Famous Actors Named Pat
There are several well-known actors over the years that have gone by the name Pat or Patrick. While the name has decreased in popularity over time, some very successful stars in television and film have carried the moniker. Let's take a look at some of the most famous actors named Pat from the past and present.
Patrick Stewart
One of the most acclaimed actors named Pat is Sir Patrick Stewart. Born in 1940 in England, Stewart is best known for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard on Star Trek: The Next Generation and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films. His distinguished Shakespearean training and background on the British stage helped him bring gravitas and depth to these iconic roles.
Beyond Sci-Fi and superhero franchises, Stewart has over 150 acting credits in television, film, and theater. He won a Golden Globe for his performance as Ebenezer Scrooge in a 1999 adaptation of A Christmas Carol. Stewart was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010 for his services to drama. He continues to act while also working as an advocate for domestic violence programs and other social causes.
Patrick Swayze
Patrick Swayze was one of the biggest stars of the 1980s and 90s. Known for his good looks and dance skills, he shot to fame with starring roles in Dirty Dancing and Ghost. Swayze's performance in these romantic dramas turned him into a Hollywood heartthrob.
Born in 1952 in Texas, Swayze started out as a dancer and choreographer. His breakout acting role came playing a swaggering bouncer in the 1989 cult classic Road House. However, it was playing the sexy dance instructor Johnny Castle in Dirty Dancing that made him a star. Ghost cemented his status by showcasing his romantic leading man talents opposite Demi Moore.
Swayze starred in over 40 films before passing away from cancer in 2009 at age 57. His emotional acting and graceful physicality created some of the most memorable movie moments of a generation.
Patrick Dempsey
Patrick Dempsey transitioned from being a teen heartthrob in the 1980s to one of the most popular actors on television in the 2000s. He achieved stardom as Dr. Derek Shepherd on the long-running medical drama Grey's Anatomy.
Born in 1966 in Maine, Dempsey first caught the public's eye with roles in Can't Buy Me Love and Loverboy. However, he became better known later in his career playing the dashing Dr. McDreamy on Grey's Anatomy for 11 seasons. His performance earned him multiple awards and nominations.
Beyond Grey's Anatomy, Dempsey has appeared in numerous other television shows and films. He continues to act, produce, and race cars professionally. Known for his handsome looks and magnetic charisma on screen, Dempsey remains a favorite actor with audiences worldwide.
Pat Morita
For many, Pat Morita will forever be known as Mr. Miyagi from The Karate Kid films. The iconic role earned him Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actor. However, Morita had a long and varied acting career beyond his famous sensei character.
Born in 1932 in California, Morita got his start as a stand-up comedian in clubs and on television variety shows in the 1960s. His first major film role was playing Arnold in Happy Endings in 1975. He went on to act in over 100 TV shows and movies, often playing comedic characters.
In addition to The Karate Kid franchise, some of Morita's most memorable roles were on shows like Sanford and Son, M*A*S*H, and The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo. Pat Morita brought humor and heart to all of his performances throughout his decades-long career.
Patrick Warburton
Recognizable for his deep, booming voice, Patrick Warburton is a prolific comedic actor across television and film. He is particularly known for voicing animated characters in shows like Family Guy, The Venture Bros., and Buzz Lightyear of Star Command.
Born in 1964 in New Jersey, Warburton got his start on the soap opera The Young and the Restless in the early 1990s. He went on to land memorable live-action roles as David Puddy on Seinfeld, The Tick, and anchorman Jeb Denton on NewsRadio. He leveraged his commanding voice to portray patriotic superhero The Tick and dimwitted Joe Swanson on Family Guy.
Warburton continues to appear in numerous TV shows, films, and commercials. His unique vocal talents and lovable oafish personas have made him one of the most recognizable character actors of the last 30 years.
Patrick Harris
Starting as a child star in the late 1980s, Neil Patrick Harris has grown into one of the most versatile actors working today. He is known for comedy, drama, theater, hosting, and even magic.
Born in 1973 in New Mexico, Harris first captured attention playing boy genius doctor Doogie Howser on Doogie Howser, M.D. He transitioned smoothly into adult roles in film and television including the Harold and Kumar movies, How I Met Your Mother, and Gone Girl.
However, Harris truly became a star when he hosted the Tony Awards and Emmys in the late 2000s. His charismatic and good-natured style energized both award shows. Harris continues to take on challenging new roles while also performing magic, hosting events, and advocating for LGBTQ rights.
Patrick Duffy
For 14 seasons on the primetime soap opera Dallas, Patrick Duffy played the good-hearted Bobby Ewing opposite Larry Hagman's devious J.R. Ewing. The popular television show made Duffy a household name in the late 1970s through the early 1990s.
Born in 1949 in Montana, Duffy landed his career-defining role on Dallas in 1978. Throughout the original run and 2012 reboot of the series, he personified the moral center of the show's chaotic drama. In addition to Dallas fame, Duffy starred on the sitcom Step by Step in the 1990s.
Duffy continues to take on acting roles in his seventies. He reprised Bobby Ewing for the Dallas remake and recently appeared on the sitcom American Housewife. His steady likeability and familiar persona keep him in demand for cameos and supporting parts today.
Patrick Renna
Although not as famous as some other actors on this list, Patrick Renna left a memorable mark on pop culture in the 1990s classic The Sandlot. His portrayal of overconfident, trash-talking catcher Ham Porter gave the coming-of-age baseball film one of its most quotable characters.
Born in 1979 in Boston, The Sandlot was Patrick Renna's first major film role. He followed it up with appearances in films like Son in Law, Fear, and Freddy Got Fingered. He continues to act in movies and television today.
Renna has also pursued a career behind the scenes as a producer and director. However, most fans will always remember him as the brash boy who challenged Benny to play ball on that fateful sandlot. His performance is a nostalgic high point of many childhoods.
Patrick Fugit
Patrick Fugit is best known for his starring turn in the 2000 coming-of-age drama Almost Famous. Playing teenage rock journalist William Miller earned Fugit significant critical praise and awards recognition.
Born in 1982 in Utah, Fugit landed his first and most iconic role in Almost Famous as a high school student. His earnest, innocent performance humanized the world of 1970s stadium rock. Fugit went on to act in films like Wristcutters: A Love Story and We Bought a Zoo.
On television, Fugit has had recurring roles on series like Outcast, Gone, and HBO's Cinemax. While he never became a mainstream star, Almost Famous showcased Fugit as a thoughtful dramatic actor with great promise at the start of his career.
Patrick Van Horn
You may not know Patrick Van Horn's name, but you surely know his extremely memorable turn as the "angry landlord" in the 1990 smash hit Ghost. Van Horn's explosive scene cemented his place in film history.
A noted character actor, some of Patrick Van Horn's other
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment