Patton grew up in Riverside, Missouri, and, after graduating high school, moved to New York City to pursue an acting career.

[2] Critics and audiences noted the gay subtext of the film, something screenwriter David Chaskin initially attributed to Patton's portrayal of Jesse.

[3] Patton made a guest appearance on the television series Hotel and had scenes alongside George Clooney and Maud Adams.

[4] Other roles include General Hospital as Greg Collier, Misplaced with John Cameron Mitchell, Anna to the Infinite Power with Dina Merrill and Martha Byrne, and Have You Tried Talking to Patty with Heather Langenkamp.

"[1] Patton returned to acting for the first time since A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge with his appearance in the 2016 horror film Family Possessions.

[citation needed] Patton was diagnosed with HIV in 1999, on his 40th birthday, after falling ill and initially being tested for bronchitis; he was subsequently hospitalized for pneumonia, thrush, and tuberculosis.