34 Facts About Patton Oswalt

Early Life and Education

Patton Oswalt was born on January 27, 1969, in Portsmouth, Virginia. He grew up in Sterling, Virginia, and attended Broad Run High School. After high school, he enrolled at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he studied English.

Stand-Up Comedy Career

Patton Oswalt began his comedy career in the late 1980s, performing at open mic nights and local comedy clubs. He quickly gained recognition for his unique blend of observational humor and witty storytelling.

Breakthrough Role in “Ratatouille”

Oswalt provided the voice for the lead character, Remy, in the animated film “Ratatouille” (2007). His performance garnered critical acclaim and introduced him to a wider audience.

Television Success with “The King of Queens”

Oswalt gained further popularity for his role as Spence Olchin on the hit sitcom “The King of Queens” (1998-2007). His portrayal of the nerdy, lovable friend resonated with audiences.

Notable Film Appearances

Oswalt has appeared in various films throughout his career, including “Big Fan” (2009), “Young Adult” (2011), and “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” (2013), showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Grammy Award-Winning Comedy Albums

Oswalt has released several comedy albums, with his 2016 release “Talking for Clapping” winning him a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album.

Author and Essayist

In addition to his comedy career, Patton Oswalt is also an accomplished author. He has written several books, including the New York Times bestseller “Zombie Spaceship Wasteland” and the memoir “Silver Screen Fiend.”

Social Media Presence

Oswalt is known for his active presence on social media platforms, particularly Twitter, where he often shares his unique perspectives and engages with his fans.

Political Activism

Patton Oswalt is outspoken about social and political issues. He uses his platform to advocate for causes he believes in and has actively campaigned for various political candidates.

Voice Acting Roles

In addition to “Ratatouille,” Oswalt has lent his voice to various other animated projects, including “The Secret Life of Pets 2” (2019) and “BoJack Horseman” (2014-2020).

Love for Pop Culture

Oswalt is known for his extensive knowledge and love for pop culture. He often incorporates references and anecdotes about movies, TV shows, and comic books into his comedy routines.

Collaboration with Mystery Science Theater 3000

In recent years, Oswalt has collaborated with the popular show “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” providing hilarious commentary on their episodes.

Emmy Award Nomination

For his stand-up special “Annihilation” (2017), Oswalt received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special.

Voice of Max in “The Secret Life of Pets”

Oswalt took over the role of Max, the lead dog character in “The Secret Life of Pets” franchise, starting with the second film released in 2019.

Collaboration with Marvel

Oswalt is a self-proclaimed Marvel fan and has made various appearances in Marvel-related projects, including voicing the character of MODOK in the animated series “M.O.D.O.K.” (2021).

Love for Stand-Up Comedy

Despite his success in other areas of entertainment, Patton Oswalt remains passionate about stand-up comedy and continues to perform live shows to this day.

Memorable Guest Appearances

Oswalt has made memorable guest appearances on popular TV shows like “Parks and Recreation,” “Veep,” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” showcasing his comedic versatility.

Collaboration with Pixar

Aside from “Ratatouille,” Oswalt has worked with Pixar on multiple projects, including providing his voice for a character in the critically acclaimed film “Inside Out” (2015).

Stand-Up Specials on Netflix

Oswalt has released several stand-up specials on Netflix, including “Annihilation” (2017) and “I Love Everything” (2020), which have been well-received by audiences and critics alike.

Film Director

In 2021, Oswalt made his directorial debut with the film “Marvelous and the Black Hole,” further showcasing his talents both in front and behind the camera.

Admiration for George Carlin

Oswalt has often expressed his admiration for the late comedian George Carlin, crediting him as one of his biggest influences in comedy.

Hosting and Emceeing

Oswalt has hosted various award ceremonies and emceed events, bringing his sharp wit and comedic timing to the stage.

Stand-Up Comedy Specials on HBO

Oswalt has also released stand-up comedy specials on HBO, including “My Weakness Is Strong” (2009) and “Tragedy Plus Comedy Equals Time” (2014).

