Mark Patton

Mark Patton, born on September 22, 1958, is a notable American interior designer and former actor, best known for his contributions to the horror film genre. Raised in Riverside, Missouri, Patton moved to New York City after high school to chase his dreams of acting. His breakout role came in 1982 when he portrayed Joe Qualley in the Broadway production of *Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean*, a performance he later reprised in the film adaptation.

In 1985, he gained widespread recognition for his role as Jesse Walsh in *A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge*, a performance that established him as a prominent figure in the horror community. As an openly gay actor, Patton faced significant challenges in Hollywood, particularly in an era marked by pervasive homophobia, leading him to step back from acting after being cast in a CBS series featuring a gay character.

After struggling with an HIV diagnosis on his 40th birthday, Patton eventually moved to Mexico, where he has found happiness in his marriage. His journey has been documented in the film *Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy*, directed by Dan Farrands, which prompted him to connect with fans at horror conventions. Celebrated as the first male "scream queen" in mainstream cinema, Patton has since embarked on creative projects that reflect his life experiences, including books and a documentary titled *There Is No Jesse*.