In the summer of 2021, Bob Odenkirk experienced a life-threatening heart attack that left his fans deeply concerned. Remarkably, just a few months later, he returned to the set, demonstrating his resilience. This quick recovery can largely be attributed to his unexpected career pivot into action films, particularly his role in the groundbreaking movie Nobody. Odenkirk credits this film and its accompanying training regimen with playing a crucial role in his survival and overall health improvement.
During a recent interview featured in Esquire’s “What I’ve Learned” series, Odenkirk shared insights about that pivotal moment in his life. He explained how the rigorous two-year training period for Nobody significantly enhanced his physical fitness and overall health, ultimately aiding in his recovery. Odenkirk stated, “The training for the movie Nobody helped me survive the heart attack. I have almost no scarring on my heart, which is crazy after what happened to me. One of the feeder veins to my widow-maker was shut down completely. That incident kicked off a change that is still happening now. It’s not a new chapter; it’s a new book of my life. I had some memory challenges that were difficult for a little while. But more than difficult, they were wonderful. For weeks, I was getting memory back. Every day I was putting it together: Oh, I had a heart attack. Oh, right, I’m an actor. These are my kids.”
Now, five years post-heart attack, Bob Odenkirk possesses a renewed outlook that allows him to view life from an entirely fresh perspective. He reflected on this transformation, stating, “But it was a wonderful thing to wake up every day and the world was fresh. I didn’t have the anxieties and worries of yesterday flooding my brain every morning. I was able to see the world and be present in a way that was just f*cking great. I mean, the world was f*cking great. I just loved being alive. And I remember thinking, I’ve got to remember this.”
Following the impressive success of Nobody, which grossed an astounding $57.5 million against a modest $16 million budget, Bob Odenkirk is now poised for the film’s much-anticipated sequel, set to premiere in theaters on August 15th. This upcoming project is expected to replicate its predecessor’s box office success and provide Odenkirk with yet another intensive workout regimen, enabling him to stay fit and combat any future health challenges that may arise.
