Behind the scenes of comedic genius Bobcat Goldthwait’s vibrant career is a personal life that includes the joys of fatherhood. The renowned American comedian, actor, and director, known for his raspy voice and energetic performances, has two grown children—Tasha Goldthwait and Taylor Goldthwait.
Born Robert Francis Goldthwait on May 26, 1962, in Syracuse, New York, Bobcat Goldthwait embarked on his comedic journey at a remarkably young age. By the time he was 15, he was already performing professionally. His high school years at Bishop Grimes High School in East Syracuse, where he graduated alongside voice actor Tom Kenny (famous for SpongeBob SquarePants), marked the beginning of his comedic collaborations. Teaming up with Kenny and political satirist Barry Crimmins, they formed the comedy trio “The Generic Comics,” adopting the stage names “Bobcat, Bearcat, and Tomcat.”
Goldthwait’s early career saw him co-writing with Boston comedy writer Martin Olson, contributing to his first two comedy specials, “Share the Warmth” (HBO) and “Don’t Watch This Show” (Cinemax). His stand-up success was solidified with televised specials in the 1980s, including “An Evening with Bobcat Goldthwait—Share the Warmth” and “Bob Goldthwait—Is He Like That All the Time?”
Notably, Goldthwait teamed up with the late Robin Williams in a short-lived comedy partnership, using the names “Jack Cheese” and “Marty Fromage.” Their collaboration extended to film, with Goldthwait using the name Jack Cheese in “Tapeheads” and Williams making a cameo as Mime Jerry in Goldthwait’s “Shakes the Clown.”
While Goldthwait made a mark in film with roles in the Police Academy series, “One Crazy Summer,” “Burglar,” and “Scrooged,” among others, he also took a unique turn by opening for Nirvana during their final North American tour in 1993. This unexpected stand-up stint showcased his versatility beyond the traditional comedy circuit.
In 2005, Goldthwait retired from stand-up comedy, marking the end of an era with a final gig in Las Vegas. His transition to directing took a prominent turn when he became the director of ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” in 2004. Despite leaving in 2006 to pursue his film career, he maintained a connection with Jimmy Kimmel, and his contributions significantly boosted the show’s ratings.
Bobcat Goldthwait’s directorial ventures include films like “Windy City Heat,” which won a Comedia Award for Best Comedy Film at Montreal’s Just for Laughs Film Festival in 2004, and “Sleeping Dogs Lie,” a dark comedy that premiered at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival.
In the realm of personal relationships, Goldthwait married Ann Luly in 1986, and together they have two children, Tasha and Taylor. Despite their divorce in May 1998, Goldthwait continued to embrace fatherhood. His next significant relationship was with Nikki Cox, whom he met while co-starring on “Unhappily Ever After.” Although engaged in June 1999, the couple parted ways after a six-year relationship and five years of engagement. Goldthwait’s current romantic partner is longtime friend Sarah de sa Rego, a costume designer and co-producer of “Sleeping Dogs Lie.”
As we continue to appreciate Bobcat Goldthwait’s comedic legacy, it’s worth acknowledging the role of family in shaping the multifaceted persona of this iconic entertainer.