Patton Oswalt

Birth Date:

January 27, 1969

Birth Name:

Patton Peter Oswalt

Birth Place:

Portsmouth, Virginia, USA

Nick Name:

Shecky

Film Debut:

Down Periscope 1996

Breakthrough Film:

Ratatouille 2007

Biography

Patton Oswalt is an American actor, stand-up comedian, writer, and voice actor widely recognized for his sharp humor, distinctive voice, and versatile performances in film and television. He was born on January 27, 1969, in Portsmouth, Virginia, to Carla and Larry Oswalt. His father served as a career United States Marine Corps officer, and his family moved frequently during his childhood. Oswalt developed an interest in comedy and entertainment at a young age, drawing inspiration from television, movies, and stand-up comedians. He attended Broad Run High School in Ashburn, Virginia, before studying English at the College of William & Mary, where he graduated in 1991. Following college, he pursued stand-up comedy, performing at clubs and gradually building a reputation for his intelligent observations, quirky storytelling, and energetic stage presence.

Oswalt began his professional comedy career in the late 1980s and gained wider recognition through appearances on television comedy programs. His early acting work included roles in television series such as Seinfeld and NewsRadio, where he portrayed Spencer Olchin, a socially awkward but lovable member of the newsroom staff. The role helped introduce him to a broader audience and established his presence in television comedy. He also appeared in films such as Magnolia, Zoolander, and Starsky & Hutch, demonstrating his ability to move between comedic and dramatic performances. Oswalt became particularly well known for his voice work as Remy, the ambitious rat with a passion for cooking, in the animated Pixar film Ratatouille. The movie was a major critical and commercial success, further expanding his popularity among international audiences.

Throughout his career, Oswalt has continued to enjoy success across comedy, acting, writing, and voice performances. He voiced Max in the animated film The Secret Life of Pets and appeared in television productions such as Justified, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and Veep. His performance in the comedy-drama series The Goldbergs and his role in the supernatural comedy series Ghostbusters: Afterlife further demonstrated his versatility. In addition to acting, Oswalt has released several successful stand-up comedy specials and earned critical acclaim for his thoughtful humor and personal storytelling. His 2016 special Talking for Clapping won a Primetime Emmy Award. He has also written books and contributed to comic books, showcasing his creativity beyond the screen. With a career spanning decades, Oswalt remains a respected and influential figure in modern comedy and entertainment.

Movie Portfolio