Patton Oswalt Cherishes 'Daddy-Daughter Bonding' Moments with Daughter Alice During Wife Meredith Salenger's Travels

Why Patton Oswalt Loves Time With Daughter When Wife Meredith Travels

Patton Oswalt and his wife Meredith Salenger and his daughter Alice Rigney Oswalt. Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images

Patton Oswalt enjoys spending quality time with his 15-year-old daughter, Alice.

He shared, "My wife, Meredith [Salenger], travels frequently. She recently went to Vienna. So, I am grateful to be at home and have special father-daughter moments. It brings me joy," Oswalt, 55, shared exclusively with We at Amazon MGM's upfront event on Tuesday, May 14. "I prefer staying in with them rather than going out."

Spending time together as a father and daughter is very important, especially as Alice grows more independent.

"Our daughter is now 15 years old. Since she turned 13, she seems to enjoy it when my wife and I tell her we will be out of town for a few days," he shared. "She likes feeling like a grown-up, but I always make sure to keep an eye on her."

Oswalt was married to Michelle McNamara from 2005 until her passing at age 46 in 2016. McNamara passed away in her sleep due to an accidental drug overdose, with undiagnosed heart disease playing a part. The substances found in her system included Adderall, alprazolam (Xanax), and fentanyl. Her true crime book, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, which detailed her investigation of the Golden State Killer, was published posthumously in 2018.

In 2016, Oswalt expressed his pride in McNamara's work, stating, “You did it, baby. The book is excellent, the writing brilliant. You tried to bring kindness to chaos, which was your way.” He shared a photo of McNamara's book next to her tombstone, which honors her as a "Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Crimefighter, Writer, Poet, Perfect."

Oswalt later found love with Salenger, who is 54 years old. They got engaged in July 2017 and got married in November of the same year.

In February 2018, Oswalt shared with Us that he and Salenger connected by talking on Facebook every night for three months. He mentioned that during this time, he discovered what an amazing person she was. After getting to know her for a month, he realized that she was the one he wanted to spend his life with.

Oswalt also remembered a special moment with his daughter at his wedding with Salenger. He shared that his favorite moment was when his daughter, who was a flower girl, walked down the aisle and gave him a big hug at the altar. Oswalt expressed how this hug made him feel like everything was alright and they were safe. He was filled with happiness and almost teared up at the way his daughter embraced him, making him feel like everything was going to be okay. It was a truly amazing moment for him.

The actor mentioned that coparenting with Salenger has been going well. He mentioned that he is letting his wife and daughter decide the Father's Day plans this year. He jokingly said, "My wife is very much like, ‘This is in my hands. You do not make plans.’"

Editor's P/S:

Patton Oswalt's close bond with his daughter, Alice, is evident in his heartfelt words. As a father, he cherishes the moments they have together, recognizing the importance of their connection as Alice matures into a young woman. Oswalt's experience as a widower and his subsequent marriage to Meredith Salenger has shaped his present-day family dynamic. He and Salenger co-parent Alice, trusting her to guide their Father's Day plans this year.

Oswalt's journey as a father and husband highlights the resilience and love that can emerge from life's challenges. His tribute to his late wife, Michelle McNamara, and his subsequent finding of happiness with Salenger demonstrate his ability to navigate grief and embrace new beginnings. The article offers a glimpse into a blended family where love, respect, and support are central to their relationships.