Actor- Director-Teacher

Prior to becoming a Groundling in 1989, I had trained in college and  done a few professional stage gigs. I began working more and more in tv and film, but always made time to keep teaching improv. It's the most rewarding effort I've known. 

Patrick Bristow - The name may not be familiar but the face may be as he’s appeared on numerous television shows and films over the past 30 years. Maybe you remember him as the “Wig Master” on Seinfeld or as the goody two shoes friend Peter on the groundbreaking sit com “Ellen,” as well as recurring roles on Mad About You, Curb Your Enthusiasm and more. 

In recent years, he has appeared on American Woman, Criminal Minds, Major Crimes, Shameless, The Middle, Last Man Standing, Pretty Little Liars, CSI, and in the films Austin Powers, So I Married An Axe Murderer, Pain And Gain, and Transformers 4. Look for him later this year in “Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar.” 

He is an alumni of The Groundlings Theatre where he performed, taught and directed for many years. He currently teaches improv classes of his own in Los Angeles. Sharing his experience and knowledge of improv comedy is an equal passion to his efforts as a performer. Depending on the day, it might be the greater passion. 

Patrick is the co-creator, (along with Brian Henson) of the Jim Henson Company’s long running puppet improv show, “Puppet Up Uncensored.” The show has played to packed houses and rave reviews all over the world. Patrick also serves as the show’s Emcee. 

Between acting, writing, directing and his various duties for Puppet Up, he feels lucky to be able to make a living through creative pursuits. In his spare time he attempts to play the harp. Initially, he chose the instrument for its relaxing qualities. But, hearing his practice broken by grunts and cussing shows that he was misguided in this notion. He persists anyhow. When asked if he plays the harp, he corrects you with, “I play WITH the harp.” 

He’s a native Angeleno and grew up primarily in Burbank. His parents, Frank and Patricia met doing theatre in Los Angeles in the late 1940’s and though they didn’t continue with their theatrical careers, they could not have been more encouraging to their son who wanted to pursue acting. His older brothers have been equally supportive. 

He has been with his loving husband, Andrew Nicastro, for 26 years and the two were married in 2010. They credit the length of their relationship to a “benevolent stubbornness” on both sides. 

If you still don’t quite know who he is, then maybe you’d recognize him as the terse choreographer from the accidental comedy, Showgirls. If not, no worries. The once bright red hair has faded to a color he says is not categorizable. He’s recognized less and less on the street. And that’s just peachy. Actually, peachy is sort of the color of his hair now. 

In addition to acting, I am the co-creator (along with Brian Henson) of Henson Alternative's "Puppet Up Uncensored," which has toured the world bringing adult improv comedy with the brilliantly talented puppeteers of the Jim Henson Company.  I teach improv classes and provide consulting services for entertainment based companies as well as team building through improv for a wide variety of businesses.