Bob Odenkirk, renowned for his compelling portrayal of the flamboyant lawyer Saul Goodman, is reflecting on his time in one of television’s most cherished roles. The actor, who received widespread acclaim for his work in both “Breaking Bad” and its Emmy-nominated prequel “Better Call Saul,” has recently shared some cherished mementoes from the set.
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Odenkirk, now 63, first introduced audiences to Saul Goodman during “Breaking Bad,” which aired from 2008 to 2013. His character, a morally ambiguous lawyer with a taste for flashy suits and slick tactics, quickly became a fan favourite. Following the success of the original series, Odenkirk reprised the role in “Better Call Saul,” which ran from 2015 to 2022, and further explored the complexities of Saul Goodman, whose real name is Jimmy McGill.
In a conversation with The Guardian, Odenkirk disclosed details about his wardrobe from the show, noting, “A lot of Saul’s suits and ties were made for Saul only. They offered me stuff, but I don’t wear suits, so I kept the ties.” This sentiment highlights the actor’s unique relationship with the character and the creative process behind his iconic outfits.
The character of Saul Goodman is far more layered than his outward persona suggests. Odenkirk explained, “Saul’s actually a very earnest guy. He’s aware that he has an ability to talk people into things and talk his way out of things.” He added, “The sad thing is that he can’t think of a better use for it than to become a conman, because he has a resentment inside him that drives him to use his talents in a destructive way.” This depth is what has endeared the character to viewers, making his journey compelling throughout both series.
While Odenkirk’s portrayal of Goodman has garnered numerous accolades, including five Golden Globe nominations and six Emmy nominations, the path to acclaim was not without its challenges. Initially, some executives were less than enthusiastic about the character’s potential. However, Odenkirk’s commitment to bringing authenticity to the role ultimately shifted opinions.
In addition to his professional achievements, Odenkirk faced a life-threatening event while filming “Better Call Saul.” In July 2021, he suffered a heart attack on set, an experience he later recounted in an interview with The Times U.K. He described the alarming moment when he collapsed during filming: “Rhea Seehorn and Patrick Fabian grabbed me and they were screaming.” Due to pandemic restrictions, help was delayed, as “we were all so far apart from each other.”
He recalled the severity of the situation, saying, “I was gone. I turned grey.” The on-set medic arrived shortly after, but it was a tense moment, as the medic was not trained in CPR. Thankfully, Odenkirk received the necessary medical attention and recovered, allowing him to return to the set.
Despite the challenges he faced, Odenkirk’s contributions to television through “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” have greatly influenced the landscape of modern storytelling. His ability to embody such a multifaceted character has left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.
With “Better Call Saul” concluding its run, Odenkirk has signalled that he will cherish the memories of his time on the show, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. The mementoes he has kept serve as a testament to the impact that this character and the collaborative efforts of the show’s cast and crew have had on his life and career.
As Odenkirk continues to navigate his professional journey, fans remain eager to see what projects lie ahead for this talented actor. With a character as beloved and complex as Saul Goodman under his belt, Odenkirk’s future endeavours are sure to attract considerable attention.