Patrick Warburton is a familiar face—and voice—to millions, known for his towering frame, distinct deep voice, and unforgettable comedic timing. Over the decades, Warburton has carved out a successful career across film, television, and voice acting, becoming a fan-favorite in both live-action and animated roles. From sitcoms to superhero spoofs to blockbuster animations, Warburton’s filmography is as diverse as it is entertaining.
Early Career and Breakthrough Role
Patrick Warburton began his career in the late 1980s with small roles in television shows such as Quantum Leap, Designing Women, and Murphy Brown. However, it wasn’t until the mid-1990s that he gained widespread recognition for his recurring role as David Puddy on the hit NBC sitcom Seinfeld. As Elaine Benes’s deadpan, overly confident on-again, off-again boyfriend, Puddy delivered unforgettable moments—from face-painting for a hockey game to his iconic “Yeah, that’s right” catchphrase.
Puddy became one of the most beloved side characters on Seinfeld, and the role helped Warburton establish his comedic persona in Hollywood.
Sitcom Success: Rules of Engagement
Warburton’s next major TV success came with the CBS sitcom Rules of Engagement (2007–2013), where he played Jeff Bingham, a married man constantly offering sarcastic and often outdated advice to his friends. Warburton’s chemistry with co-star Megyn Price (who played his wife Audrey) created many of the show’s funniest and most relatable moments.
The show ran for seven seasons, cementing Warburton’s position as a reliable sitcom star.
Animated Stardom: Voice Acting Highlights
One of Patrick Warburton’s greatest strengths is his voice. Deep, gravelly, and unmistakable, his vocal performances have made him a sought-after talent in animated films and TV series.
The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
Perhaps his most iconic animated role is Kronk in Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove. As the lovable yet dimwitted sidekick to villain Yzma, Kronk quickly became a breakout character. Warburton reprised the role in the sequel Kronk’s New Groove (2005) and the TV spin-off The Emperor’s New School (2006–2008). His comedic delivery made Kronk one of Disney’s most enduring side characters.
Family Guy (1999–Present)
Warburton has also voiced Joe Swanson, the wheelchair-bound, overly intense police officer in Family Guy, since the show’s early days. His portrayal brings both absurd humor and surprising warmth to the role. Joe’s aggressive antics and friendship with Peter Griffin provide much of the show’s comedic punch.
Other Voice Work
Warburton’s voice can be heard in many other animated projects, including:
Buzz Lightyear of Star Command (2000–2001) – as Buzz Lightyear
Open Season (2006) – as Ian the deer
Hoodwinked (2005) – as the Wolf
Bee Movie (2007) – as Ken, the jealous boyfriend
Skylanders Academy (2016–2018) – as Flynn
Superhero Spoof: The Tick (2001)
In 2001, Warburton starred in the live-action adaptation of The Tick, a cult classic based on the comic book series of the same name. As the blue-suited, dimwitted superhero, Warburton played the title character with a blend of sincere earnestness and comedic absurdity. Although the show lasted only one season, it has since achieved cult status, and Warburton’s performance is fondly remembered by fans.
Guest Roles and Recurring TV Appearances
Over the years, Warburton has appeared in numerous television shows in both comedic and dramatic roles. Some of his most notable appearances include:
8 Simple Rules – guest appearance as a teacher
Less Than Perfect – recurring role as Jeb Denton
A Series of Unfortunate Events (2017–2019) – as Lemony Snicket’s narration rival, portrayed in a clever meta format
Young Sheldon – guest role as Pastor Jeff’s mentor
Space Force (2020) – appeared as Commandant of the Air Force Academy
The Orville – guest role in Seth MacFarlane’s sci-fi dramedy
Film Appearances
Although known primarily for TV, Warburton has had his share of movie roles, often leaning into family-friendly fare or comedy.
Men in Black II (2002)
Warburton played Agent T, briefly partnering with Will Smith’s Agent J at the beginning of the film. Though his screen time was limited, his comedic presence stood out in the opening scenes.
