Patrick Fabian

Patrick Fabian (born December 7, 1964) is an American actor best known for his portrayal of attorney Howard Hamlin in the AMC series Better Call Saul from 2015 to 2022.^[1] Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and raised in New Cumberland, he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theater from Pennsylvania State University in 1987 before obtaining a Master of Fine Arts in theatre performance from California State University, Long Beach.^[2][3][4] Fabian began his acting career in the early 1990s with guest appearances on television shows such as Saved by the Bell: The College Years and Beverly Hills, 90210.^[5] Over three decades, he has amassed over 150 credits across film, television, stage, and voice work, including recurring roles in Joan of Arcadia, Scandal, and Grey's Anatomy, and recent roles in The Way We Speak (2024) and the upcoming The Ritual (2025).^[6] In film, he starred as Reverend Cotton Marcus in the 2010 horror movie The Last Exorcism, for which he won Best Actor at the Sitges Film Festival, and appeared in supporting parts in Must Love Dogs (2005) and DriverX (2018).^[7][8] His performance as Howard Hamlin earned him a 2022 Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series and contributed to Screen Actors Guild Award ensemble nominations for Better Call Saul in 2021 and 2023.^[9][10] Fabian has also provided voice acting for DC animated projects, such as The Death of Superman (2018), and performed in stage productions including Six Degrees of Separation.^[8] He is married to writer and comedian Mandy Steckelberg, with whom he has two daughters, Abbey Ray (born 2010) and Delilah Grace (born 2012).^[11][1]

Early life and education

Family background and childhood

Patrick Fabian was born on December 7, 1964, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to parents Tom and Mary Lou Fabian. His father worked for the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).^[12] He has Slovak ancestry on his father's side.^[13] Fabian grew up in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, after his family relocated there from Pittsburgh during his early childhood.^[14] Coming from a working-class family, he developed a blue-collar work ethic through everyday tasks like raking leaves, shoveling snow, and cutting grass, which shaped his grounded perspective on life and perseverance.^[14] He attended Cedar Cliff High School in nearby Camp Hill, graduating in 1983, where he also went to Manor Elementary and New Cumberland Middle School earlier in his education.^[15] His passion for performing emerged during high school through involvement in school plays such as The Pajama Game and Pygmalion, as well as musicals, chorus, and the marching band, in which he played the trombone and served as band president.^[15][14] These experiences, influenced by dedicated teachers like O. David Dietz, Doug Williams, and Carol Diffenderfer, ignited his interest in acting and set the stage for further training.^[15]

Academic training

Fabian earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theater arts from Pennsylvania State University in 1987.^[2] During his undergraduate studies, he gained practical experience through performances in university productions, including Spring Awakening directed by Helen Manfull, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and Much Ado About Nothing directed by Bill Kelly and set in India.^[2] He also received foundational training in classical theater techniques from professors such as Michael Connolly, Helen Manfull, Bill Kelly, and others, which emphasized rigorous rehearsal processes and vocal warm-ups drawn from works like Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance.^[2] Following his time at Penn State, Fabian pursued advanced training by enrolling in the Master of Fine Arts program in acting at California State University, Long Beach, which he completed in 1989.^[16] The MFA curriculum focused on intensive performance skills, including scene study and character development, preparing students for professional theater and screen work through ensemble-based productions and technique workshops. This graduate education built on his undergraduate foundation, honing his abilities in classical and contemporary acting methods. Upon completing his MFA, Fabian relocated to Los Angeles to pursue professional opportunities in film, television, and theater.^[15] This move marked the transition from academic training to his entry into the entertainment industry, where his formal education provided essential skills for auditions and on-set demands.^[17]

