Exclusive Portrait: Bob Odenkirk Reminds Us ‘Better Call Saul’

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CHICAGO – Sometimes it take awhile to be an overnight sensation, but Bob Odenkirk will be on the precipice of that kingdom when the “Breaking Bad” spin-off show, “Better Call Saul” premieres in February of next year on the AMC Network. Odenkirk was recently in Chicago to promote his new book, “A Load of Hooey.” in an appearance that took place at the Up Comedy Club on Wells Street in the city.

Bob Odenkirk at the Up Comedy Club in Chicago, November 7th, 2014
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

Bob Odenkirk was a familiar presence in the comedy world, and has conquered drama with his portrayal of Saul Goodman in “Breaking Bad.” His appearance was a homecoming of sorts, as he was born in the suburb of Berwyn and graduated from Naperville North High School. After performing in Chicago at the Improv Olympics and The Players Workshop of “The Second City,” he wrote for “Saturday Night Live” from 1987 to 1991. After leaving SNL, he wrote for the short-lived sitcom “Get a Life” and was a featured cast member of “The Ben Stiller Show.” In the mid 1990s, he had his own HBO TV show with David Cross, appropriately entitled “Mr. Show with Bob and David.”

After “Mr. Show” ended, Odenkirk worked on several pilots, comedic character roles and directing gigs, including “Let’s Go to Prison” (2006). He also discovered Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim, and had a role in their first Cartoon Network Adult Swim series, “Tom Goes to the Mayor.” In 2009, he began his Saul Goodman role on “Breaking Bad,” and the spinoff “Better Call Saul” just got a two season commitment.

Photographer Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago.com took this Exclusive Portrait of Bob Odenkirk, overnight sensation, at the event on November 7th, 2014.

By PATRICK McDONALD Senior Staff Writer HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com