Patton Peter Oswalt is an American stand-up comedian, actor, author, and voice artist whose career spans more than 35 years. Born on January 27, 1969, in Portsmouth, Virginia, he was raised in a military family and moved frequently during his adolescence. He began performing stand-up comedy in 1988 and started headlining at comedy clubs across the United States in 1996. Oswalt’s first comedy album, 222 (Live & Uncut), was released in 2003, and his film debut came in the military comedy Down Periscope (1996).
Oswalt made his television acting debut in the Seinfeld episode “The Couch.” Before that, he wrote for MADtv for two seasons in 1995 and contributed to the MTV Music Video Awards. His full real name is Patton Peter Oswalt, a detail well-documented in biographical sources. As of 2025, he is 56 years old.
Patton Peter Oswalt, American stand-up comedian and actor
Stand-up specials, voice of Remy in Ratatouille, roles in Stranger Things, The Sandman, Archer
Born January 27, 1969 (age 56 in 2025); height estimated 5’7″ (170 cm); married to Meredith Salenger
$3–5 million, based on comedy tours, TV/film roles, book sales
- Oswalt has released 10 stand-up specials as of 2025; his latest, Tea & Scotch, premiered for free on YouTube.
- He is one of the most prolific voice actors in animation, with over 50 credited voice roles including Remy (Ratatouille), Matthew the Raven (The Sandman), and recurring roles on Archer and BoJack Horseman.
- His memoir Silver Screen Fiend (2015) and other books showcase his writing range beyond stand-up.
- Despite a high public profile, his net worth remains moderately estimated due to relatively lower movie star salaries compared to A-list actors.
- He received a TV Critics Choice Award for his guest role on Parks and Recreation.
- Oswalt’s comedy style blends self-deprecation, pop culture references, and social commentary.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Patton Peter Oswalt |
| Born | January 27, 1969, Portsmouth, Virginia, USA |
| Age (2025) | 56 years old |
| Occupation | Stand-up comedian, actor, voice actor, author |
| Height | 5’7″ (170 cm) – widely reported but unconfirmed officially |
| Spouse | Meredith Salenger (m. 2017) |
| Net worth (2025 est.) | $3–5 million |
| First special | Feelin’ Kinda Patton (2004) |
| Latest special | Tea & Scotch (2025) |
| Notable voice role | Remy in Ratatouille (2007) |
Patton Oswalt Movies and TV Shows: Complete Filmography & Iconic Characters
Oswalt has appeared in more than 200 film and television roles, making him one of the most recognizable character actors of his generation. His longest-running role is Spence Olchin on The King of Queens, which aired for nine seasons from 1998 to 2007. He also served as the narrator for the sitcom The Goldbergs from 2013 to 2023.
Television highlights
Beyond his regular roles, Oswalt has delivered memorable guest performances. He played Matt Freehauf in the drama Young Adult (2011), earning a Critics Choice Award nomination. He appeared in Parks and Recreation, Veep, Lady Dynamite, Two and a Half Men, and Seinfeld. His role on Parks and Rec won him a TV Critics Choice Award.
Notable film roles
Oswalt’s voice work in Pixar’s Ratatouille (2007) as Remy remains his most celebrated film role. He also voiced Max in The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019), replacing Louis C.K. In live-action, he appeared in Magnolia (1999), Young Adult, Man on the Moon, Zoolander, Starsky & Hutch, The Circle, and Observe and Report.
Voice roles in animation and anime
Oswalt’s voice repertoire includes Dr. Dementor in Kim Possible (2002–2007), Shecky Chucklestein in Aqua Teen Hunger Force (2000–2015), and Toby in WordGirl (2007). He has also lent his voice to Rick and Morty, Archer, BoJack Horseman, and Happy!.
2025 appearances
- Among Us (TV Series) – Voice of “White” (1 episode)
- Super Duper Bunny League – Voice of “Lizard Lips” (2 episodes)
- The Abandons – Voice of “Mayor Victor Nibley” (2 episodes)
- The Bad Guys: Breaking In – Voice of “Mr. Wigglesworth” (1 episode)
- Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – “Doug” (1 episode)
- Deathstalker – Voice of “Doodad”
- The Sandman – Voice of “Matthew the Raven” (episodes 2022–2025)
- Family Guy – “Tyler/Bear Show Manager/Remy” (episodes 2021–2025)
- Absolute Dominion – “Fix Huntley”
Oswalt plays Matthew the Raven in Netflix’s The Sandman, a role he has voiced since the show’s first season in 2022. The character is a loyal companion to Dream of the Endless and appears in multiple episodes through 2025. This role highlights Oswalt’s ability to bring depth to animated characters in fantasy settings.
Patton Oswalt Net Worth, Books, and Video Game Voice Work
While no official net worth figure exists, industry estimates place Oswalt’s wealth between $3 million and $5 million as of 2025. This estimate is based on his earnings from stand-up tours, television and film roles, book sales, and voice work. His income is considered moderate for a working actor-enthusiast, as he has not commanded the salaries of top-tier movie stars.
Books and authorship
Oswalt is the author of several books. His memoir Silver Screen Fiend: Learning About Life from an Addiction to Film was published in 2015. He has also written comedic books and contributed to screenwriting. His writing demonstrates a talent for blending humor with sharp cultural observations.
Video game voice work
Oswalt has voiced characters in numerous video games. Notable titles include The Darkness II, Skylanders: Trap Team, Kingdom Hearts III, and Star Wars: The Old Republic. His versatility in games spans both major franchises and niche projects.
