Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama

1. Bob Odenkirk's journey from sketch comedy to drama acting

"See that, boys? That's Joliet Correctional Center," my dad said as he pointed out the window of the car at the imposing brown stone wall rising up from the midwestern flatness.

Humble beginnings: Bob Odenkirk grew up in Naperville, Illinois, with a difficult family life and a passion for comedy. His father's unpredictable behavior and the family's financial struggles shaped his early years. Despite these challenges, Odenkirk found solace in comedy, particularly inspired by Monty Python and other British comedians.

From SNL to Mr. Show: Odenkirk's comedy career began with writing for Saturday Night Live, where he honed his skills but often felt out of place. This experience led him to create Mr. Show with David Cross, a cult sketch comedy series that pushed boundaries and established Odenkirk as a unique voice in comedy.

Transition to drama: The unexpected opportunity to play Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad marked a significant turning point in Odenkirk's career. This role allowed him to showcase his dramatic acting abilities and led to the spin-off series Better Call Saul, cementing his status as a versatile actor capable of both comedy and drama.

2. The influence of Monty Python and alternative comedy on Odenkirk's career

"Monty Python was the hip-hop that saved my life."

Discovering Monty Python: As a teenager, Odenkirk found inspiration in Monty Python's irreverent and intelligent humor. The group's ability to blend absurdity with social commentary resonated deeply with him and influenced his approach to comedy.

Alternative comedy scene: In the early 1990s, Odenkirk became part of the burgeoning alternative comedy scene in Los Angeles. This movement, led by performers like Janeane Garofalo, embraced a more personal and experimental approach to comedy. Odenkirk's involvement in this scene helped shape his unique comedic voice and led to collaborations with other up-and-coming comedians.

Pushing boundaries: The influence of Monty Python and alternative comedy is evident in Odenkirk's work on Mr. Show and other projects. He consistently sought to challenge conventions and create comedy that was both intellectually stimulating and absurdly funny.

3. The creation and impact of Mr. Show with David Cross

"Mr. Show with Bob and David: this is where it starts, with nobody watching…and it ends there, too. In between, tons of laughs and suffering—don't forget about the suffering, that's what makes it great."

Collaborative partnership: Odenkirk's friendship and creative partnership with David Cross led to the creation of Mr. Show. Their shared comedic sensibilities and willingness to take risks resulted in a groundbreaking sketch comedy series that gained a devoted cult following.

Creative freedom: HBO's hands-off approach allowed Odenkirk and Cross to experiment with unconventional formats and push the boundaries of sketch comedy. This freedom resulted in iconic sketches and a unique comedic voice that influenced future generations of comedians.

Legacy and impact: Although Mr. Show never achieved mainstream success during its original run, its influence on comedy has been long-lasting. The show's innovative approach to sketch comedy and willingness to tackle controversial topics paved the way for future alternative comedy programs and inspired many comedians who followed.

4. Odenkirk's struggles and successes in Hollywood development

"Development hell. I'm going to downgrade it to 'heck' for your sensitive eyes…Nah, I'm downgrading it because, while I sweated a fair amount in those ten years, I also had a great life."

Navigating Hollywood: After Mr. Show, Odenkirk faced numerous challenges in developing new projects. He experienced the frustration of having promising ideas rejected or altered beyond recognition by network executives.

Personal growth: Despite the setbacks, Odenkirk continued to pursue creative projects and hone his skills as a writer, actor, and director. This period of struggle ultimately contributed to his growth as an artist and prepared him for future opportunities.

Perseverance pays off: Odenkirk's persistence in the face of rejection and his willingness to take on diverse projects eventually led to unexpected opportunities, such as his role in Breaking Bad.

5. The unexpected opportunity of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul

"Can I get a job on the spin-off?!" And everybody laughed.

Saul Goodman's debut: Odenkirk's casting as Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad was initially intended to be a short-term role. However, his performance quickly became a fan favorite, leading to an expanded presence on the show.

Spin-off success: The popularity of Saul Goodman led to the creation of Better Call Saul, a spin-off series that allowed Odenkirk to further develop the character and showcase his dramatic acting abilities. The show's success solidified Odenkirk's transition from comedy to drama.

Critical acclaim: Better Call Saul received widespread critical acclaim and numerous award nominations, establishing Odenkirk as a respected dramatic actor and providing him with new career opportunities.

6. Odenkirk's experiences working with renowned directors and actors

"Steven proudly informed all of us that he never used storyboards, and from what I could tell it was true. He'd show up on set, walk around a bit, have the actors do a rough version of the scene, contemplate his options…make a few adjustments, and he'd have it."

Learning from legends: Odenkirk had the opportunity to work with acclaimed directors such as Steven Spielberg on The Post and Alexander Payne on Nebraska. These experiences allowed him to observe and learn from some of the industry's most respected filmmakers.

Overcoming impostor syndrome: Working alongside renowned actors like Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks initially triggered feelings of impostor syndrome in Odenkirk. However, these experiences ultimately helped him gain confidence in his abilities as a dramatic actor.

Expanding horizons: Collaborating with diverse talents in both comedy and drama allowed Odenkirk to broaden his skillset and perspective as an actor. He learned to adapt to different directorial styles and acting approaches, further enhancing his versatility.

7. The personal growth and challenges of becoming an action star in Nobody

"I've never played a character more different from my true self—and mind you, I played a dancing tooth on Mr. Show."

Unexpected challenge: Odenkirk's decision to star in the action film Nobody represented a significant departure from his previous work. The role required intense physical training and a new approach to acting that pushed him out of his comfort zone.

Physical transformation: To prepare for the role, Odenkirk underwent rigorous training with stunt coordinators and fight choreographers. This process not only transformed his physical abilities but also challenged his perception of himself as an actor.

Embracing new opportunities: The experience of making Nobody demonstrated Odenkirk's willingness to take risks and explore new facets of his talent. It also showcased his ability to reinvent himself and continue growing as an artist throughout his career.

Last updated: January 22, 2025