Bob Odenkirk recalls collapsing on ‘Better Call Saul’ set after near-fatal heart attack

Bob Odenkirk has opened up about the terrifying moment he suffered a near-fatal heart attack while filming Better Call Saul, describing how he “turned grey” and briefly lost consciousness on set during production in 2021.

In a recent interview with The Times UK, the 63-year-old actor recalled collapsing while working on the sixth and final season of the Breaking Bad prequel, calling the experience both shocking and life-altering.

Odenkirk said co-stars Patrick Fabian and Rhea Seehorn immediately rushed to his side and were “screaming” for help, but the emergency response was slowed due to COVID-19 restrictions and distancing protocols on set.

“I was gone. I turned grey,” he said, explaining that even the on-set medic initially struggled to respond. “He’d never done CPR,” Odenkirk added, describing the urgency of the situation.

The actor was later taken to the hospital, where he was placed in a medically induced coma and remained unconscious for seven days. 

“The first memory I have is leaving the hospital a week after I got there,” he recalled.

Doctors later confirmed he had suffered a “widowmaker” heart attack, caused by a 100% blockage in the left anterior descending (LAD) artery — one of the most dangerous forms of cardiac arrest.

Despite the severity of the incident, the Seinfeld alum said the experience ultimately changed his outlook on life. 

He described it as a rare period of clarity and emotional presence.

“That was such a gift,” Odenkirk said, reflecting on his recovery. “I felt very, very delighted and engaged in the world.”

The actor has since returned to work and continues to act following his recovery, calling the ordeal a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change.