Lory Patrick, the actress best known for her roles in the 1960s TV and film classics—including Surf Party, Tales of Wells Fargo, and appearances alongside Fred Astaire and Loretta Young—has died at the age of 92. Born Lory Basham Jones in West Virginia, Patrick passed away peacefully on January 26 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, her family confirmed on February 12.
Her career spanned television, film, and stage performances, and she became a recognizable face in Hollywood during a pivotal era of American entertainment. Patrick’s early life took her from West Virginia to Detroit before she eventually settled in New York City, where her striking looks and poised presence landed her modeling jobs and commercial work. A brief appearance on the NBC game show Split Personality gave her the confidence to relocate to Los Angeles and pursue acting in Hollywood.
Patrick’s first significant role came on The Loretta Young Show, the 1950s drama anthology series in which Young presented stories imbued with moral lessons. The experience allowed Patrick to hone her skills alongside one of television’s pioneering actresses. She later signed with Universal Studios and co-starred with Dale Robertson in NBC’s Tales of Wells Fargo, appearing in 15 episodes.
Throughout the early 1960s, Patrick continued building her television résumé with guest spots on General Electric Theater, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, It’s a Man’s World, The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, and Laramie. She also appeared in three episodes of Wagon Train in 1963, solidifying her presence in popular Western television programming.
Her film career took a notable turn in 1964 with the release of Surf Party, in which she played Sylvia Dempster opposite singer-actor Bobby Vinton, Johnny Fain, and Patricia Morrow. The film captured the surf culture craze of the 1960s and remains a nostalgic favorite for fans of the era. Patrick later appeared in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1967), sharing the screen with Michele Lee, Rudy Vallee, and Robert Morse.
Patrick also made guest appearances on Death Valley Days, Dr. Kildare, and Bonanza, often playing roles that showcased her versatility in both drama and light-hearted storytelling. Her last acting credit came in 1967’s This Is the Life, where she played a character named Mary. Following her retirement from acting in the late 1960s, she stepped away from the public eye but remained a cherished figure for those who remembered her work.
Lory Patrick was married to actor Dean Jones in 1973. Jones, who passed away in 2015 at the age of 84, was celebrated for his work with Walt Disney Studios, particularly his roles as Agent Zeke Kelso in That Darn Cat!, Jim Douglas in the Herbie franchise, and other family-friendly films including Beethoven, The Ugly Dachshund, Monkeys, Go Home!, and Blackbeard’s Ghost. He received a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in The Million Dollar Duck (1971). The couple remained married for 42 years until Jones’ death, sharing a life devoted to family and the arts.
After her husband’s passing, Patrick moved from Tarzana, California, to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to be closer to her children and extended family. She is survived by her children Caroline Jones (and husband Steve Haugen), Deanna Demaree (and husband Tom Demaree), and Michael Pastick (and wife Dion Pastick), as well as eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers Richard, Tom, and Paul Basham (and wife Ethel), her sister Carol Vanderhoof, and numerous other extended family members.
Patrick’s career was marked by both her natural beauty and her ability to embody a variety of roles across multiple genres. Whether as a guest star on iconic television series or in feature films alongside musical legends like Fred Astaire, her contributions to Hollywood in the mid-20th century continue to be remembered fondly.
Her legacy also lives on through her family, who have described her as a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Those who worked with her recall her professionalism on set, her kindness off-camera, and her enduring charm that made her stand out during Hollywood’s Golden Age of television and film.
In addition to Surf Party, Patrick’s television work remains a touchstone for fans of classic programming, reflecting the era’s optimism and its blending of entertainment with moral storytelling. Her collaboration with Loretta Young, Fred Astaire, and other prominent actors of the period helped pave the way for future performers in television and film.
Patrick’s passing marks the end of a remarkable life that spanned more than nine decades, one filled with creative achievement and family devotion. As Hollywood and her family celebrate her life, her work continues to inspire appreciation for a bygone era of American entertainment.
She will be remembered not only for her on-screen contributions but also for the warmth she brought to those who knew her personally. Her performances, from surf films to Western series, remain a testament to her enduring talent and versatility in an industry that saw rapid evolution throughout her career.
Lory Patrick’s life and career reflect a unique chapter in Hollywood history, bridging television, film, and stage at a time when women were defining new possibilities on screen. Her memory will be cherished by fans of classic cinema and television, as well as by her large and loving family.
Her family’s statement noted that she passed “peacefully,” a fitting end to a life marked by professional success, artistic achievement, and the love of those closest to her. In celebrating Lory Patrick, audiences and admirers are reminded of the vibrant energy and charm she brought to screens both large and small—a legacy that will not soon be forgotten.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
