‘Bachelorette’ Fans Shocked to See ‘Seinfeld’ Star Patrick Warburton in Hometown Dates Preview (VIDEO)

Martin Holmes August 16, 2022, 8:19 am

Is Seinfeld alum Patrick Warburton related to one of the contestants on the current season of ABC‘s The Bachelorette? That’s what Bachelor Nation was wondering after the Family Guy voice actor appeared in the preview for next week’s hometown dates episode.

The contestant in question is tech executive Zach Shallcross, who received a hometown rose on the Monday, August 15, episode, which saw Gabby Windey and Rachel Recchia narrowing down their groups ahead of the upcoming family visits. In the post-episode sneak peek, eagle-eyed viewers noticed Warburton pop up in the preview for Shallcross’s hometown date.

“I’m sorry, is Zach’s dad Patrick Warburton?” tweeted one fan following the teaser. “DID I JUST SEE PATRICK WARBURTON?!?!? ON THE BACHELORETTE?!?!?!” exclaimed another surprised viewer.

I’m sorry, is Zach’s dad Patrick Warburton? #TheBachelorette

— Dori (@DoriSG1994) August 16, 2022

DID I JUST SEE PATRICK WARBURTON?!?!? ON THE BACHELORETTE?!?!?! #TheBachelorette pic.twitter.com/l4W6y201pS

— Nicole Marie (@nicolemarie__92) August 16, 2022

Wait how is Patrick Warburton related to one of the #bachelorette contestants?

— Alexis Wierenga (@alexiswierenga) August 16, 2022

It was indeed the Rules of Engagement actor, as confirmed by Entertainment Weekly‘s Kristen Baldwin, who noted, “All signs point to yes! I have it on good authority that this is, in fact, Puddy (a.k.a. Patrick Warburton).”

All signs point to yes! I have it on good authority that this is, in fact, Puddy (a.k.a. Patrick Warburton). #TheBachelorette pic.twitter.com/qtEgYLjupM

— Kristen Baldwin (@KristenGBaldwin) August 16, 2022

However, it turns out that Warburton is not Shallcross’ father but rather his uncle. There are even photos of the pair hanging out on Shallcross’ Instagram page.

“Omg Patrick Warburton is Zach’s uncle! Voice explained,” wrote one viewer after learning of the relation. “Wait wait wait, Patrick Warburton is Zach’s uncle? What’s happening?” added another fan, who was still coming to grips with this revelation.

Omg Patrick Warburton is Zach’s uncle! Voice explained 😂 #bachelorette #seinfeld

— AdriannaAcceptsTheRose (@AdriannaAccepts) August 16, 2022

Wait wait wait, Patrick Warburton is Zach’s uncle? What’s happening? #TheBachelorette pic.twitter.com/fuPCpxLhFK

— Amy Fletcher (@itsa_me_amy) August 16, 2022

Zach’s mom is Megan (Warburton) Shallcross whose brother is Patrick Warburton aka this guy #bachelorette pic.twitter.com/mVQrzZI7Kf

— Sam Moreaux (@Denbeezee) August 16, 2022

I love that #TheBachelorette Twitter right now is just an IMDB for Patrick Warburton https://t.co/p3Z5s00KGV

— RA Loves TV (@RA_TV_Tweets) August 16, 2022

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Warburton is known for playing the popular character David Puddy on the classic sitcom Seinfeld, in addition to his title role on The Tick, Jeb Denton on Less Than Perfect, Jeff Bingham on Rules of Engagement, and Lemony Snicket on A Series of Unfortunate Events. He also voices the character of Joe Swanson on Family Guy.

Watch the preview for next week’s episode below.