Bob Odenkirk, the esteemed actor known for his roles in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, recently opened up about the challenges of adjusting to life as an empty nester. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE for the My Life in Pictures video series, Odenkirk shared his thoughts on parenting his two children, daughter Erin, 24, and son Nathan, 26, whom he shares with his wife Naomi. The 62-year-old actor revealed that the transition to an empty nest has been particularly difficult for him, as he grapples with the reality of his children no longer needing him in the same way.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/bob-odenkirk-naomi-yomtov-3-b61ebb4c2b5c4f378869d673d34d67d3.jpg)
Reflecting on his shifting role as a parent, Odenkirk expressed, “I’m 62. Yes, I can entertain myself with trying to write a good movie, trying to act well in a project. But there’s nothing that meant anything like being a dad to me.” He went on to add, “And it’s a little bit hard to get a grip of what I’m doing with myself now that that project… it’s not completely over, but the bulk of it is over.” The actor acknowledged that his children are now adults leading their own lives, which has left him feeling somewhat adrift in his newfound parental role.
Odenkirk also shared poignant anecdotes from his children’s earlier years, highlighting the complexities of their relationships. He recalled a photo of himself with a young Nathan on set, revealing that his son was not always comfortable in that environment. Despite his own success in the industry, Odenkirk noted that Nathan was notably intimidated by the energy on set, feeling overwhelmed by the attention his father received from strangers. However, Odenkirk fondly remembered a special moment when they bonded over a shared love for a monster truck, highlighting the nuanced dynamics of their father-son relationship.
In another heartwarming moment, Odenkirk reminisced about reading bedtime stories with his daughter Erin when she was just a baby. The actor shared a photo of the two of them snuggled up in bed, illustrating the precious moments they spent together. Odenkirk revealed that their bedtime routine inspired him to collaborate with his children on a book of rhymes titled “Zilot and Other Important Rhymes.” The book, filled with illustrations by Erin, became a cherished project that strengthened their bond through storytelling and creativity.
As Odenkirk navigates this new chapter as an empty nester, he acknowledges the bittersweet reality of watching his children grow and pursue their own paths. Despite the inevitable challenges of adjusting to this phase of life, Odenkirk’s candid reflections shed light on the emotional journey of parenthood and the enduring bond between a father and his children. With a career marked by memorable performances on screen, Odenkirk’s most profound role remains that of a loving and devoted dad, finding meaning and purpose in the shared moments and memories with his children.