Behind the glittering lights of Hollywood’s golden era, few stories shine as quietly yet profoundly as that of Lory Patrick.
A single dismissive comment from a skeptical producer might have ended her dreams—but instead, it became the spark that propelled her westward, launching a career defined by talent, resilience, and determination.
From Detroit to the Silver Screen
Born Loretta Basham on April 8, 1933, in Beckley, West Virginia, Patrick began her career modeling in Detroit and New York. Early setbacks could have discouraged her. During a film interview, a producer told her, “Pretty girls can’t act.” Refusing to accept that judgment, she moved to Los Angeles, determined to prove herself.
Her persistence paid off quickly. She earned her first role on The Loretta Young Show and soon became known as schoolteacher Tina Swenson on NBC’s Tales of Wells Fargo, sharing the screen with Dale Robertson.
Over the next decade, Patrick appeared in more than 70 television roles, guest-starring on iconic series such as Bonanza, Wagon Train, Dr. Kildare, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, and The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. On the big screen, she appeared in Surf Party and the 1967 comedy How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
Beyond Acting: Writing, Directing, and Faith
Patrick broke barriers behind the camera as well. She wrote episodes for Bonanza at a time when few women were employed as television writers and later contributed to writers’ magazines. In 1984, she directed the stage production St. John in Exile, starring her husband. In 1993, she authored the faith-based book Hearing God, reflecting her deep personal convictions and dedication to sharing her experiences.
Family, Faith, and Humanitarian Work
Patrick was married for 42 years to Disney star Dean Jones humanitarian work, helping found the Christian Rescue Fund and serving as elders at The Church on the Way in California. Earlier, she had been briefly married to science-fiction writer Harlan Ellison in 1966.
Following her husband’s death in 2015, Patrick relocated to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to be closer to family. She passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. She is survived by three children, eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, three brothers, and a sister, leaving a legacy rooted in both family and service.
Conclusion
Lory Patrick’s life exemplified perseverance, talent, and quiet strength. From overcoming early dismissals in Hollywood to becoming a beloved television icon, she proved that determination and heart can surmount even the highest barriers.
Her legacy lives on not only through the rich body of work she left on screen but also through the faith, family, and service that defined her life off it—a true reflection of a life well-lived.