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Patton Oswalt

Patton Peter Oswalt is an American comedian, actor, and writer known for stand-up comedy, television roles, film voice work, and screenwriting.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Patton Peter Oswalt is an American comedian, actor, and writer. He began performing stand-up comedy in 1988 and is known for his work in television, film, and voice acting. He won a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album and is widely recognized for roles on *The King of Queens* and as the voice of Remy in *Ratatouille*.

Early life and education

Patton Oswalt was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, in 1969. He attended the College of William & Mary, where he studied English and was involved in student activities before pursuing comedy full time.

Comedy career

Oswalt began performing stand-up in 1988 and later became a regular headliner on the American comedy circuit. His work includes multiple comedy albums and specials, and he has received several Grammy nominations.

Acting and voice work

Oswalt is recognized for television, film, and voice roles. His best-known credits include Spencer Olchin on *The King of Queens* and the voice of Remy in *Ratatouille*.

Writing and other work

In addition to performing, Oswalt has written for television and other projects. His credits include work on *Mad TV* and various screen and stage-related appearances.

Key facts

  • Patton Oswalt started performing stand-up comedy in 1988.
  • He is known for playing Spencer Olchin on *The King of Queens*.
  • He voiced Remy in Pixar's *Ratatouille*.
  • He won the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album in 2017 for *Talking for Clapping*.
  • He has also worked as a television and film writer, including on *Mad TV*.
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Canadian context

Patton Oswalt has appeared in internationally distributed film and television projects that are widely available to Canadian audiences, especially through North American comedy, network television, and animated features.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Patton Oswalt?
Patton Oswalt is an American comedian, actor, and writer known for stand-up, television acting, and voice roles.
What is Patton Oswalt best known for?
He is best known for *The King of Queens* and for voicing Remy in *Ratatouille*.
When was Patton Oswalt born?
He was born on January 27, 1969.
What award has Patton Oswalt won?
He won the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album in 2017 for *Talking for Clapping*.
When did Patton Oswalt start doing stand-up?
He began performing stand-up comedy in 1988.
Is Patton Oswalt also a writer?
Yes. He has written for television, including work on *Mad TV*.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patton_Oswalt
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, occupation, stand-up start, Grammy win.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0652663/bio/
    Supports: Birthplace, birth name, comedy and writing credits, years active-related biography.
  3. TV Insider — https://www.tvinsider.com/people/patton-oswalt/
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, spouse, major career roles.
  4. Kennedy Center — https://www.kennedy-center.org/artists/o/oo-oz/patton-oswalt/
    Supports: General professional identification as comedian, actor, and writer.
  5. William & Mary — https://www.wm.edu/peopleofwm/cultural-icons/oswalt-p/
    Supports: Education, early stand-up activity, later career highlights.