Saul Goodman, portrayed by Bob Odenkirk, is not typically associated with nobility. However, despite gaining recognition for his portrayal of the cunning and deceitful lawyer in Breaking Bad and its prequel Better Call Saul, the actor will soon learn on television that he has royal ancestry.

The TV show Finding Your Roots, which focuses on genealogy in the US, has discovered that Odenkirk’s family tree goes back five generations and reveals that he is the 11th cousin of King Charles III.

Although his family is originally from Chicago, genealogy specialists on the program will disclose that the performer’s fifth great-grandfather, Friedrich Carl Steinholz, was actually born in Plön, Germany in 1755. Host Henry Louis Gates Jr. informs Odenkirk that Steinholz was born out of wedlock to the Duke of Plön, who had ties to various royal families in Europe through marriage. At first, Odenkirk is unimpressed.

Odenkirk expresses that being a part of history as an American makes him feel included, even though he never thought he was. He clarifies that he does not support monarchies and does not identify as a monarchist.

“I can’t help but feel that it’s somewhat convoluted. I comprehend the historical reasons behind the establishment of monarchs and leaders, with their hereditary succession. This pattern seems to have been present in every society and civilization.”

“I believe that our democracy has improved and we should continue to progress in that direction.”

However, when he is informed of his connection to the king, he takes a slightly different approach and bursts into laughter.

“I might reconsider my decision!” he exclaimed. “That’s hilarious, dude. That’s unbelievable!” Other clips from the show, airing on January 30 on PBS in the US, show Odenkirk laughing and exclaiming: “Are you serious? That’s insane!” He also mentions that he wishes his mother could hear the news.

Odenkirk grew up in a neighborhood in Chicago and was the second eldest of seven children. His parents, Walter Odenkirk and Barbara Mary, were Catholic and had German and Irish heritage. In 2021, he suffered a heart attack while filming Better Call Saul, but was saved by his coworkers who performed CPR.

Source: theguardian.com