Ted (2012) and Ted 2 (2015)
Warburton appeared as Guy, a co-worker of Mark Wahlberg’s character. In these films, he played against type, portraying a macho man who frequently bickers with his partner and embraces absurd behavior.
Movie 43 (2013)
In this controversial anthology comedy, Warburton starred in a segment titled “Super Hero Speed Dating,” playing a superhero on a disastrous date.
Commercials and Voiceovers
In addition to his film and TV work, Warburton has lent his distinctive voice to numerous commercial campaigns, including:
National Car Rental – as the confident “business pro”
Carrier HVAC – lending trustworthiness to the brand
Enterprise Rent-A-Car – with his familiar tone giving assurance and humor
His voice acting extends to video games and rides at theme parks like Disney’s Soarin’ Over California, where he guides guests through safety procedures with his trademark humor.
Personal Charm and Legacy
Patrick Warburton has maintained a consistent presence in the entertainment industry for over three decades. What makes him enduring is his ability to elevate every role—no matter how small—through his timing, delivery, and undeniable screen presence. He effortlessly moves between live-action and animation, family-friendly and mature content, slapstick and deadpan comedy.
Whether you remember him as the lovable Kronk, the intense Joe Swanson, or the unforgettable David Puddy, Patrick Warburton has proven time and again that his unique talents make him one of Hollywood’s most reliable and cherished actors.
Final Thoughts
From sitcoms to superhero parodies to animated classics, Patrick Warburton’s filmography offers something for everyone. His voice alone is instantly recognizable, and his characters remain etched in pop culture history. As he continues to take on new projects, audiences can be sure that any appearance by Warburton will be memorable, humorous, and thoroughly entertaining.
What is Patrick Warburton most famous for?
Patrick Warburton is most famous for his role as David Puddy on the iconic sitcom Seinfeld, where he played Elaine Benes’s quirky and deadpan boyfriend. His deep voice and comedic timing made Puddy one of the show’s most memorable recurring characters. Warburton is also widely recognized for his voice work, particularly as Joe Swanson in Family Guy and Kronk in Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove, further cementing his reputation as a distinctive and beloved presence in both live-action and animated entertainment.
FAQs: Patrick Warburton Movies and TV Shows
Q1: What TV show made Patrick Warburton famous?
A: Patrick Warburton rose to fame for his recurring role as David Puddy on Seinfeld, where he played Elaine’s on-again, off-again boyfriend known for his deadpan humor and love for face paint.
Q2: What is Patrick Warburton’s most famous animated role?
A: Warburton is best known in animation as Kronk in Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove, a lovable and dimwitted sidekick with a heart of gold and a flair for cooking.
Q3: What sitcom did Patrick Warburton star in after Seinfeld?
A: He starred as Jeff Bingham in the CBS sitcom Rules of Engagement, playing a sarcastic and traditional husband over seven seasons from 2007 to 2013.
Q4: Who does Patrick Warburton voice in Family Guy?
A: He voices Joe Swanson, the tough, wheelchair-bound police officer known for his intense personality and over-the-top bravado.
Q5: Did Patrick Warburton ever play a superhero?
A: Yes, he played the title character in the live-action series The Tick (2001), a hilarious parody of traditional superheroes.
Q6: Has Patrick Warburton appeared in movies?
A: Absolutely. Some of his notable film roles include Ken in Bee Movie, Ian in Open Season, and brief appearances in Men in Black II and Ted.
Q7: What other animated shows has Patrick Warburton worked on?
A: He’s voiced characters in Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, Skylanders Academy, and The Emperor’s New School, among others.
Q8: Was Warburton in A Series of Unfortunate Events?
A: Yes, he played Lemony Snicket, the narrator, in Netflix’s adaptation of A Series of Unfortunate Events, offering a dramatic and mysterious presence throughout the show.
Q9: Has Patrick Warburton done commercial voiceovers?
A: Yes, his distinctive voice has been used in ads for National Car Rental, Carrier, and Disney Park attractions like Soarin’ Over California.
Q10: Is Patrick Warburton still active in TV and film?
A: Yes, he continues to appear in TV shows, voice acting roles, and films, maintaining a steady presence in both comedy and animation.