Patrick Warburton
Patrick Warburton (born November 14, 1964) is an American actor and voice artist best known for his roles in Seinfeld, The Tick, Rules of Engagement, and voice work as Kronk, Joe Swanson, and more. Discover his biography, career highlights, personality, and memorable quotes.
Introduction
Patrick John Warburton (born November 14, 1964) is an American actor and voice artist known for his towering presence, distinctive voice, and versatility in both comedic live-action roles and animated performances.
He has endeared audiences by playing characters such as David Puddy in Seinfeld, Jeff Bingham in Rules of Engagement, and voicing Kronk in The Emperor’s New Groove, Joe Swanson in Family Guy, Brock Samson in The Venture Bros., among many others.
Early Life and Family
-
Patrick Warburton was born in Paterson, New Jersey on November 14, 1964.
-
His father, John Charles Warburton Jr., was an orthopedic surgeon.
-
His mother, Barbara Jeanne Gratz (who also worked as an actress under the name Barbara Lord), had ties to the entertainment industry.
-
Patrick has three sisters: Mary, Lara, and Megan.
-
When he was about three years old, his family moved to Huntington Beach, California.
Education & Early Interests
-
Warburton attended Servite High School in Anaheim, California, before transferring to Newport Harbor High School in Newport Beach.
-
He briefly studied marine biology at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California, but later left that path to pursue modeling and acting.
-
The shift from science to entertainment was prompted by opportunities in modeling and auditions that gradually led him into television and voice work.
Career and Achievements
Rise in Television & Live-Action Roles
-
One of Warburton’s memorable early roles was David Puddy on Seinfeld, a recurring character who became a fan favorite for his stoic persona and humorous interactions with Elaine.
-
He starred as the title character in The Tick, a live-action adaptation, further cementing his appeal in quirky, larger-than-life roles.
-
From 2007 to 2013, he played Jeff Bingham on the sitcom Rules of Engagement.
-
Earlier, he appeared as Jeb Denton in Less Than Perfect.
Voice Acting & Animated Roles
Patrick Warburton is especially acclaimed for his voice roles:
-
Kronk in The Emperor’s New Groove franchise.
-
Joe Swanson in Family Guy.
-
Brock Samson in The Venture Bros.
-
Buzz Lightyear in Buzz Lightyear of Star Command.
-
Other voice credits include roles in Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated, Kim Possible, Open Season, Bee Movie, Arthur (voice-work), Skylanders, and more.
Commercials & Advertising
-
Beyond TV and film, Warburton has lent his voice and persona to advertising campaigns, including work for companies like National Car Rental (as a “control enthusiast”) and others.
Personal Life
-
In 1991, Warburton married Cathy Jennings, whom he met in college.
-
The couple has four children: Talon, Shane, Gabriel, and Alexandra.
-
Patrick and his family reside in California.
-
He is a Christian and has spoken about being selective about some of the content he participates in, especially when religious or moral issues are involved.
-
In his spare time, Warburton enjoys birdwatching and golf.
Personality & Characteristics
-
Warburton is often described as having a deep, resonant voice, which has become one of his signature traits in voice acting.
-
He carries a physical presence (tall, strong build) that complements many of his roles, especially in comedic settings where contrast between persona and absurdity plays well.
-
His sense of humor often plays with deadpan delivery or absurd exaggeration, making him well-suited for roles that blend sincerity and comedy.
-
Warburton has sometimes experienced tension between his professional choices and his family's values—several stories point to his parents' conservative views influencing how he reflects on roles.
Famous Quotes
Here are some memorable lines or reflections attributed to Patrick Warburton:
“They hate the show even more today than they did 25 years ago.”
Referring to his mother’s opposition to Family Guy, despite being financially supported by his earnings from it.
“I got a six-page letter from my father about how disappointed he was in the choices I was making.”
He shared this about his father’s reaction to his Seinfeld debut as David Puddy.
These quotes reflect his candidness about family dynamics and the sometimes uneasy intersection of career and personal values.
Lessons from Patrick Warburton
-
Use what’s unique — Warburton leaned into his deep voice and imposing physical presence in roles that could play on contrast or exaggeration.
-
Be versatile — He proved that one can balance live-action roles and voice acting, carving a niche in both.
-
Endure criticism & grow — Even familial disapproval or controversy didn’t stop him from building a long and varied career.
-
Align with personal values — Warburton has shown willingness to decline or distance himself from projects that conflict with his beliefs.
-
Stay true to your brand — His voice and persona remained consistent across projects, making him instantly recognizable.
Conclusion
Patrick Warburton’s career is a testament to how distinctive characteristics—like voice and presence—can be assets in a crowded industry. From memorable sitcom roles to a wide spectrum of voice work, he has built a body of work that spans genres and generations. His candid reflections on family, values, and the challenges of fame add depth to his public persona.