Hollywood is remembering Patricia Crowley, a beloved actress whose career spanned over six decades, following her death at the age of 91.
Crowley passed away in Los Angeles on Sunday, just two days shy of her 92nd birthday, leaving behind a legacy of iconic television and film roles.
Her son, Jon Hookstratten, Executive Vice President of Administration & Operations at Sony Pictures, confirmed the news.
He shared that his mother died of natural causes.
Patricia is survived by her husband, Andy Friendly, whom she married in 1986, and her two children, Jon and daughter Ann Hookstratten Osher.
From Sitcom Star to TV Icon
Patricia Crowley became a household name in the mid-1960s for her role as Joan Nash in the sitcom Please Don’t Eat the Daisies, which aired from 1965 to 1967.
Her character, a newspaper writer married to Jim Nash (played by Mark Miller), juggled life with their four rambunctious boys, earning her a spot in the hearts of viewers nationwide.
Later, she landed memorable roles in popular TV series including Hawaii 5-0 and Columbo during the 1980s and 1990s, cementing her place as a versatile television actress.
In 1986, she joined the nighttime soap Dynasty as Emily Fallmont, portraying a senator’s wife caught in a family scandal that tested her character’s poise and strength.
Soap Opera Legacy
Patricia’s career in daytime television was equally impressive.
She played Rebecca Whitmore in Generations for 65 episodes and portrayed Mary Scanlon in Port Charles for a remarkable 251 episodes from 1997 to 2003.
Her ability to bring depth and charm to each character made her a fan favorite across multiple generations of viewers.
Guest Appearances and Film Highlights
Beyond soaps and sitcoms, Crowley appeared in numerous well-known shows including The Love Boat, Frasier, Fantasy Island, Charmed, Murder, Falcon Crest, The Bold and the Beautiful, The Rockford Files, Friends, and Melrose Place.
Her final screen appearance was in the 2012 film Mont Reve, where she played Mrs. Cottington.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Born in Olyphant, Pennsylvania, Patricia was the daughter of a coal miner.
Her passion for performance led her to New York City, where she studied at the High School of the Performing Arts and worked on stage while also modeling.
Her big break came in 1954 when she won the Golden Globe for New Star of the Year, following standout performances in Forever Female and the Dean Martin-Jerry Lewis film Money From Home.
This recognition helped launch her into the Hollywood spotlight, paving the way for her prolific career.
Personal Life
Patricia Crowley married twice, first to sports and entertainment attorney Ed Hookstratten, who once represented Elvis Presley, and later to Andy Friendly in 1986.
She also came from a talented family, with her sister Ann Crowley achieving fame as a singer.
Remembering a Hollywood Treasure
Patricia Crowley leaves behind a rich legacy in television and film, touching audiences with her talent, charm, and dedication to her craft.
From sitcoms to soaps, and stage to screen, her remarkable career will be remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike.