Patrick Warburton Says Father Wrote Him a Six-Page Letter About His Disappointments After ‘Seinfeld’ Aired
Patrick Warburton may be a famous star but his parents haven’t always been proud of his career. In fact, when he made his first appearance as David Puddy on the hit sitcom Seinfeld, his father wrote him a six-page letter about how disappointed he was. Warburton opened up about his parents on Howie Mandel’s podcast, which Mandel hosts with his daughter Jackelyn Schultz.
Warburton first appeared in the episode “The Fusilli Jerry,” in Season 6. He explained, “What it was is I was his mechanic, and I stole his move and used it on Elaine. So they had an issue with not dealing with the sex act with any sanctity — because we all know the sex act is full of sanctity and nothing else.”
He then joked that “women should not be having orgasms or enjoying themselves. It’s all about having babies! That is what it is for,” referring to his parents’ opinions. Despite his dad’s letter, he continued to play the character in 10 episodes of the show as Elaine’s on-again-off-again boyfriend and even made an appearance in the finale.
Carin Baer/Castle Rock Entertainment/Everett Collection
Although Warburton’s father passed away six years ago, he said that his family is still not very supportive of his work. In fact, he said that his mother tried to take Family Guy off the air, the animated show featuring Warburton as Joe Swanson and various other characters.
He said, “My mother’s part of the Parents Television Council, and their biggest fish to fry is to get Family Guy off the air. My mother actually gave me a petition to sign to get Family Guy off the air, and then I reminded her what I do, how I’m putting her grandkids through college.”
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
He continued, “I was actually helping support my parents with Family Guy money while she was still donating money to the Parents Television Council. I’m donating money. I go, ‘This is the most ironic donation ever made, Mom.’ And I go, ‘I know exactly what you’re doing. You are laundering Family Guy money through God and the church.’”
Remind 
February 2021
1990s Rom-Coms
Pop some popcorn and cozy up to feel-good movies and TV shows from a generation ago.
Buy This Issue