Actress Lory Patrick, who gained fame for her roles in films and shows such as “Bonanza” and “Tales of Wells Fargo,” has passed away. In additon to her work, she’s also the widow of Disney legend Dean Jones. She will be missed!
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Patrick passed away on January 26 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Her death was confirmed to the outlet by a publicist. Patrick was born in 1938 and was originally from Beckley, West Virginia.
She leaves behind three children, eight grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. Currently, a memorial service is scheduled for April 25 in Scarbro, West Virginia.
Lory Patrick’s Contributions to Hollywood Will Never Be Forgotten
Per The Hollywood Reporter, Patrick signed her first acting contract with Universal in 1961. After this, she appeared in a single episode of “The Loretta Young Show.” This foray into television then led to the young actress being cast in NBC’s “Tales of Wells Fargo” as Tina Swenson. She remained on the series for 15 episodes.
She then appeared on several television shows throughout the 1960s. Some include “General Electric Theater,” “Wide Country,” “It’s a Man’s World,” and “Wagon Train.” One of her most famous TV appearances came in 1967 when she played Rita on the iconic series “Bonanza.”
Some of the most notable works in which Patrick appeared were “Surf Party” (1964), “The Case of the Dangerous Robin” (1961), and “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” (1967). Per IMDb, her final credited role came with 1967’s “This Is the Life.”
Following her acting career, Patrick became a writer, including for television and movies. Later, in 1993, she published a book titled “Hearing God” under the pen name Lory Basham Jones. Regarding her love life, she married Jones, who is known for his iconic Disney roles in films like “That Darn Cat,” in 1973, and they remained together until his death in 2015.
She Will Be Missed
Patrick retired from acting in the late 1960s. Still, her legacy lives on, and some are taking to social media to pay tribute to her.
One person wrote on X, “Farewell to Lory Patrick, actress in many television westerns(Tales of Wales Fargo; Bonanza…), in the 1960s Surd Party and the receptionist in David Swift’s musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. She retired from acting after marrying actor Dean Jones. Rest in peace.”
Others took to social media to remember her various television appearances and to offer their condolences to the family she leaves behind.
