Patrick Fabian starred in the hit series “Better Call Saul” for seven years, but it seems his character’s journey in the show is about to end. Here is a look at Fabian’s life behind the scenes.
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After seven years on the show, Patrick Fabian’s character, Howard Hamlin, met an unexpected death on “Better Call Saul.” The lawyer was shot by the drug cartel head, Lalo Salamanca (Tony Dalton), during a confrontation at Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk) and Kim Waxler’s (Rhea Seehorn) home.
While having a heated discussion with Jimmy and Kim, Lalo took Howard out instantly, leaving everyone shocked.
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Howard cemented his place as an antagonist in season one but lost prominence as more seasons came out. In season six, fans saw Howard’s loving side with how he treated his wife.
Fabian’s exit comes as the showrunners decided it best for the series’ narrative. It wasn’t until before season six began that “Better Call Saul” creators Peter Gould and Vince Gilligan and executive producer Melissa Bernstein told him of the character’s death.
WHO IS PATRICK FABIAN? EVERYTHING WE KNOW ABOUT THE “BETTER CALL SAUL ACTOR”
Born on December 7, 1964, Fabian built his career on television by appearing in several hit series, including “Friends,” “Star Trek: Voyager,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Will & Grace,” “NCIS,” “Scandal,” “Desperate Housewives,” and many more.
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Patrick Fabian during the premiere of the sixth season of AMC’s “Better Call Saul” at Hollywood Legion Theater on April 07, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
When the cameras stop rolling, Fabian is a loving husband and father to his wife and two daughters.
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He also appeared on the big screen, starring in “The Last Exorcism,” “Jimmy,” “Underdog Kids,” and “My Eleventh.” However, acting wasn’t always the career Fabian thought he would have. He caught the acting bug while participating in school musicals at a young age. He said:
“Believe it or not, I got into the arts through playing [the] trombone, singing in the chorus, and playing string bass in the orchestra. It only took me one step on stage with plays and music. I was hooked for good.”
Patrick Fabian during the Los Angeles premiere of AMC’s “Better Call Saul” Season 5 held at ArcLight Cinemas on February 05, 2020 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
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After two decades or so in the industry, Fabian is undoubtedly an experienced and recognizable face. According to the actor, his favorite role to date is Howard on “Better Call Saul.”
When the cameras stop rolling, Fabian is a loving husband and father to his wife and two daughters. Like other dads, he is fond of spending time with his family, especially while doing the groceries and laundry.
Balancing his career and family time may be tricky at times, but the actor has no intentions of retiring anytime soon. “You’ll have to drag me off set to get me to stop,” he said.
Patrick Fabian and Mandy Steckelberg during the SAG Indie/WGA Party during the 2010 Los Angeles Film Festival at J Lounge on June 23, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
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HOW DID PATRICK FABIAN REACT TO HIS CHARACTER’S DEATH?
Fortunately, Fabian was given more time with family as his character in “Better Call Saul” was written off. Speaking about how he found out, Fabian said:
“They called me before the season even began and told me I could probably make my vacation plans earlier than usual this season.”
Fabian never disclosed his character’s fate to anyone until after the storyline became known to others. “By the time Lalo comes in during that final scene, I had a sense of dread when I was reading it. It was so abrupt and such a turn,” he said. “It’s a humiliation of untold proportions.”
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Fabian is not the only seasoned actor on the show. His co-star, Odenkirk, has also been in the industry since the ’80s. Although still on the show, Odenkirk also has several exciting stories while starring in “Better Call Saul.”
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