Meet Patrick Babbitt | Comedian, Writer, Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Patrick Babbitt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Patrick, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I grew up in a very small town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. It was basically a farming community that was transitioning to a commuter town. The closest movie theater involved a long car ride. We had to find ways to entertain ourselves. Plus my parents did not let us watch a lot of TV. That forced my brothers and I to get creative.

Humor was a mainstay in my family. Not just crazy uncles and aunties, which there were plenty of, but my parents are both super funny. I have two brothers that are funnier than me, I’m just the one that pursued comedy as a career.

Additionally, comedy nerds tend to find each other. Being in a small town I found the handful of other oddballs that loved to make each other laugh. The combination of being surrounded by funny people and living in a boring area made it easier for me to start writing and being creative. I started writing sketches and music in middle school. To this day I have a lot of trouble sitting still. I’m always pushing myself to write and create, rather than watching TV. I’m still the bored kid from the Eastern Shore trying to entertain himself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In my heart I’ll always be a sketch comedy producer. I say that because it fully covers all the different things I do. I act and write and make short films. When I started, I was helping put sketch shows together in the back of bars in Chicago. A high level of collaboration and creativity went into that. Whether I’m making a short film with a group of friends or shooting a commercial for some brand, I still make collaboration a priority.

I struggle with those things all artists deal with. Self-doubt, motivation, money! The thing I found helpful was ditching the idea I’ve mastered something. Continue trying new ways to approach a project. Take a class, RE-take a class. If you get a check for a gig put some of it away to invest in yourself. I don’t mean a self-care investment, I mean education or budgeting for your next project. Oh and make sure you check in with your tribe. I’m a happier person when I’m supporting my friend’s creative pursuits. Get off your ass and go to shows.

I like to toggle between grounded comedy based in reality. Then do live shows where the characters are big and crazy. I try to keep it diverse and I refuse to pick a lane haha. You can check out my shortfilm Lump right now. I made it with my wife and it was directed by the insanely talented Honora Talbott.

I’m always performing around Los Angeles. I also have a new web-series called HR coming out soon. I think people will really dig it, it’s new and different. My wife Jackie and I have a sketch comedy show called the Babuthy Variety Hour at the Lyric Theater in Silverlake on September 2nd. We bill it as a variety show, but we’re every act. It’s going to be a wild hour of comedy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of the best parts of LA is the recent expansion of all the bars outdoor seating. I live in the Glassell Park area so I find myself drinking outside at the Verdugo Bar. Plus there’s a killer taco truck nearby on Eagle Rock Blvd called Gordita Lupita.

I bought an ebike last year and have been using it daily. LA is far more bike-able than everyone realizes. The LA River path is gorgeous. I love taking it down to Chinatown and hanging at the LA State Historic Park. Then grabbing a beer at the Highland Park Brewery. Sorry every idea I have involved a cold beer at some point.

I’d probably force my friends to come surfing or skating with me as well. There’s a million skateparks with a million different vibes depending on the time of day. I like the Lincoln Park Skatepark, El Sereno Park, and Garvanza Park. For surfing my friends and I end up paddling out at Venice Beach, it’s not the best break but we’re not good so it works for us.

For comedy I steer people to the Lyric Hyperion, Elysian, and Dynasty. If you want to see some great acts that haven’t hit your tv yet, I’d invite people to check out a show at the Yard Theater by LACC on Vermont and Melrose.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife Jackie Gonzalez-Durruthy has always been a source of inspiration and encouragement. We met at a comedy theater and still work together. She’s always there to help me figure out ideas. She’s so talented, she’s able to take any idea and run with it. We started performing together again recently and it’s the most fun I’ve had in ages.

Instagram: @patrickbabbitt

Twitter: @patrickbabbitt

Youtube: https://youtu.be/9LIAmnXGJlA

Image Credits
Sarah Thurman photography