Pat Smear

Georg Albert Ruthenberg (born August 5, 1959), better known by the stage name Pat Smear, is an American musician. He is best known as a rhythm guitarist for the rock band Foo Fighters, with whom he has recorded six studio albums. Smear was a founding member of punk band the Germs and was the touring guitarist for grunge band Nirvana from 1993 to 1994.

After Nirvana disbanded following the suicide of its frontman Kurt Cobain, drummer Dave Grohl went on to become the frontman of rock band Foo Fighters, with Smear soon joining on guitar. He left Foo Fighters in 1997, before rejoining as a touring guitarist in 2005, and has been a full-time member since 2010.

Pat Smear is known for work in acting across film and television. New Release currently presents 28 verified screen credits connected to this profile.

Selected work includes Studio 666 (2022), Cobain: Montage of Heck (2015), Kurt & Courtney (1998), The Decline of Western Civilization (1981), Late Show with David Letterman (1993), The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2015), Saturday Night Live (1975), The Graham Norton Show (2007). The recorded credits span 1975 to 2026, including 17 movies and 11 TV shows.

The filmography below lists available titles, release years and known roles. This profile is updated as additional verified information becomes available.