Odenkirk, 58, collapsed on Tuesday during production of his AMC crime drama, which was shooting its sixth and final 13-episode season, and was taken to a nearby hospital.

Representatives issued a brief statement yesterday saying the performer was listed in stable condition “after experiencing a heart-related incident”.

“He and his family would like to express gratitude for the incredible doctors and nurses looking after him, as well as his cast, crew and producers who have stayed by his side,” they said.

In an Instagram post, Cranston yesterday said he was “anxious all morning” after waking up to news of Odenkirk’s collapse.

“He is in the hospital in Albuquerque and receiving the medical attention he needs,” Cranston wrote. “Please take a moment in your day today to think about him and send positive thoughts and prayers his way.”

Odenkirk’s 22-year-old son, aspiring actor Nate Odenkirk, posted a message on Twitter saying: “He’s going to be okay.”

According to show-business trade publication The Hollywood Reporter, the elder Odenkirk suffered a heart attack, but this could not be verified.

“Better Call Saul” is a prequel spinoff of the hit AMC crime drama “Breaking Bad”, which introduced Odenkirk as Saul Goodman, the shrewd, sharp-witted criminal defence lawyer for that show’s protagonist, the high-school teacher turned methamphetamine chemist Walter White, played by Cranston.

Another friend and former co-star, David Cross, who appeared with Odenkirk in the 1990s HBO sketch comedy series “Mr Show with Bob and David”, tweeted: “Bob is one of the strongest people I know both physically and spiritually. He WILL get through this.”