odenkirk’s movies and television projects include:

Title / ProjectRelease YearCharacter / RoleKey Distinction / Notes
Mr. Show with Bob and David (TV)1995–1998Various CharactersCo-creator, writer, and star
Breaking Bad (TV Series)2009–2013Saul Goodman / Jimmy McGillIconic breakout dramatic television role
Nebraska2013Ross GrantAcclaimed Oscar-nominated indie feature
Better Call Saul (TV Series)2015–2022Jimmy McGill / Saul GoodmanLead role; 6× Primetime Emmy nominee
The Post2017Ben BagdikianHistorical drama feature directed by Steven Spielberg
Incredibles 22018Winston Deavor (Voice)Pixar animated blockbuster feature
Little Women2019Father MarchPeriod feature directed by Greta Gerwig
Nobody2021Hutch MansellLead action-thriller feature role
Lucky Hank (TV Series)2023William Henry “Hank” Devereaux Jr.Lead role in AMC dark comedy series
Nobody 22025Hutch MansellAction sequel feature & co-writer
Normal2026Ulysses Richardson / LeadAction thriller feature directed by Ben Wheatley

Bob Odenkirk Net Worth

Supported by long-term television star contracts (Better Call Saul, Lucky Hank), backend profits on feature franchises (Nobody), writing royalties (SNL, The Simpsons), and book sales from his memoir Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama, the estimated Bob Odenkirk net worth sits at approximately $16 million.

Family

The Bob Odenkirk family is rooted in long-term creative collaboration:

  • Wife: Married to executive producer and talent manager Naomi Yomtov.
  • Children: The couple has two adult children:
    • Nate Odenkirk (born 1998), a writer who has collaborated with his father on audio comedy projects.
    • Erin Odenkirk (born 2000), an artist and illustrator who illustrated Bob’s children’s poetry book, Zilot & Other Important Rhymes.
  • Siblings: Brother to comedy writer Bill Odenkirk (writer for The Simpsons and Futurama).

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Personal Life & Key Relationships

Bob Odenkirk and Naomi Yomtov

Bob Odenkirk and Naomi Yomtov

The relationship between Bob Odenkirk and Naomi Yomtov is a notable Hollywood partnership. Yomtov, a producer and talent manager, met Odenkirk in 1994 during his early comedy circuit days in Los Angeles. The couple married in 1997. Beyond their family life, Yomtov has actively managed talent and produced projects, serving as a steady source of support through Odenkirk’s career, including his recovery from a near-fatal heart attack on the set of Better Call Saul in July 2021.

Controversies

Throughout his multi-decade career, Bob Odenkirk’s controversies are practically nonexistent. He maintains a strong professional reputation in Hollywood, known for supporting fellow actors, writers, and crew members.

He speaks publicly about political causes, writer-guild rights, and health awareness, frequently sharing his personal journey following his 2021 health scare to encourage heart-health education.

Instagram

For fans seeking behind-the-scenes set videos, book updates, comedy throwbacks, and project announcements, Bob Odenkirk’s Instagram handle is @therealbobodenkirk. His feed offers a humorous, unvarnished window into his creative pursuits.

Conclusion

Bob Odenkirk attending the Los Angeles premiere of his action-thriller film Normal in a custom Jaren Savage burgundy suit

Bob Odenkirk’s biography is an inspiring story of continuous evolution, adaptability, and artistic discipline. From late-night comedy rooms to defining one of television’s most famous anti-heroes and launching a successful action film franchise, he remains a standout talent in modern entertainment.

ALSO READ: Betty Gilpin Biography: GLOW Star, Love Life & Acting Career

Aniekan Andikan
Aniekan Andikan

Aniekan Andikan is a senior entertainment writer and researcher at Tushstories, specializing in the intersection of pop culture history and global celebrity legacies and relationships. With over 5 years of experience in blogging, Aniekan focuses on uncovering the lesser-known narratives of movie, sports and music icons. He holds a degree in Education and is dedicated to providing readers with deeply researched, human-centered biographies that go beyond basic facts. When not digging into film archives, Aniekan can be found exploring local art galleries in Ikot Ekpene

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