Acting career

Early television and film roles

Fabian relocated to Los Angeles following his completion of an MFA in theatre performance, where he initially supported himself by waiting tables despite possessing six years of higher education in the field.^[18] To refine his craft post-graduation, he performed in regional theatre productions, including Humpty Dumpty by Eric Bogosian at the McCarter Theatre Center in Princeton, New Jersey, and joined the national tour of John Guare's Six Degrees of Separation directed by Jerry Zaks.^[19][20] His entry into professional television occurred in 1993 with a guest role in the science fiction series Time Trax.^[6] Fabian achieved his first prominent television role as the laid-back anthropology professor Jeremiah Lasky in the NBC sitcom Saved by the Bell: The College Years (1993–1994), appearing in eight episodes of the series' single season.^[21] He continued building his resume with additional guest appearances on television, such as in the action series Renegade (1995).^[6] Throughout the 1990s, Fabian navigated the challenges of a young actor by taking on supporting and guest roles, gradually gaining momentum in the competitive Los Angeles entertainment industry.^[18]

Breakthrough and recurring series

Fabian's rising profile in the 2000s was marked by recurring roles in notable television dramas that showcased his versatility in supporting characters. In the CBS series Joan of Arcadia (2003–2005), he played Gavin Price, the strict and unpopular vice principal of Arcadia High School, appearing across 16 episodes as a figure who often clashed with the protagonist's family.^[22] This role, part of the groundwork from his earlier guest appearances, helped establish him in ensemble casts dealing with moral and supernatural themes. Similarly, in the third season of UPN's Veronica Mars (2006), Fabian portrayed Professor Hank Landry, Veronica's charismatic criminology instructor and brief romantic interest, in an eight-episode arc that integrated him into the show's mystery-driven narrative. He continued building momentum with a recurring turn as Ted Price in HBO's Big Love (2006–2011), a devout attorney entangled in the polygamist community's legal battles, spanning nine episodes primarily in seasons three and four.^[23] Fabian's portrayal emphasized Price's unwavering faith and personal integrity amid familial and ethical conflicts, contributing to the series' exploration of religion and power dynamics.^[24] Fabian's signature role came as Howard Hamlin in AMC's Better Call Saul (2015–2022), where he appeared in 34 episodes over six seasons as the co-founder of the prestigious Hamlin, Hamlin & McGill law firm.^[25] Initially presented as a smug antagonist blocking Jimmy McGill's ambitions, Howard's arc evolved to reveal a more nuanced, ambitious professional grappling with grief over his mentor Chuck's suicide and personal insecurities, culminating in a tragic demise orchestrated by Jimmy and Kim Wexler.^[26] Critics praised Fabian's performance for humanizing Howard, transforming him from a perceived villain into a sympathetic figure whose downfall highlighted the show's themes of moral compromise and collateral damage.^[27] The role significantly boosted Fabian's visibility, generating Emmy buzz for the ensemble cast and series, though individual nominations eluded him despite acclaim for his layered depiction.^[28]

Feature films and theatre

Patrick Fabian's feature film career spans supporting and leading roles across genres, often showcasing his versatility in dramatic and comedic contexts. His early screen appearance came in the 1998 parody Jane Austen's Mafia!, where he played the supporting role of Riverdancer, a humorous nod to the film's satirical take on mobster tropes and Jane Austen adaptations. This role marked one of his initial forays into cinema, blending physical comedy with ensemble dynamics under director Jim Abrahams. Later, in the 2013 independent drama Jimmy, Fabian portrayed Sam Mitchell, the supportive yet strained father of the titular protagonist, contributing to the film's exploration of bullying and redemption in a small-town setting directed by Mark Freiburger. Similarly, in the 2004 thriller Clean, he took on the role of Bobby Franklin, a character entangled in a web of crime and moral ambiguity, highlighting his ability to navigate tense, character-driven narratives. A pivotal moment in Fabian's filmography arrived with his lead performance as Reverend Cotton Marcus in The Last Exorcism (2010), a found-footage horror film directed by Daniel Stamm and produced by Eli Roth. In the role, Fabian embodied a charismatic yet skeptical televangelist who documents what he believes to be his final exorcism, only to confront genuine supernatural terror. The production, made on a modest budget of approximately $1.8 million, achieved significant commercial success, grossing over $69 million worldwide and opening at number two at the U.S. box office with $20.4 million in its debut weekend. Critics praised Fabian's nuanced portrayal for grounding the film's mockumentary style in emotional authenticity, elevating it beyond typical horror tropes.^[29] Beyond live-action cinema, Fabian has contributed voice work to animated projects, though his credited roles in features emerged later; earlier efforts in the 2000s included uncredited contributions to animated segments in hybrid media, maintaining his range without overshadowing his primary pursuits.^[30] His theatre background, developed through rigorous stage training, has been integral to sustaining versatility amid film auditions. Early New York credits include The Food Chain at the Westside Theatre and Humpty Dumpty at the McCarter Theatre, both showcasing his comedic timing in contemporary plays.^[8] He also toured nationally in the Pulitzer Prize-winning Six Degrees of Separation, directed by Jerry Zaks, embodying interconnected human experiences on stage. In Los Angeles, Fabian performed in Shakespearean productions such as Love's Labour's Lost, Much Ado About Nothing, and A Midsummer Night's Dream with the LA Shakespeare Festival and Westside Free Shakespeare, balancing classical roles with modern film opportunities to hone his craft.^[8] This dual commitment to stage and screen, even as television visibility opened doors to larger film projects, underscores Fabian's dedication to multifaceted artistry.^[2]

