Bill Fagerbakke Biography: Children, Movies, Ethnicity, Awards, Wife, Height, Net Worth

William Mark Fagerbakke, professionally known as Bill Fagerbakke, is an American actor and voice artist, widely celebrated for his iconic role as the voice of Patrick Star in the global phenomenon SpongeBob SquarePants.

With a career spanning over four decades, he first rose to prominence in the late 1980s as the lovable assistant coach “Dauber” Dybinski on the hit sitcom Coach.

Known for his imposing physical stature and a voice that seamlessly transitions from deep authority to whimsical humor, Fagerbakke has become a staple of American television.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: William Mark Fagerbakke
• Stage Name: Bill Fagerbakke
• Born: October 4, 1957
• Age: 68 years old
• Birthplace: Fontana, California, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor and Voice Artist
• Height: 1.98m
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Fagerbakke
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Catherine McClenahan (m. 1989–2012)
• Children: Hannah Marie Fagerbakke, Carson Greer Fagerbakke
• Relationship: Separated
• Net Worth: $10,000,000

Early Life and Education

William Mark Fagerbakke was born on October 4, 1957, in Fontana, California, though he spent much of his youth in Rupert, Idaho, under the care of Mr. and Mrs. Fagerbakke.

A natural athlete, he excelled in football, basketball, and track at Minico High School before attending the University of Idaho, where he played as a defensive lineman for the Vandals.

However, a pivotal knee injury during his sophomore year cut his promising athletic career short, prompting him to pivot his focus toward the university’s theater department.

After earning his Bachelor of Arts in 1981, he furthered his craft at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where he obtained a Master of Fine Arts degree.

Fagerbakke is of Norwegian descent and was raised in a Christian household.

Career

Bill Fagerbakke began his career in the mid-1980s, making his initial mark on the New York stage and in minor film roles such as the 1987 comedy Funny Farm.

His breakout role arrived in 1989 when he was cast as Michael “Dauber” Dybinski in the ABC sitcom Coach.

Playing the well-meaning but dim-witted assistant coach for nine seasons, Fagerbakke earned widespread initial recognition and became a household name.

During this period, he also demonstrated his dramatic range as Tom Cullen in the 1994 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s The Stand, proving he was far more than just a comedic supporting actor.

The growth of his professional life took a monumental turn in 1999 when he was cast as Patrick Star in Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants.

This major achievement transformed his career, as the character became a cultural touchstone and one of the most recognizable voices in animation history.

While continuing his voice work, he achieved key milestones in live-action television, notably appearing as Marvin Eriksen Sr. in the beloved sitcom How I Met Your Mother.

His ability to navigate between high-energy animation and grounded, emotional television roles allowed him to maintain a constant presence in the industry for several decades.

His work today continues to center on the expansion of the SpongeBob franchise, where he serves as the lead in the spin-off series The Patrick Star Show.

His standing in the entertainment community is that of a veteran statesman, often praised for his consistency and the warmth he brings to his collaborative projects.

With a legacy defined by characters that embody loyalty and innocence, Fagerbakke remains a vital influence in the voice-acting world, mentoring younger talent and continuing to engage audiences with the same comedic timing that first made him a star.

Social Media

Bill Fagerbakke does not have a verified social media account.

Personal Life

Bill Fagerbakke was born on October 4, 1957, and is currently 68 years old.

He was famously married to actress Catherine McClenahan in 1989, a partnership that spanned over two decades before they legally separated in 2012.

Together, they have two daughters, Hannah Marie and Carson Greer, both of whom have occasionally shared in their father’s public milestones.

While his romantic life has remained largely out of the headlines since his separation, he is known to enjoy a quiet lifestyle filled with outdoor interests such as backpacking and scuba diving.

Filmography

• Funny Farm (1988)
• Coach (1989–1997)
• The Stand (1994)
• Gargoyles (1994–1996)
• The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
• Oz (1998–1999)
• SpongeBob SquarePants (1999–Present)
• How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014)
• The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004)
• Transformers Animated (2007–2009)

Net Worth

Bill Fagerbakke has an estimated net worth of $10,000,000.

The vast majority of his wealth stems from his tenure as a primary voice actor on SpongeBob SquarePants, one of the most profitable media franchises in history, alongside significant residuals from his nine-year run on Coach.

His financial relevance is further supported by his work on various spin-offs, movies, and consistent guest appearances on high-rated network television.