Remembering Pat Crowley, Versatile Actress of Stage and Screen

Early Life

Born Patricia Margaret Crowley on September 17, 1933, in Olyphant, Pennsylvania, Pat Crowley began her journey toward a storied career in the performing arts at a young age. After moving to New York City as a teenager, she attended the High School of the Performing Arts, where she honed the skills that would eventually make her a fixture in Hollywood. Her sister, Ann Crowley, was also an actress, and Pat began her professional life as a child model before transitioning to the stage.

Career and Major Accomplishments

Crowley's career spanned seven decades, encompassing over 100 film and television credits. She made her Broadway debut in 1950 with Southern Exposure. Her breakthrough in film came in 1953, when she earned the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year for her performances in Forever Female and Money from Home. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, she worked alongside legendary stars including Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, and Tony Curtis.

Notable Works

Crowley is perhaps best remembered for her starring role as Joan Nash in the NBC sitcom Please Don't Eat the Daisies, which aired from 1965 to 1967. Her portrayal of a newspaper columnist who challenged traditional housewife tropes was considered ahead of its time. In her later career, she became a prominent figure in television dramas and soap operas, with notable roles as Emily Fallmont in Dynasty and Mary Scanlon in Port Charles. Her extensive television resume also included appearances on Columbo, Happy Days, Falcon Crest, and The Bold and the Beautiful.

Personal Life and Legacy

Pat Crowley passed away on September 14, 2025, in Los Angeles, California, of natural causes, just days before her 92nd birthday. She is survived by her husband, Andy Friendly, and her children, including her son, Jon Hookstratten. Beyond her acting, she was active in various charitable organizations, serving on the boards of the West Lake School and the Good Shepherd School, as well as acting as a vice president for Share Inc. Her legacy remains that of a versatile performer whose warmth and wit left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.