If you are a fan of comedy, you might have heard of the names Bill Odenkirk and Bob Odenkirk. They are both writers, producers, and actors who have worked on some of the most popular and acclaimed shows in television history. But are they related? And how did they become successful in the comedy industry? In this article, we will explore the background, career, and relationship of these two talented brothers.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Bill Odenkirk and Bob Odenkirk were born in Naperville, Illinois, to Walter and Barbara Odenkirk. They are the second and third oldest of seven siblings. Their parents divorced when they were young, partly due to their father’s alcoholism. Their father died of bone cancer in 1986
Both Bill and Bob attended Naperville North High School, where they developed an interest in comedy and writing. Bob graduated at 16 and moved to Chicago, where he joined local improv workshops and did stand-up comedy. He also worked as a DJ for his college radio station at Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Bill followed his brother’s footsteps and also moved to Chicago after high school. He enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he studied chemistry. He later transferred to the University of Chicago, where he earned his PhD in inorganic chemistry in 1992
Career and Achievements
Bob Odenkirk started his career as a writer for Saturday Night Live in 1987. He won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series in 1989. He also wrote for The Ben Stiller Show, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and The Larry Sanders Show. He made his acting debut on The Dennis Miller Show, where he met David Cross, another writer and comedian. They formed a sketch comedy duo and created their own show on HBO, Mr. Show with Bob and David, which ran from 1995 to 1998
Bill Odenkirk also pursued a career in comedy writing after finishing his PhD. He joined his brother and Cross as a writer for Mr. Show with Bob and David, where he also appeared as an actor in some sketches. He then wrote for Tenacious D, Futurama, and Disenchantment. He is best known for his work on The Simpsons, where he has been a writer and producer since 2003. He has won three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program for his episodes
Bob Odenkirk became a household name when he played Saul Goodman, a shady lawyer, on the critically acclaimed drama series Breaking Bad from 2009 to 2013. He reprised his role as the main character on the prequel series Better Call Saul, which premiered in 2015 and is still ongoing. He has received six nominations for Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his performance. He has also appeared in several films, such as Nebraska, The Post, Incredibles 2, Little Women, and Nobody
Relationship and Collaboration
Bill Odenkirk and Bob Odenkirk are very close as brothers and collaborators. They have supported each other’s careers since their early days in Chicago. Bob helped Bill get his first writing job on Mr. Show with Bob and David, where they worked together for four seasons. They have also written scripts for movies together, such as Run Ronnie Run and Girlfriend’s Day. They often appear on each other’s shows as guest stars or voice actors
The brothers share a similar sense of humor and style of comedy, which is influenced by their idols such as Monty Python, Steve Martin, Albert Brooks, and Andy Kaufman. They are both known for their satirical, absurd, and dark comedy that often tackles social issues, politics, religion, and pop culture. They are also both fans of science fiction and fantasy genres, which they incorporate into their works.
The brothers have expressed their admiration and respect for each other’s talents and achievements in various interviews and podcasts. They have also stated that they enjoy working together and hope to collaborate more in the future.
Conclusion
Bill Odenkirk and Bob Odenkirk are two of the most influential and successful figures in the comedy industry today. They are indeed related as brothers who grew up in Illinois with a passion for comedy and writing. They have both carved their own paths in the industry as writers, producers, and actors who have worked on some of the most iconic shows of all time. They have also maintained a strong bond as brothers who support each other’s careers and collaborate on various projects.
Is Bill Odenkirk related to Bob Odenkirk? The answer is yes, they are related by blood and by comedy.
