Nov
Patrick Warburton Shares His Father’s Disapproving Reaction to His Seinfeld Debut
When Patrick Warburton made his first appearance on Seinfeld in 1995, his conservative parents weren’t thrilled with his career path. Reflecting on that time during a recent appearance on the Howie Mandel Does Stuff podcast, Warburton revealed that his father had sent him a six-page letter expressing disappointment with the choices he was making.
In his debut episode, titled “The Fusilli Jerry,” Warburton introduced fans to David Puddy, Jerry’s mechanic, who later became the on-again, off-again boyfriend of Elaine, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. In the episode, Puddy “borrows” one of Jerry’s romantic moves and uses it on Elaine, a scenario that didn’t sit well with Warburton’s parents. “They had an issue with the lack of sanctity around the… sex act,” he explained, chuckling. “Because, you know, it’s supposed to be all about sanctity!”
Taking a playful jab at his parents’ views, Warburton quipped to Mandel and cohost Jackelyn Schultz that “women shouldn’t be having orgasms or enjoying themselves—it’s just for having babies!”
Warburton ultimately appeared in 10 episodes over the next four years. Puddy and Elaine’s hilariously turbulent relationship was a fan favorite, marked by frequent breakups and reconciliations. In the 1998 episode “The Burning,” Elaine discovers Puddy’s religious views and his belief that she’s going to hell, adding yet another comical twist to their rocky romance. Warburton’s final appearance came in the show’s controversial finale, where Elaine, facing a prison sentence, tearfully tells Puddy not to wait for her. Puddy’s classic response? A simple, “All right,” as he immediately turns to leave.
Warburton’s father passed away six years ago, but his family’s mixed feelings about his career live on. During a PaleyFest panel celebrating the 25th anniversary of Family Guy, where Warburton voices Joe Swanson, he shared that his mother even tried to get the show canceled. “She was part of the American Television Council and wanted Family Guy off the air,” he said, laughing. “Meanwhile, I was helping support my parents with Family Guy money.”
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