Introduction
Patrick Francis Labyorteaux was born on July 22, 1965, in Los Angeles, California. His early life was marked by a significant event: his adoption by Ronald Labyorteaux, an interior designer, and Frances Marshall, an actress. This adoption was particularly notable because Patrick was reportedly a "difficult" child who had been labeled incorrigible by several foster homes before being adopted. This early adversity set the stage for a life characterized by resilience and determination.
Breakthrough Role in 'Little House on the Prairie'
Patrick's first significant role came when he was cast as Andrew "Andy" Garvey on the NBC series Little House on the Prairie. This role, which he played from 1977 to 1981, brought him into the national spotlight. The series was a commercial success, with some episodes drawing over 20 million viewers. Patrick's portrayal of Andy Garvey earned him critical acclaim and established him as a talented young actor.
Transition to 'JAG' and 'NCIS'
After his success on Little House on the Prairie, Patrick transitioned to adult roles, most notably as Bud Roberts on the CBS series JAG and its spin-off NCIS. His character, Lieutenant Junior Grade Bud Roberts, was a fan favorite, and he appeared in a total of 208 episodes of JAG from 1995 to 2005. Patrick's performance was not only praised for its authenticity but also for its consistency over a decade-long run. The financial success of JAG, which often ranked among CBS's top shows, significantly boosted Patrick's career earnings.
Voice Acting and Other Roles
In addition to his on-screen roles, Patrick Labyorteaux has an extensive career as a voice actor. He has lent his voice to various animated series and video games, including Spider-Man: The Animated Series and Star Wars: The Clone Wars. His versatility as a voice actor has opened numerous doors, allowing him to work on projects that grossed millions in revenue. For instance, Star Wars: The Clone Wars generated an estimated $68 million in merchandise sales, a portion of which can be attributed to the popularity of the characters voiced by actors like Patrick.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Patrick Labyorteaux married Tina Albanese, a television producer, in 1998. The couple has one child, a son named Jeau Bennett Labyorteaux, born in 2001. Together, Patrick and Tina have been active in various charitable endeavors. They founded the Youth Rescue Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping runaway and homeless youth. The fund has raised over $11 million since its inception, providing critical resources and support to thousands of young people.
Financial Success and Investments
Patrick's successful acting career has translated into substantial financial success. His estimated net worth is around $18 million. Apart from his earnings from acting, Patrick has made savvy investments in real estate. He owns properties in Los Angeles and Malibu, with the Malibu property alone valued at approximately $3.5 million. These investments have not only provided financial security but also allowed him to live a comfortable lifestyle.
Less-Known Facts and Trivia
Patrick is an accomplished martial artist and holds a black belt in Taekwondo. He has a deep interest in aviation and holds a private pilot's license. Patrick and his brother, Matthew Labyorteaux, appeared together in the 1983 film Deadly Friend, directed by Wes Craven.
He has been a guest star on numerous popular TV shows, including 21 Jump Street, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Patrick is an avid collector of vintage comic books, with a collection valued at over $200,000. He has participated in various celebrity poker tournaments, often playing for charity and raising significant funds for causes he supports. Patrick has also worked behind the scenes as a writer and producer, contributing to shows like See Dad Run and The Secret Life of the American Teenager.
Conclusion
Patrick Labyorteaux's career is a testament to his versatility and resilience. From overcoming a challenging early childhood to becoming a beloved actor and philanthropist, Patrick has made significant contributions both on and off the screen. His financial success, bolstered by smart investments and a diverse portfolio of work, underscores his business acumen. With a career spanning several decades and multiple facets of the entertainment industry, Patrick Labyorteaux continues to be a prominent and respected figure in Hollywood.