Recent television and other projects

Following the conclusion of Better Call Saul in 2022, Patrick Fabian has maintained a steady presence in television with guest and recurring roles that showcase his range in dramatic and action-oriented series. In 2023, he portrayed David Wheeler, the CEO of a security firm, across two episodes of Kung Fu on The CW, bringing a layer of corporate menace to the family-centered narrative.^[24] Later that year into 2024, Fabian recurred as the antagonist Sam Bedrosian, a crime boss, in two episodes of the NBC reboot Magnum P.I., contributing to the show's procedural tension in its fifth and final season.^[24] He continued this momentum in 2024 with a single-episode guest appearance as Shane Niall in Tracker on CBS, playing a key figure in a missing persons investigation that highlighted his ability to convey subtle intrigue.^[24] Fabian's recent film work has spanned genres from horror to romance and animation, often in supporting roles that leverage his charismatic authority. In the 2023 horror thriller Snow Falls, he appeared as River's Dad, a brief but pivotal parental figure in a story of stranded friends facing psychological unraveling during a blizzard. That same year, he provided the voice for Harvey Dent, who transforms into Two-Face, in the DC animated film Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham, adding depth to the character's dual nature in a Lovecraftian twist on Gotham's lore. Fabian also starred as Matt MacLaren, a supportive doctor and love interest, in the romantic comedy The Other Zoey, a modern retelling of The Parent Trap centered on mistaken identities and family bonds. Moving into 2024, he played Simon Harrington in the indie drama The Way We Speak, portraying a complex figure navigating communication barriers in relationships. In 2025, he appeared in the horror film The Ritual as Bishop Edwards.^[31] Beyond screen projects, Fabian ventured into audio storytelling with the scripted podcast Strange Air, co-hosting and performing as the enigmatic radio host Malcolm Smith across its 10 episodes released from 2021 to 2022, blending paranormal mystery with immersive sound design.^[32] In 2025, he provided the voice of Dick Vermeil in the podcast series Madam Ram.^[33] In recent interviews, Fabian has reflected on the enduring influence of his Better Call Saul role while emphasizing his deliberate pursuit of varied characters—from voice work in DC animations to antagonistic figures in procedurals—to avoid pigeonholing and sustain a dynamic career.^[34]

Personal life

Marriage and family

Patrick Fabian married actress and writer Mandy Steckelberg on February 14, 2009.^[6] The couple met through professional circles in the entertainment industry and have maintained a partnership that blends personal and creative elements.^[35] Fabian and Steckelberg have two daughters: Abbey Ray Fabian, born on September 15, 2010, and Delilah Grace Fabian, born on July 28, 2012, at their home in Los Angeles.^[11] The family resides in Los Angeles, where they navigate the challenges of parenting amid the demands of Hollywood schedules.^[36] Fabian has affectionately described their household as a "House of Estrogen," consisting of his wife, daughters, and two female dogs, highlighting the joyful yet outnumbered dynamic of their daily life.^[11] In balancing their careers with family responsibilities, the couple draws from personal experiences, with Fabian often incorporating elements of fatherhood into his roles.^[37] They have shared professional collaborations, including joint appearances at events such as film premieres, and more recently, Fabian served as executive producer on Steckelberg's directorial debut, the comedy film Jess Plus None (2023).^[38][39]

