Patrick Petersen (born August 9, 1966 in Los Angeles, California) is an American actor best known for his role as Michael Fairgate in the television drama Knots Landing. His character was the son of "Karen Fairgate MacKenzie" (played by series star Michele Lee). He played the role from episode one on December 27, 1979 to May 16, 1991, reprising the part for Knots Landing: Back to the Cul-de-Sac in May 1997.Patrick Petersen is brother of actor Chris Peterson.