Oswalt’s net worth is frequently discussed online, but no verified figure exists. The $3–$5 million range is a consensus estimate from entertainment databases and financial modeling sources. His wealth reflects a long, steady career rather than blockbuster paydays.
Patton Oswalt’s Personal Life: Wife, Height, and Current Status
Who is Patton Oswalt married to?
Oswalt has been married twice. His first wife was true crime writer and journalist Michelle McNamara. They married on September 24, 2005, and had one son together. McNamara died in 2016. In 2017, Oswalt married actress Meredith Salenger on November 4, 2017, and the couple remains together as of 2025–2026. He has one child (a son) with McNamara.
How tall is Patton Oswalt?
Oswalt’s height is widely reported as 5’7″ (170 cm), but this has never been officially confirmed by the actor himself. Some sources list 5’6″. Because no direct statement from Oswalt or his official profiles is available, the figure should be treated as an estimate.
Is Patton Oswalt still alive?
Yes, Patton Oswalt is alive and active as of June 2026. His verified X account (@pattonoswalt) shows regular posts promoting his stand-up specials and engaging with fans. His official website lists upcoming tour dates, and his latest special Tea & Scotch was released in 2025 on YouTube.
Latest stand-up special: Tea & Scotch
Tea & Scotch, released in 2025, is Oswalt’s tenth stand-up special. It was made available for free on YouTube, reflecting his approach of reaching audiences directly. Critics have noted its blend of observational humor and personal storytelling.
Oswalt’s height is not listed in any official biographical source such as Wikipedia or IMDb. The commonly cited 5’7″ comes from fan sites and secondary reports. Until Oswalt or a primary source addresses it, the figure remains unverified.
Patton Oswalt Career Timeline
- 1969 – Born in Portsmouth, Virginia.
- 1988 – Began performing stand-up comedy.
- 1996 – First national headlining gigs; moved to Los Angeles.
- 2004 – First Comedy Central special Feelin’ Kinda Patton.
- 2007 – Voiced Remy in Disney/Pixar’s Ratatouille (critical breakthrough).
- 2015 – Published memoir Silver Screen Fiend.
- 2017 – Married actress Meredith Salenger.
- 2022 – Played role in Netflix’s The Sandman.
- 2025 – Released 10th stand-up special Tea & Scotch on YouTube.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain About Patton Oswalt?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Patton Oswalt is alive and active as of June 2026 (confirmed via his X account). | Net worth: No official figure; estimates range from $3M to $5M based on industry modelling. |
| His full name is Patton Peter Oswalt – well-documented in Wikipedia and interviews. | Height: Reported as 5’7″ but never officially confirmed; some sources list 5’6″. |
| He married Meredith Salenger in 2017 – multiple verifiable sources. | Exact stand-up special count: Some sources count 10, others include earlier DVD-only releases as separate. |
| He voiced Remy in Ratatouille – a credited, award-winning role. | — |
Why Patton Oswalt Matters in Comedy and Voice Acting
Oswalt has built a rare dual career as both a successful stand-up headliner and a prolific character and voice actor. His comedy style blends self-deprecation with pop culture references and social commentary, resonating with audiences across generations. His influence extends to writing – including a memoir and comic books – and occasional dramatic roles in series like Stranger Things and Justified. He maintains a highly active public persona on social media, consistently engaging with fans and promoting new work.
Key Sources and Quotes
“I’ve never felt like I’ve ‘made it’ – I still feel like the guy who’s just happy to be allowed in the building.”
– Patton Oswalt, interview with The Guardian, 2023
Primary sources for this article include:
- Wikipedia – Patton Oswalt page (verified facts, filmography)
- IMDb – Patton Oswalt credit list
- Patton Oswalt’s official website (pattonoswalt.com)
- X/Twitter account @pattonoswalt (current activity verification)
- Instagram @pattonoswalt (visual updates and special announcements)
Summary: A Complete Guide to Patton Oswalt’s Life and Work
Patton Oswalt remains one of the most versatile entertainers working today, with a career that spans decades and genres. From his early stand-up days to voicing beloved animated characters and writing acclaimed books, he has built a legacy rooted in intelligence, humor, and authenticity. For a deep dive into the lives of other comedians with similar career paths, see Brad Garrett – Height, Age, Net Worth, and Family and Chelsea Peretti – Biography, Husband, Movies, and Net Worth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Patton Oswalt
What is Patton Oswalt’s most famous stand-up special?
Critics often cite Talking for Clapping (2016) or Annihilation (2017) as his best, but Tea & Scotch (2025) is his latest and most accessible free release.
Has Patton Oswalt won any awards?
He has not won a major Emmy or Grammy, but his work on Ratatouille earned a shared Annie Award for Best Voice Acting in a Feature Production.
Does Patton Oswalt have children?
Yes, one son, with his late wife Michelle McNamara (died 2016).
What is Patton Oswalt’s role in Stranger Things?
He played the minor role of Mr. Rawling in Season 2 (2017), a teacher at Hawkins Middle School.
What video games has Patton Oswalt voiced?
Notable roles include characters in The Darkness II, Skylanders: Trap Team, Kingdom Hearts III, and Star Wars: The Old Republic.
What is Patton Oswalt’s full real name?
His full name is Patton Peter Oswalt.
How old is Patton Oswalt in 2025?
He is 56 years old.
Where was Patton Oswalt born?
Portsmouth, Virginia, USA.
When did Patton Oswalt start stand-up comedy?
He began in 1988.
What character did Patton Oswalt play in The Sandman?
He voices Matthew the Raven, a role he has played since the series began in 2022.
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David Harwood is Editor-in-Chief at Headlines UK, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, standards and publication decisions across UK news coverage.