Bob Odenkirk, acclaimed comedian, actor, and writer, has played a significant role in creating unforgettable television moments across shows like Saturday Night Live, Breaking Bad, and Better Call Saul. During a GQ online event titled Actually Me, Odenkirk was asked to name the written line he is most proud of, leading him to revisit his early days at Second City and his collaboration with the late comedian Chris Farley.
The Creation of an Iconic Comedy Sketch
Odenkirk’s favorite line originates from a motivational speaker sketch he wrote specifically for Chris Farley while they were both at Second City, a renowned comedy theater in Chicago. This sketch introduced Farley’s now-legendary character Matt Foley, a boisterous, down-on-his-luck motivational speaker dressed in a checkered suit who humorously scares children with tales of his troubled life.
So, I wrote the motivational speaker sketch for Chris Farley when we were at Second City together,
Odenkirk recalled.
In the course of rehearsal, I got to know Chris, and one night, I went home and I wrote that sketch, the way it’s done.
Odenkirk tailored the sketch to match Farley’s energetic physical comedy style, capitalizing on his ability to bring wild animation and humor to the stage, which helped make Matt Foley a permanent comedic figure.
The Line That Stands Out Above the Rest
Out of the many sketches and lines Odenkirk has written, this one remains remarkably close to its original form, reflecting both his writing skill and his connection to Farley. He shared that the line which always delights him is a simple yet memorable one:
So, my favorite line, ‘Is that Bill Shakespeare over there?’ Just kills me,
Odenkirk said.
I mean, I’m a Midwestern guy. I’m always going to call William Shakespeare ‘Bill Shakespeare.’
This line blends Odenkirk’s Midwestern roots with the humor of Farley’s performance, giving it a unique charm that consistently resonates with audiences.
Remembering Chris Farley’s Impact and Their Time Together
Odenkirk reflected warmly on his collaboration with Chris Farley and the joy they shared performing the sketch. Farley, who passed away in 1997 at age 33, was known for his infectious enthusiasm and dedication to making people laugh on stage.
We did the sketch at Second City first, and I was in the cast, and I played the dad, the part that Phil Hartman played on [Saturday Night Live]. Chris would not leave that stage until he made every other performer laugh every single time he did the sketch.
He also recalled a personal moment when his daughter asked about his best experience in show business. His answer highlighted the joy he found in performing alongside Farley:
My daughter, when she was six, asked me, ‘What’s the most fun you ever had in show business?’ And I said to her, ‘I did a sketch with a guy named Chris Farley once at Second City. And every night that I did that sketch, every single time I did it, it was the most fun I ever had in show business.’
The Lasting Legacy of a Special Partnership
Odenkirk’s recollections emphasize the importance of this collaboration in his career and the enduring humor of the sketch he wrote for Farley. The fact that the sketch has remained nearly unchanged since its inception speaks to the timeless nature of their work together and the natural chemistry they shared.
For fans of Bob Odenkirk and Chris Farley alike, these stories offer a glimpse into the creative process behind a legendary comedic moment. It also sheds light on how Odenkirk’s Midwestern roots and dedication to his craft have shaped some of television’s most memorable characters and lines.
