Patrick Warburton Reflects on Acting with Comedy Icons and Shares Family Anecdotes

Before Patrick Warburton became known as David Puddy on “Seinfeld,” he played an unexpected role as Carol Burnett’s much younger love interest. On “Nostalgia Tonight with Joe Sibilia,” Warburton recalled the experience.

The actor shared, “I was 27, and she was a soap star, playing the good twin and the evil twin, both dating the same toy boy, 27-year-old me.” At the time, Burnett was in her late 50s.

Warburton continued, “Carol was adorable. She joked with the director, ‘Oh, we’re going to have to rehearse this more.’ That was very sweet.” He mentioned it felt like “kissing mom” because he grew up watching “The Carol Burnett Show.”

Warburton also recounted some interesting experiences with other famous women in entertainment. He said, “I had a 94-year-old Betty White rub my naked chest down in bed on a show. I have interesting Eartha Kitt stories too. Nothing too scandalous, just odd.”

The actor mentioned another memorable encounter with Bea Arthur, “I was about 27 when she did a three-episode arc on a show I was in. Everyone backed out of lunch plans, but Bea Arthur insisted we get sushi together. I was a bit intimidated, but we had a lovely lunch.”

Warburton became a fan favorite as Puddy on “Seinfeld” and has voiced Joe Swanson on “Family Guy” since 1999. He discussed how his parents, particularly his mother, had strong opinions about “Family Guy” due to their religious beliefs.

Warburton said, “They don’t see it as satire. They see it as blasphemy. We never saw eye to eye on it.” His mother, in particular, attempted to influence his work from her devout Catholic perspective.

He shared a humorous family story, “Mom once asked if she could give a religious videotape to Jerry Seinfeld through me during my time on ‘Seinfeld.’ Years later, she even left a DVD for Jerry after his show.” He laughed, “He hasn’t converted yet, as far as I know.”

Despite describing himself as a “bad Catholic,” Warburton acknowledged that he has felt uneasy with some of his roles due to his faith, adding, “Catholic guilt runs deep, but I believe God has a sense of humor.”