In April 2016, Michelle McNamara, a brilliant writer who managed the website True Crime Diary, passed away in her sleep. She was survived by her husband, the comedian Patton Oswalt, and their daughter, Alice.
Oswalt made no secret of his grief, sharing the process publicly. The second worst day of his life, he once said, was the day his wife died. The absolute worst was the day he had to tell their daughter about it.
He also spoke about how pop culture incorrectly depicted grief.
In August 2016, he wrote a Facebook post describing how overwhelming grief could become, and how, too, he had learned to better see humanity in it.
Oswalt shared another post on the anniversary of Michelle's death, saying that grief was "awful, but not fatal." He had returned a few months previously back to stand-up as part of his healing process.
Oswalt's attitude and dignity were tremendously inspiring, and I urge anyone and everyone to read what he has to say on both topics.
So it's very gratifying to learn he might be better:
Because at the premiere for Baby Driver, the upcoming film from Shaun of the Dead director Edgar Wright, Oswalt was photographed holding hands with Meredith Salenger (Dream a Little Dream, Lake Placid). The Sony Pictures Twitter account also posted a photo of the two.
Live from #BabyDriverMovie LA Premiere Red Carpet with @pattonoswalt & @MeredthSalenger pic.twitter.com/apvd7dyE3Z
— Sony Pictures (@SonyPictures) June 15, 2017
In another Tweet, Salenger confirmed the two had become a couple.
That's a kind thing to say!
— Meredith Salenger (@MeredthSalenger) June 16, 2017
We're very happy for you, Patton.
Michelle McNamara was a terrific crime writer who famously pursued the Golden State Killer, an elusive serial killer and predator behind some of California's worst crimes; she had a knack for crime investigation that eventually led law enforcement trusting her with undisclosed information. Her husband said that she was probably close to catching the perpetrator, who disappeared in 1986.
McNamara's pursuit of the GSK contributed to the anxiety problems which eventually led to her passing. I highly recommend reading her article on the GSK here. Though not for the faint of heart, there is a great resource on the case available here.
