EXCLUSIVE: Patrick Warburton opens up about St. Jude fundraiser, Disney roles and time in the desert

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) - Patrick Warburton is instantly recognizable for his unmistakable voice, bringing life to some of Disney’s most iconic characters, from The Emperor’s New Groove to the billion-dollar hit Zootopia 2. But beyond Hollywood and the big screen, Warburton says his most meaningful work happens far from the recording booth, right here in the Coachella Valley.

For nearly two decades, Warburton has been a passionate supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, hosting the annual Warburton Celebrity Golf Tournament to raise money for children fighting cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. This year marks the tournament’s 16th year, an effort that has grown into one of St. Jude’s top fundraisers nationwide.

The inspiration began in 2010, when Warburton and his wife, Cathy, visited St. Jude and met young patients and the medical teams caring for them. With four children of his own, the experience left a lasting impact.

Warburton says seeing the work being done, and the families supported without ever receiving a bill, motivated him to get involved and help make a difference.

What started as an idea has since become a major philanthropic force. Last year alone, the tournament raised a record $6.5 million, pushing the event’s total fundraising impact to more than $38 million. Warburton credits the success not to himself, but to the generosity of the Coachella Valley community, the tournament’s leadership team, and longtime chairman Clark Rainey.

The event has drawn support from Hollywood actors, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artists, and donors from across the country, all united by St. Jude’s mission to ensure families never have to worry about the cost of treatment, travel, housing, or food.

While his philanthropic work continues to grow, so does Warburton’s on-screen presence. He recently joined the cast of Disney’s Zootopia 2, voicing Mayor Wind Dancer, a character fans quickly recognized as quintessentially Warburton. The film became the highest-grossing animated movie of all time, surpassing $1 billion worldwide in just 17 days.

Warburton says joining an already beloved Disney universe made the experience especially meaningful, praising the filmmakers and creative team behind the project.

Looking back on his long relationship with Disney, Warburton reflects on how deeply the company shaped his childhood, from family movie nights to his first visit to a Disney park, memories that still resonate decades later.

At 61, Warburton is also expanding into stand-up comedy, recently wrapping his first nationwide tour and releasing his debut comedy special, Still Catholic, now streaming on the Angel app.

Despite a busy schedule, Warburton says St. Jude remains front and center.

For him, the goal is simple. Continue raising as much as possible to support the hospital’s lifesaving work and rely on a community that has proven, year after year, it is willing to show up for children who need it most.