Union and advocacy work

Fabian has been actively involved in SAG-AFTRA governance since his election to both the Los Angeles Local Board and the National Board in 2013, where he ran under the Unite for Strength slate and has served multiple terms as a Los Angeles Local Board member.^[40][41] In 2019, he sought re-election to a national board seat alongside other prominent performers, contributing to the union's leadership during a period of intense internal elections focused on member representation.^[42] As a board member, Fabian has participated in key union committees, including the MOVE L.A. Committee, which supports SAG-AFTRA initiatives aimed at enhancing member services, audition processes, and overall performer welfare through educational panels and outreach efforts.^[43] His roles have extended to broader governance responsibilities, such as oversight of contract negotiations that address working conditions and equity in the industry.^[41] Fabian demonstrated strong commitment to performers' rights by joining picket lines during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, walking alongside fellow members outside major studios like Warner Bros. to advocate for improved compensation, protections against AI, and fair residuals in the streaming era.^[44][45] He has publicly emphasized the need for unions to adapt to digital changes, stating support for striking writers and actors in social media posts that highlight the collective fight for sustainable careers.^[46]

Filmography

Film roles

Fabian made his feature film debut in the late 1990s with supporting roles in independent comedies.^[47] His early work often featured him in minor but memorable parts, transitioning to more prominent supporting roles in family and fantasy films during the 2000s. The 2010 horror film The Last Exorcism marked his first lead role, portraying a charismatic preacher in a found-footage style thriller, which garnered critical attention for his performance.^[48][49] Over the subsequent decade, Fabian balanced supporting appearances in action, drama, and sports films with voice work in animated superhero features. His recent projects include romantic comedies and dramas, alongside a return to horror in 2025. Genres span comedy, horror, drama, action, and animation, with Fabian typically in supporting roles except for select leads.^[50][47] The following table lists his feature film roles in chronological order:

Television roles

Patrick Fabian began his television career in the early 1990s with guest and recurring roles in various series, progressing to prominent parts in acclaimed dramas and comedies. His television work spans over three decades, encompassing everything from short-arc guest appearances to long-running recurring characters and series regulars. Below is a chronological overview of his key television credits, highlighting episode counts and role types where applicable.

• Saved by the Bell: The College Years (1993–1994, recurring role as Professor Jeremiah Lasky, 18 episodes)^[52]
• Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1995, guest star as Damar, 1 episode)
• Mr. Rhodes (1996–1997, recurring role, 6 episodes)
• Townies (1996, series regular)
• Time of Your Life (1999–2000, series regular as John Smith, 16 episodes)
• Providence (1999–2002, recurring role as Dr. Peter Arnold, 11 episodes)
• Friends (2001, guest star as Dan, 1 episode)
• 24 (2002, recurring role as Richard Walsh, 3 episodes)
• Joan of Arcadia (2003–2005, recurring role as Gavin Price, 16 episodes)
• Veronica Mars (2004–2007, recurring role as Professor Hank Landry, 8 episodes)
• Desperate Housewives (2004–2007, recurring role as Frank, 4 episodes)
• Big Love (2006–2011, recurring role as Ted Price, 15 episodes)
• The Newsroom (2013, guest star as Tony Hart, 1 episode)
• Scandal (2013, guest star as Senator Richard Meyers, 1 episode)
• Castle (2013, guest star as Peter Monroe, 1 episode)
• Grey's Anatomy (2014, recurring role as Dr. Oliver Lebackes, 2 episodes)
• Scorpion (2015, guest star as Captain Stephen Caine, 1 episode)
• Better Call Saul (2015–2022, series regular as Howard Hamlin, 34 episodes)^[53]
• Grimm (2017, guest star as Dr. Eugene Forbes, 1 episode)
• Elementary (2017, guest star as Lars Vestergaard, 1 episode)
• Lucifer (2017, recurring role as Reese Getty, 3 episodes)
• Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2018, guest star as Senator Gaius Ponarian, 1 episode)
• Code Black (2018, recurring guest star as Owen Edwards, 3 episodes)
• Special (2019–2021, recurring role as Phil, 16 episodes)
• Carol's Second Act (2019, guest star as Dr. Lewis, 1 episode)
• Black Monday (2020–2021, recurring role, 4 episodes)
• The Gordita Chronicles (2022, recurring role)
• Big Shot (2022, guest star, 1 episode)
• Kung Fu (2023, guest star, 1 episode)
• Magnum P.I. (2023–2024, recurring guest star as Sam Bedrosian, 2 episodes)
• Tracker (2024, guest star as Shane Niall, 1 episode)

