Actor Patrick Warburton shows his support for the New Jersey Devils and helps to fight childhood cancer.
Warburton, famously known for his character David Puddy on the show “Seinfeld”, made an appearance at the Prudential Center for the Devils’ 90s night on Tuesday.
The first 9,000 fans were treated to a bobblehead of the beloved “Seinfeld” character.
“When does a guy in his early 50s not want to don the face paint and just be as big of a ridiculous goof as he can be,” the 54-year-old Warburton said. “It’s interesting to think that here we are, 23 years later, and it’s the result of a single episode of a sitcom.”
Warburton donned his classic Martin Brodeur jersey and the iconic red, green, and black face paint as he dropped the ceremonial puck with Captains Sydney Crosby and Andy Greene.
After dropping the puck, the actor ripped of his jersey to reveal a red-painted “D” on his chest, reminiscent of his character during “The Face Painter” episode.
Upon his departure from the ice, Warburton faceplanted onto the Devils’ bench. However, he took it like a champ and took a bow. He walked off with no injuries, except perhaps to his pride.
The jersey and jacket Warburton wore will be signed by Hockey Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur and then auctioned off. All of the proceeds will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
St. Jude is the leading childhood cancer treatment facility in the country. The nonprofit enables families to spend time with their children and provide aid to them without them having to pay for treatment.
From the NHL’s interview with Warburton, ”whatever I can help with to eradicate childhood cancer. St. Jude has been our charity for 10 years now and this is the ninth year of our annual event that we hold Palm Springs (California). As of three years ago we became the No. 1 event in the nation for the hospital, which is great. There’s a lot of generous people who work very hard for us in that area.”
In addition to the auction, the New Jersey Devils will be donating $25,000 to the charity as well.
This isn’t the first time the actor has worn his classic face paint to support the team.
During last season’s playoff run, Warburton dressed up as Puddy once again to rev up fans. The Devils played the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference First Round.
Warburton laughed and remembered the festivities of the 2012 Playoff series, ”you know what they say … ‘You can’t take the Jersey out of the boy.’ I’m in Huntington Beach but more people think I’m from the East Coast. I think it’s just in your blood. I kind of have an allegiance to both the Devils and the Los Angeles Kings but the 2012 Stanley Cup Final, when the Kings defeated the Devils, was tough.”
Emilee Brewer
Intern