Bill Fagerbakke Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Bill Fagerbakke is an American actor and voice-actor, best known as the voice of Patrick Star and his long-running live-action and animation career.

Introduction

William “Bill” Fagerbakke was born on October 4, 1957, and has carved out a distinguished career in both live-action television and animation. Known widely for giving voice to the iconic character Patrick Star in the hit series SpongeBob SquarePants, Fagerbakke has built an estimated net worth of around US$10 million.  His personal life has also drawn interest, including his marriage and subsequent separation from actress Catherine McClenahan, with whom he shares two daughters.  As we explore his journey, we’ll examine the key moments behind his rise, his core income streams, his relationships, and how the public perceives his legacy.

Quick Facts

From Mid-western Roots to Hollywood Studios

Growing up in Fontana, California, then moving to Idaho, Fagerbakke’s early life intertwined athletics and the arts. The pivot from football to acting came after a knee injury during his college days at the University of Idaho.  He began his professional acting career in the mid-1980s and landed significant recognition with the role of Michael “Dauber” Dybinski on Coach, a role that tapped his comedic timing and physical presence. The casting as Patrick Star in the late 1990s created a cultural touchpoint — Fagerbakke himself recalled seeing the pilot for the series and realizing “this is something really special.” 

Defining moments in Bill Fagerbakke’s journey include:

• Transition from college athlete to acting after a sports-related injury.

• Breakthrough live-action role as “Dauber” Dybinski on Coach.

• Landing and sustaining the voice role of Patrick Star in SpongeBob SquarePants.

• Blending voice and on-screen performance across both children’s animation and adult sitcoms.

The Core Pillars of Bill Fagerbakke’s Wealth Include:

According to CelebrityNetWorth, his net worth is estimated at US$10 million.  Although many estimators simply reuse this figure, it remains the widely quoted benchmark.

Relationships & Family Life

Fagerbakke married Catherine McClenahan in 1989; together they have two daughters.  In September 2012 he filed for legal separation citing irreconcilable differences. 

Key insights into Bill Fagerbakke’s relationships and personal life:

• His marriage to Catherine McClenahan lasted over two decades and produced two daughters who grew up with the legacy of his work.

• His daughters witnessed the animation process and recognized the pilot for SpongeBob early; he describes their reaction as affirming the show’s potential. 

• Despite the separation, Fagerbakke speaks with pride of parenthood; in the Den of Geek interview he said: “Being a parent is hands down the greatest thing of my life.” 

Beyond Career Success: Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond the screen and microphone, Bill Fagerbakke leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Continuous involvement with voice-acting projects and fan conventions for SpongeBob SquarePants.

• A focus on family time—he has spoken about enjoying moments with his children in sessions and travel. 

• Likely ownership of real estate and participation in legacy income from his longtime role; while specifics on homes or cars are not publicly documented, the steady income from animation voice work suggests stable asset accumulation.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

This breakdown reflects publicly available figures and should be considered an estimate:

The single-figure estimate (~$10 million) consolidates years of steady work rather than blockbuster earnings or large-scale business ventures. The growth driver is his affiliation with the enduring Nickelodeon franchise and his ability to balance both on-camera and voice-acting work.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Bill Fagerbakke is perceived as a warm, affable, and reliable presence in Hollywood. His voice work as Patrick Star has made him a household name across generations. Through interviews he displays humility, acknowledging how fortunate he is to continue working on a franchise that resonates globally. 

In the wider industry, his trajectory reinforces the value of diversify­ing talent—moving from athletics to acting, from live action to voice. His legacy includes being a visible example for actors who balance mainstream roles and niche voice-work. Moreover, his public remarks about parenthood and creative joy help underline his personal authenticity, adding to his favourable reputation.

Conclusion

From his birthdate on October 4, 1957 to his first big break as a live-action sitcom actor, and finally his signature role as the voice of Patrick Star, Bill Fagerbakke’s journey is one of adaptability and longevity. With an estimated net worth of approximately US$10 million, his professional and personal life reflect dedication, talent, and authenticity. His relationships, notably the marriage with Catherine McClenahan and their two daughters, add human depth to his public persona. On his birthday and beyond, Fagerbakke stands as an example of how a bold pivot—moving from college athletics to comedy and voice acting—can carve out a lasting legacy.