Julia Sweeney, an actress and comedian best known for her time as a cast member on Saturday Night Live (SNL), recently appeared on The View to discuss her experiences with one of her most iconic characters: Pat. Pat, a recurring character Sweeney portrayed on SNL in the early 1990s, was a source of both humor and controversy. The character, who headlined the 1994 film It’s Pat, was designed to be androgynous, with the central joke revolving around Pat’s gender being ambiguous. While the character was meant to poke fun at the people around Pat who couldn’t determine their gender, it unintentionally sparked criticism from the LGBTQ+ community, particularly non-binary individuals. During her appearance on The View, Sweeney acknowledged the backlash and shared her reflections on how she grappled with the criticism over the years.
Sweeney explained that while Pat was never intended to be transgender or non-binary, the character’s ambiguity led to misunderstandings. She emphasized that Pat was either a man or a woman, but the humor came from the confusion of those around them. However, she admitted that she understood why some people took offense. “There was some criticism,” she said, “and I took it to heart and thought about it a lot.” Sweeney also pointed out that the laughs in the sketches were directed not at Pat but at the people reacting to Pat’s androgyny. “We were really making fun of the other people [in the sketches] not being able to handle the fact that they couldn’t tell,” she explained. Despite her intentions, she recognized that defending a joke often signals that the humor has been lost on some people.
The criticism of Pat resurfaced in 2017 when Joey Soloway, creator of the critically acclaimed series Transparent, publicly condemned the character. Soloway called Pat an “awful piece of anti-trans propaganda” and criticized the sketch for mocking non-binary individuals. Sweeney took these comments to heart, recognizing that the character may have unintentionally caused harm. However, she also noted that not everyone in the LGBTQ+ community viewed Pat negatively. In fact, she revealed that a documentary about Pat has been in the works, featuring interviews with trans comedy writers in Los Angeles who were inspired by the character. For Sweeney, working on the documentary has been a therapeutic experience, allowing her to revisit her creation and see it in a new light. “I actually feel very positive about it,” she said. “I love Pat now.”
Sweeney’s journey with Pat reflects the complexities of humor and representation, particularly as societal understanding of gender identity has evolved. When Pat first appeared on SNL, the character was seen as groundbreaking and edgy, pushing boundaries in a way that resonated with many viewers. However, as cultural attitudes toward gender diversity have shifted, the character has been reevaluated in a different light. Sweeney’s willingness to listen to criticism and engage with the impact of her work demonstrates a rare level of introspection in the entertainment industry. By revisiting Pat and considering the character’s legacy, Sweeney has found a way to both acknowledge past criticisms and celebrate the parts of the character that continue to resonate with audiences.
In 2021, Sweeney brought Pat back to life in an episode of the Showtime series Work in Progress. The revival allowed her to reintroduce the character to a new generation of viewers while also showing how her perspective on Pat had evolved. For Sweeney, revisiting Pat was not about erasing past criticisms but about finding a way to honor the character’s enduring appeal while being mindful of its complexities. The experience seems to have brought her a sense of closure and renewed appreciation for the role that shaped so much of her career.
Ultimately, Julia Sweeney’s story with Pat serves as a reminder of the power of comedy to spark conversations about identity and representation. While the character may have inadvertently caused harm, it also opened doors for dialogue and growth. Sweeney’s ability to reflect on her work and engage with criticism exemplifies the kind of empathy and self-awareness that is essential for artists navigating the ever-changing cultural landscape. As she looks back on Pat’s legacy, Sweeney seems to have found a sense of peace, recognizing that even the most complicated creations can have a lasting impact when approached with honesty and humility.
