Comedian and podcaster Marc Maron opened up about Bob Odenkirk’s heart attack that took place in 2021 while filming the final season of Better Call Saul. Speaking on SiriusXM’s Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, Maron recounted his experience staying in touch with Odenkirk during the critical episode, highlighting the mix of fear and humor that defined their exchange. The discussion offered insight into the raw reality of Odenkirk’s medical emergency as well as the lighter moments after his recovery.
A Near-Death Experience in Albuquerque’s Hospital
Odenkirk, 62, suffered what he later described as a “small heart attack” on set in Albuquerque, the city where Maron grew up. Maron revealed that Odenkirk was admitted to the hospital where his own father once worked, a fact that added a personal touch to the situation. During their text exchanges, Maron expressed relief over Odenkirk’s condition and was struck by the actor’s sharp wit despite the ordeal.
He had a heart attack in Albuquerque, which is where I grew up,
Maron recalled to Conan O’Brien.
I was texting with him, and he was so funny. I said, ‘Glad you’re okay. It’s scary. It’s Maron.’ This is after he had the heart attack.
—Marc Maron
And he texted back, ‘Super scary, Marc. I basically died for a little while. And I have to say, I saw nothing. But this great crew with some amazing people kept me going, and then the hospital did a great job with some challenging surgery. I hope you’re doing great. I’m feeling good. Take care,’
Maron continued.
Odenkirk’s Unfiltered Take on His Medical Emergency
Maron shared more of Odenkirk’s messages that combined humor with candid observations about his experience. The actor joked about his lack of any spiritual or supernatural vision during the event, poking fun at common afterlife beliefs. The hospital staff, particularly those at Presbyterian, received high praise from Odenkirk for their skilled care.
Then I said, ‘Glad my hometown hospital was there for you. Welcome back from the nothing.’ And then he says, again, this is why he’s so f—ing funny, he goes, ‘Big time, excellent docs and nurses at Presbyterian, on the ball. I’m doing great. By the way, I saw exactly no light when I was dead. The whole heaven thing is a hoax. Follow the money.’
—Marc Maron
Odenkirk’s Memory Loss and Recovery
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter a year after the incident, Odenkirk revealed that he has no recollection of the day he suffered the heart attack or the scenes he was filming. This unusual memory gap left him feeling disconnected from that period, describing it as a “complete blank.” Despite the unsettling loss of memory for more than a week, Odenkirk emphasized that his health has since improved.
The strangest thing about it is that I really have no memory of that day,
he said.
I’m really watching something that I don’t have any memory of acting in, which is a rare thing. I mean, usually you watch [something], and you have some recall of that even if it was shot months ago. But in this case, it’s such a complete blank. It’s very strange. I gotta tell you, it’s a weird thing to have lost basically about a week and a half. Clean, just clean, clean nothing. That’s a strange experience anyway. Otherwise, I’m fine.
—Bob Odenkirk
The Lasting Impact of Odenkirk’s Health Crisis
Bob Odenkirk’s heart attack and subsequent recovery highlight the unpredictable nature of serious health emergencies, even for otherwise healthy individuals. His story and candid reflections, shared through Marc Maron’s podcast and interviews, bring attention to the importance of expert medical care and supportive teams during crises. Moving forward, Odenkirk’s experience serves as a reminder of resilience and the power of humor during traumatic events, while Marc Maron’s account provides a unique and personal perspective on the incident.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Marc Maron still sober?
A. Maron has publicly discussed his struggles with alcohol and drugs in the 1990s during his shows and podcast. He has been sober since August 9, 1999. However, he continues to face challenges with an eating disorder that began in his childhood.
