Patti Harrison, an American comedian and actor, was born on October 31, 1990, in the small town of Orient, Ohio. Patti’s background is quite unique—her father served in the U.S. Army and met her Vietnamese mother during the war, which adds a rich cultural layer to Patti’s identity. Now, when it comes to her career, Patti Harrison really found her calling in comedy. It all started while she was studying at Ohio University, where she began performing with an improv team—and that experience ultimately set her on the path to becoming a professional comic.
It wasn’t long before Patti Harrison made a name for herself on national television. One of her breakout moments came when she appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (NBC, 2014–present). As a transgender comedian, Patti used her platform to deliver sharp, timely humor, including a memorable bit about the controversial ban on transgender individuals serving in the U.S. military. That performance helped solidify her presence in the comedy world, and soon after, Variety magazine named Patti Harrison one of their “10 Comics to Watch for 2019.”
From there, Patti continued to build momentum. She showcased her comedic talent on shows like Unsend (Comedy Central, 2017–present) and History of Swear Words (Netflix, 2021), where her wit and timing stood out. But Patti Harrison didn’t stop at stand-up or guest appearances—she became a main cast member on the popular Hulu series Shrill (2019–2021), playing the lovable and loyal Ruthie. Audiences quickly warmed to Patti’s natural charm and relatable humor.
Behind the scenes, Patti Harrison has also made a strong impact as a writer. She contributed as a staff writer to the AMC drama series Dispatches From Elsewhere (2020), proving her range beyond comedy. She also lent her writing skills to the wildly absurd sketch show I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson (Netflix, 2019–present), further showcasing her creative versatility. And let’s not forget her work on Big Mouth (Netflix, 2017–present), where Patti joined the writing staff for the show’s third season, adding her voice to its bold, animated storytelling.
In 2021, Patti Harrison reached a historic milestone: she became the first known transgender actor to voice a character in a Disney animated film. That role was in Raya and the Last Dragon, a moment that wasn’t just significant for Patti personally, but also a landmark for representation in mainstream animation. Through her work across TV, film, and writing, Patti Harrison continues to break barriers and bring fresh, authentic perspectives to the entertainment industry.
So, when it comes to Patti Harrison’s filmography, things get a bit interesting. Patti Harrison has been involved in a few notable projects, but if we’re talking about critical reception, the standout is definitely Raya and the Last Dragon from 2021—that one turned out to be Patti Harrison’s highest-rated movie by a fair margin. It received praise for its storytelling and animation, and Patti Harrison’s contribution added a unique flavor to the ensemble. On the flip side, Mack & Rita, released in 2022, didn’t fare quite as well. That one ended up being Patti Harrison’s lowest-rated film so far, according to audience and critic reviews. Still, it’s worth noting that Patti Harrison brings charm and comedic timing to every role, even when the project itself doesn’t hit all the right notes. Overall, Patti Harrison continues to build a diverse portfolio, and fans are definitely watching to see what Patti Harrison does next.