Personal Life

Patton Oswalt married true crime writer Michelle McNamara in 2005, and they had a daughter named Alice. Tragically, McNamara passed away in Oswalt later remarried actress Meredith Salenger in 2017.

Collaboration with Marvel Comics

Oswalt has not only collaborated with Marvel on screen but has also written comic book stories for Marvel Comics, displaying his love for the medium.

Perfect Attendance at San Diego Comic-Con

Oswalt is a regular attendee at San Diego Comic-Con and has jokingly boasted about his perfect attendance record at the popular convention.

Love for Music

Oswalt has a deep appreciation for music and has been known to reference his favorite bands and musicians in his comedy routines.

Supporter of Independent Filmmaking

Oswalt has shown support for independent filmmakers and has appeared in a number of indie films, contributing to the diversity and creativity of the industry.

Star Wars Fandom

Oswalt is an avid fan of the Star Wars franchise and has often expressed his knowledge and passion for the saga in interviews, podcasts, and social media.

Collaboration with Sarah Silverman

Oswalt has collaborated with comedian Sarah Silverman on multiple projects, showcasing their comedic chemistry and shared sense of humor.

Documentary Narration

Oswalt has narrated several documentaries, including “Please Stand By” (2016) and “Eating Animals” (2017), lending his distinct voice to these thought-provoking films.

Political Satire

Oswalt has frequently used his platform to engage in political satire, using humor to comment on current events and societal issues.

Award-Winning Television Roles

Patton Oswalt has received critical acclaim for his television roles, earning awards such as the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance for “Parks and Recreation” (2015).

Philanthropy

Oswalt is involved in charitable work and has supported organizations such as the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Autism Speaks, using his platform to make a positive impact.

Conclusion

Patton Oswalt is a multi-talented comedian, actor, and writer who has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. With a distinct comedic style and a sharp wit, Oswalt has captivated audiences with his stand-up performances and comedic roles in both television and film.

Aside from his successful career in comedy, Oswalt has also showcased his talent as an actor, appearing in popular television shows like “The King of Queens” and “Parks and Recreation.” He has also lent his voice to animated films such as “Ratatouille,” further highlighting his versatility as a performer.

Throughout his career, Patton Oswalt has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. With his ability to tackle a wide range of topics, from social issues to pop culture, Oswalt continues to entertain audiences and prove himself as a comedic force to be reckoned with.

If you’re looking for a comedian who can make you laugh and think at the same time, Patton Oswalt is definitely one to watch.

FAQs

Q: How did Patton Oswalt get his start in comedy?

A: Patton Oswalt began his comedy career in the late 1980s, performing at various comedy clubs and open mic nights. He gained recognition for his unique style and storytelling abilities, establishing himself as a rising star in the comedy scene.

Q: What are some of Patton Oswalt’s most famous stand-up specials?

A: Some of Patton Oswalt’s most famous stand-up specials include “Werewolves and Lollipops,” “Finest Hour,” and “Talking for Clapping.” These specials showcase Oswalt’s comedic brilliance and his ability to connect with audiences through his relatable and humorous observations.

Q: Has Patton Oswalt appeared in any movies or TV shows?

A: Yes, Patton Oswalt has appeared in numerous movies and TV shows. Some notable appearances include his role as Spence Olchin in the sitcom “The King of Queens” and his recurring role as Garth Blundin in “Parks and Recreation.” He has also lent his voice to animated films like “Ratatouille.”

Q: Is Patton Oswalt involved in any other creative endeavors?

A: In addition to his comedy and acting career, Patton Oswalt is also an accomplished writer. He has published several books, including the memoir “Silver Screen Fiend” and the essay collection “Zombie Spaceship Wasteland.” His writing showcases his insightful and humorous approach to storytelling.

Q: Has Patton Oswalt received any awards for his work?

A: Yes, Patton Oswalt has received recognition for his talent and contributions to the entertainment industry. He has won several awards, including a Grammy for his comedy album “Talking for Clapping” and an Emmy for his writing on the television special “Patton Oswalt: Talking for Clapping.”