Robert Patrick launched his film career with low-budget science-fiction and action features shot in the Philippines. These early productions, which he described as his film school, provided the foundation for his shift into mainstream Hollywood. He gained widespread recognition after portraying the antagonist T-1000 in the 1991 blockbuster Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
Early Life and Career Transition
Born in Marietta, Georgia, on November 5, 1958, Patrick grew up in various locations including Massachusetts, Ohio, and Michigan. He graduated from Farmington High School in 1977 and later attended Bowling Green State University, where he participated in track and field and football. He left university before graduating to pursue drama. Before moving to Los Angeles in 1984, he worked as a house painter. His relocation followed a boating accident on Lake Erie, during which he nearly drowned after swimming for three hours to assist others stranded at the site.
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Patrick started in the industry with roles in films produced by Roger Corman and directed by Cirio H. Santiago, such as Eye of the Eagle and Future Hunters. His first notable Hollywood appearance was a minor part in Die Hard 2. His role as the T-1000 in James Cameron's Terminator 2: Judgment Day served as his professional breakthrough. Following this, he appeared in films including Fire in the Sky, Striptease, Cop Land, The Faculty, Spy Kids, Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle, Walk the Line, Flags of Our Fathers, Bridge to Terabithia, Safe House, Gangster Squad, The Laundromat, and The Protégé.
Television Roles and Recognition
On television, Patrick portrayed FBI Special Agent John Doggett in The X-Files between 2000 and 2002. His other lead television roles include Colonel Tom Ryan in The Unit, DHS agent Cabe Gallo in Scorpion, and Auggie Smith in Peacemaker. He has also taken on recurring or single-season roles in The Sopranos, True Blood, 1923, Reacher, and Tulsa King. Additionally, he appeared as Vernon Presley in the 2005 miniseries Elvis. For his contributions to television, he received the Saturn Award for Best Actor on Television.
Fast facts
- Born: 5 November 1958, Marietta, Georgia
- Citizenship: United States
- Education: Bowling Green State University
- Breakthrough Role: T-1000, Terminator 2: Judgment Day
- Award: Saturn Award for Best Actor on Television
- Television Lead Roles: John Doggett, Cabe Gallo, Auggie Smith
- Occupations: Actor, voice actor, film producer
Questions readers ask
What was Robert Patrick's first major Hollywood film?
His first major Hollywood film was Die Hard 2, where he played a henchman for Colonel Stuart.
Which award has Robert Patrick won for his television work?
He is a recipient of the Saturn Award for Best Actor on Television.
Achievements
- Educated at Bowling Green State University
- Worked as film actor, voice actor and television actor
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