Robert Patrick was born on November 5, 1958, in Marietta, Georgia, as the eldest of five children to Nadine and Robert M. Patrick12. His early life was marked by frequent moves, as his family relocated to various cities including Boston, Dayton, Detroit, and Cleveland13. This nomadic lifestyle prevented Patrick from forming lasting childhood friendships, leading him to find solace in books, films, and radio4.

Despite his later success as an actor, Patrick initially showed little interest in performing. In third grade, he famously refused to wear green tights for a Peter Pan production12. He graduated from Farmington High School in Michigan in 1977 and went on to attend Bowling Green State University, where he participated in track and field and football12. However, Patrick's life took an unexpected turn when he discovered his passion for acting in a college drama course, prompting him to drop out and pursue a career in the arts13.

• Patrick worked as a house painter after leaving college

• A near-fatal boating accident in Lake Erie in 1984 inspired him to move to Los Angeles at age 26 to pursue acting12

• He supported himself through bartending jobs and even lived in his car while seeking acting opportunities3

This challenging background and Patrick's determination laid the foundation for his eventual success in Hollywood, leading to his breakthrough role as the T-1000 in "Terminator 2: Judgment Day"13.

Robert Patrick's breakthrough in Hollywood came with his iconic portrayal of the T-1000 in James Cameron's "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" (1991). Prior to this role, Patrick had been working in low-budget films, often produced by Roger Corman and shot in the Philippines1. These early experiences, which Patrick referred to as his "film school," helped him secure a SAG card and laid the groundwork for his future success2.

The role of the T-1000 was a turning point in Patrick's career. Cameron chose Patrick for his physical appearance and ability to convey the character's machine-like qualities3. To prepare for the role, Patrick underwent intense physical training and developed a unique approach to portraying the liquid-metal assassin, including a distinctive running style and predator-like stare3. The film's success catapulted Patrick into the spotlight, earning him critical acclaim and establishing him as a formidable presence in Hollywood41.

• Patrick was "broke" and living in a cheap apartment when he landed the T-1000 role2

• He married his girlfriend Barbara during the filming of "Terminator 2"2

• The success of the film opened doors for Patrick, leading to roles in major productions and helping to establish his versatile acting career15

Robert Patrick's personal life reflects a balance between his Hollywood career and his family commitments. He married actress Barbara Hooper in 1990, and the couple has two children together - a son named Samuel and a daughter named Austin1. Patrick and his wife have occasionally worked together, appearing in films and TV shows such as "Zero Tolerance" and "The X-Files"23.

Outside of acting, Patrick is known for his interests and philanthropic efforts:

• He is a devout Episcopalian and a member of the Boozefighters motorcycle club23.

• Patrick is a lifelong supporter of the military and the USO, regularly participating in hospital visits and USO tours4.

• He is a passionate Harley-Davidson enthusiast and co-owns a Harley-Davidson dealership in Santa Clarita4.

• In 2022, Patrick openly discussed his past struggles with substance abuse early in his career, particularly after the success of "Terminator 2"25.

Despite his often intense on-screen personas, Patrick is described as a gentleman in real life, known for his work ethic and consistent performances21. He resides in Los Angeles with his family, maintaining a balance between his successful acting career and personal life46.