How Old is Patricia Crowley? An In-Depth Look at the Actress‘s Prolific Career
You may best remember her as the ditzy housewife from the 60s sitcom Please Don‘t Eat the Daisies, but actress Patricia Crowley has been dazzling audiences on screens both big and small for over five decades. At 89 years old, Crowley‘s career has left an indelible mark on television history. Let‘s take a nostalgic walk through her life and most memorable roles.
Getting Her Start in the 1950s
Born August 17, 1933 in Olyphant, Pennsylvania, Patricia Crowley caught the acting bug early. She moved to New York after high school to pursue her dreams of stardom.
Crowley‘s breakout role came in 1954 at just 21 years old, when she landed the part of Sally Carver on the series Private Secretary. This launched her into regular work on television, scoring guest spots on major shows like Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Wagon Train, and The Millionaire.
By the late 50s, Crowley had already compiled an impressive resume of appearances on over 40 television series. Her girl-next-door looks and approachable charm made her a producer favorite during the Golden Age of television.
Finding Fame on Please Don‘t Eat the Daisies
In 1965 Crowley landed the role that would make her a household name: Margie MacDougall on the NBC comedy Please Don‘t Eat the Daisies. As the scatterbrained mother of four rambunctious sons, Crowley lit up the screen with her bubbly energy and natural comedic flair.
Please Don‘t Eat the Daisies was based on the humorist Jean Kerr‘s best-selling book of the same name. The show was an instant ratings hit, proving Crowley had what it took to carry a primetime series. At its peak, approximately 50 million viewers tuned in weekly.
Crowley‘s performance earned her a 1966 Emmy award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. She was featured prominently on magazine covers and became one of the most recognizable faces on television. Over its successful 3 season run, Crowley cemented her status as America‘s favorite TV mom.
Transitioning to Mature Roles in the 1970s
While she may have gotten her start playing bubbly ingenues, Crowley made a graceful transition to more mature roles in the 1970s. She racked up impressive guest star credits on hits like The Streets of San Francisco and Police Woman.
Crowley also embraced work on popular game shows like Tattletales, Match Game PM, and The $10,000 Pyramid. She appeared on over 50 episodes of game shows throughout the 70s and 80s, bringing her quick wit and charisma to the daytime circuit.
During this time Crowley also prioritized occasional work in TV movies and miniseries like The Healers (1974) and Testimony of Two Men (1977) to show off her dramatic chops.
From 80s Sitcom Star to Retirement
In the 1980s Crowley continued to work steadily, primarily in comedic television roles. She portrayed matriarch Emily Shire on the late 80s/early 90s sitcom Step by Step.
Crowley then moved to more minor parts on shows like The Drew Carey Show and Promised Land. Her final on-screen credit came in the 2006 TV movie Our House.
Now 89 years old, Crowley is believed to be retired from acting. She keeps a low public profile but will always be remembered for her pioneering work in television‘s early days. Crowley‘s five decade career set the standard for relatable, funny female leads.
Crowley‘s Personal Life and Legacy
Crowley‘s first marriage to Bob Wankel ended in 1958. In 1959 she wed fellow actor John Devine, with whom she shared two children. The couple were married until Devine‘s passing in 2007.
Off-screen, the actress‘ hobbies included gourmet cooking and collecting antiques. Those close to her described Crowley as elegant, intelligent, and kind.
Though she never garnered the critical acclaim of her peers, Crowley‘s influence on sitcoms and light entertainment programming cannot be overstated. Her likeable style and comedic timing entertained generations of Americans.
So how old is Patricia Crowley now? She‘s 89 and enjoying retirement out of the public eye. While we may not know her current whereabouts, this trailblazer‘s enduring career is worth celebrating and remembering.