Pat Crowley: Celebrating a Storied Career in Television
Pat Crowley, an esteemed actress renowned for her extensive work in television, passed away recently. Her career, which spanned over six decades, left an indelible mark on the TV industry.
Jon Hookstratten, Crowley’s son and the executive vice president of administration and operations at Sony Pictures Entertainment, informed Entertainment Weekly that his mother passed away from natural causes on a Sunday, just two days shy of her 92nd birthday.
A Memorable Role
Among her numerous roles, Pat Crowley is perhaps best remembered for her portrayal of Joan Nash in the 1960s sitcom Please Don’t Eat the Daisies. The show, which aired on NBC from 1965 to 1967, was inspired by a 1960 film featuring Doris Day. In the series, Crowley’s character, Joan Nash, was a mother of four who challenged typical housewife expectations by working as a newspaper columnist.
Although Please Don’t Eat the Daisies didn’t capture a large audience initially, it gained popularity through 1970s reruns, finding a dedicated viewership.
Versatile Guest Appearances
Crowley’s television appearances were not limited to her starring roles; she was a frequent guest star on many classic series. Her notable guest appearances included roles on The Untouchables, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, and Maverick. Additionally, she played alongside Burgess Meredith and Robert Sterling in “Printer’s Devil,” a 1963 episode of The Twilight Zone.
Her career extended well into the 2000s, featuring in shows such as Columbo, Hawaii Five-O, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, Frasier, Charmed, and Murder, She Wrote.
In the soap opera realm, Crowley was particularly known for her role as Mary Scanlon in over 250 episodes of the General Hospital spinoff, Port Charles. Her performances in soap operas continued with appearances in Generations, The Bold and the Beautiful, and Falcon Crest, followed by a recurring role in the sixth season of Dynasty.
Film Contributions
Crowley’s filmography also includes several films from the 1950s and 1960s. Her film credits include Red Garters (1954), The Square Jungle (1955), There’s Always Tomorrow (1956), Hollywood or Bust (1956), Key Witness (1960), and The Wheeler Dealers (1963).
She is survived by her husband, television producer and executive Andy Friendly, whom she married in 1986, and her children. Pat was previously married to Ed Hookstratten, a prominent entertainment attorney. Her legacy continues through her daughter Ann; son-in-law Robert; daughter-in-law Marion; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
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