Actor Bob Odenkirk, widely recognized for his portrayal of the cunning lawyer Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, discovered an unexpected connection to royalty in a jaw-dropping revelation on the upcoming episode of the genealogy-based US television show "Finding Your Roots".
The show's experts have delved into Odenkirk's family history, unraveling a lineage that extends five generations, ultimately revealing that he is the 11th cousin of none other than King Charles III.
Despite hailing from Chicago, the roots tracing back to Odenkirk's fifth great-grandfather, Friedrich Carl Steinholz, born in Plön, Germany, in 1755, are nothing short of regal.
The revelation, delivered by the show's host Henry Louis Gates Jr., discloses a fascinating narrative – Steinholz's conception out of wedlock with the Duke of Plön, intertwining his lineage with the royal families of Europe through intermarriage.
Odenkirk, initially indifferent to the news, expresses his sentiments, stating, "[It makes me feel] like a part of history that I didn’t think I was any part of, but I’m an American. I’m not a monarchist. I don’t believe in that."
“You know, I feel like it’s a little twisted. I understand why society built itself around monarchs and leaders, and they passed them down through generations. I understand that goes through every society, every civilisation," he continued.
“But I think that we’ve gotten to a better place with democracy and we should keep going down that road.”
However, his perspective takes a turn when confronted with his direct link to the king, prompting laughter and a change of heart. "Well, maybe I’ll change my mind on that! That’s so funny, man. Oh, that is crazy!" he exclaims.
The show, set to air on January 30th on PBS in the US, captures Odenkirk's genuine reactions, including moments of incredulity and joy. Amid bursts of laughter, he declares, "Are you kidding me? That’s insane!" and expresses a wish that his late mother could have shared in this surprising revelation.
Bob Odenkirk's is the second oldest of seven siblings born to Walter Odenkirk and Barbara Mary, Catholics of German and Irish descent, in Chicago. The actor, who survived a heart attack on the set of Better Call Saul in 2021, has been an Emmy winner (writing) and has been nominated for the show for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) multiple times without a win.
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