This selection emphasizes his most significant and extended engagements, with Fabian often portraying authority figures, lawyers, and professionals across genres from procedural dramas to comedies.^[6]

Other media

Fabian portrayed the role of radio host Malcolm Smith in the audio drama podcast Strange Air, which aired from 2021 to 2023 across two seasons.^[54] The series, produced by Michael P. Greco and Tony Martinez, follows the disappearance of Smith during a live paranormal broadcast, investigated years later by his daughter through a documentary format.^[55] Fabian's performance as the charismatic yet enigmatic host drew praise for blending suspense with emotional depth in the scripted audio narrative.^[56] In addition to podcast work, Fabian has contributed voice acting to animated projects outside live-action cinema, including the role of Cyborg Superman (Hank Henshaw) in the DC Universe film Reign of the Supermen (2019) and Harvey Dent/Two-Face in Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham (2023).^[57] These roles highlight his versatility in voicing complex characters in supernatural and superhero contexts.^[30] Fabian also provided promotional voice-over work for sports broadcasts, such as a special guest narration for the NFL matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots in September 2022.^[32] No major theatre audio adaptations or recordings from his stage productions have been released as standalone media.

Awards and nominations

Ensemble cast awards

Patrick Fabian has been recognized for his role in ensemble performances through nominations from the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), which annually honors collective acting achievements to emphasize the collaborative essence of group dynamics in film and television. In 2021, the cast of Better Call Saul, featuring Fabian as Howard Hamlin alongside Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn, Jonathan Banks, Giancarlo Esposito, Tony Dalton, Michael Mando, and others, earned a nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series at the 27th Screen Actors Guild Awards.^[58] The series' ensemble received a subsequent nomination in the same category at the 29th Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2023, again crediting Fabian and his co-stars for their unified portrayal of interconnected characters in the legal drama.^[59]

Individual acting honors

Patrick Fabian received a nomination for his portrayal of Howard Hamlin in Better Call Saul, earning recognition at the 50th Saturn Awards in 2022 for Best Supporting Actor in a Network or Cable Television Series.^[60] In 2010, Fabian won the Best Actor award at the Sitges International Film Festival for his leading role as Reverend Cotton Marcus in the horror film The Last Exorcism.^[61] Earlier in his career, Fabian was nominated for Best Actor at the 2011 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards for his lead role as Reverend Cotton Marcus in the horror film The Last Exorcism, highlighting his ability to blend charisma and vulnerability in a found-footage thriller.^[61] In 2023, Fabian was honored with the Outstanding Achievement in Drama Award at the Las Cruces International Film Festival, acknowledging his dramatic performances, particularly as Howard Hamlin.^[62] Fabian's performance as Simon Harrington in the 2024 independent drama The Way We Speak garnered multiple Best Actor awards at film festivals, including the Special Jury Prize for Outstanding Actor in a Narrative Feature at the Gig Harbor Film Festival, the Best Actor award at the Albuquerque Film & Music Experience, and the Best Actor award at the Soho International Film Festival.^[9][63] In 2025, he received the Icon Award at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival for the same role, recognizing his impactful contribution to indie cinema.^[9]