Mandel Bruce Patinkin, professionally known as Mandy Patinkin, was born to Doris "Doralee" Sinton, a homemaker and cookbook writer, and Lester Patinkin, an entrepreneur who operated two scrap metal plants, in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois.
As a child, Patinkin's passion for singing began to flourish at the tender age of 13 or 14, when he started performing in synagogue choirs. This talent has since been showcased in numerous musicals and recordings, and he continues to utilize his extraordinary voice to this day.
Patinkin's educational background includes attending the prestigious Juilliard, where he formed a lasting friendship with actor Kelsey Grammer. In fact, it was Patinkin who recommended Grammer for the role of Dr. Frasier Crane in the popular television show "Cheers," which premiered in 1982.
Despite his successful career, Patinkin has faced rumors surrounding his departure from the television series "Criminal Minds," which aired from 2005 to 2015. According to reports, Patinkin failed to show up for a table read, citing "personal reasons" for his sudden departure. However, it has been revealed that the actual level of violence portrayed in the show was unacceptable to the actor, leading him to seek out more light-hearted projects.
Throughout his career, Patinkin has been an advocate for various charitable organizations, including PAX, Doctors Without Borders, Americans for Peace Now, The September 11th Fund, Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, and Gilda's Club.
As a man of diverse heritage, Patinkin is proud to claim Russian Jewish and Latvian Jewish ancestry. His dedication to his craft, as well as his commitment to giving back to his community, has made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
