Bob Odenkirk Discusses Health Scare on ‘Better Call Saul’ Set: ‘I Turned Gray’

Bob Odenkirk recently opened up about the heart attack he experienced in 2021 while filming Better Call Saul.

He recounted the moment he collapsed on set, detailing how quickly the situation escalated and the chaotic response that followed. Odenkirk explained how cast members attempted to get help while confusion spread across the set.

He shared, “I went down and Rhea [Seehoorn] and Patrick [Fabian] grabbed me and they were screaming, but [the crew members who noticed] thought they were laughing. So there were delays in reacting because we were all so far apart from each other. I was gone. I turned gray. Eventually the on-set medic showed up and he didn’t know what to do. He’d never done CPR.”

Reflecting on his experience after the medical emergency, Odenkirk noted that he did not have the dramatic “life review” moment that many describe in near-death situations. Instead, his memory jumps forward to his recovery.

He stated, “A lot of people get that wonderful reel of film of their life, or they have a person who says, ‘Do you want to go back?’ None of that for me. The first memory I have is leaving the hospital a week after I got there.”

The actor explained that while the incident was terrifying, it ultimately changed his perspective on life and work. He expressed that the experience has given him a deeper appreciation for everyday moments and the process of recovery.

Describing the aftermath as unexpectedly positive, he remarked, “Such a gift. I felt just very, very delighted and engaged.”

According to The Times of London, Odenkirk was 58 at the time of the incident in July 2021. The heart attack occurred while filming a Season 6 episode of Better Call Saul and was later attributed to a buildup of plaque that blocked an artery.

Since then, he has made several lifestyle and medical adjustments, including reducing sugar intake and taking prescribed medications such as statins, aspirin, and a beta-blocker to manage his health.

Shortly after his recovery, Odenkirk expressed his gratitude to fans for their support in a social media message, thanking them for their response during his health scare.

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