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PBS
Bob Odenkirk was left wide-eyed and open-mouthed after the avowed anti-monarchist was told he is related to King Charles III during an appearance on the PBS show. Find your roots.
Henry Louis Gates Jr. revealed to Odenkirk that he is the 11th cousin of the British head of state after the actor repudiated monarchies and their role in modern democracies.
Odenkirk is linked to the king through his fifth great-grandfather, Friedrich Carl Steinholz, who was born out of wedlock to the Duke of Plön. Plön was related to the royal families of Europe due to intermarriage, meaning that Odenkirk has royal blood.
Gates mocked the revelation, initially telling the Better call Saul actor on Steinholz. “(It makes me feel) like a part of history that I didn’t think I was a part of,” Odenkirk responded. “I’m American. I’m not a monarchist. I don’t believe in that. You know, I feel like it’s a little twisted.”
He added: “I understand why society was built around monarchs and leaders, and handed down from generation to generation. I understand that this happens for every society, every civilization. But I think we have reached a better place with democracy and we should continue on that path.”
Gates then revealed Odenkirk’s connection to King Charles. “Well, maybe I’ll change my mind,” he laughed. “Oh, that’s crazy. I hadn’t even thought about that! Of course it’s true, right?
Odenkirk was born in Berwyn, Illinois and grew up in Chicago. His parents were Walter Odenkirk and Barbara Mary, Catholics of German and Irish descent. The Emmy-nominated actor suffered a heart attack in 2021 on the set of season 6 of Better call Saul.
Odenkirk is full Find your roots The episode will air on January 30.