When did Patricia Crowley make her film debut? Career highlights explained as 'Money From Home' star dies at 91

Patricia Crowley, best known for her work in both film and television, has died at the age of 91. The news was relayed by her son, Jon Hookstratten, EVP at Sony Pictures, who revealed that the reason was natural causes, as per Deadline. A familiar face in Hollywood for over six decades, her work ranged from major film roles in the 1950s to steady television appearances that continued into the 2010s. She made her film debut in 1953 in the Paramount comedy Forever Female alongside Ginger Rogers and William Holden.

Crowley established herself early in her career with back-to-back roles that earned her industry recognition. She worked with well-known stars such as Ginger Rogers, William Holden, and the comedy team, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. These appearances helped her make the jump from Broadway to Hollywood.

With roles in numerous genres and formats, she was part of the Golden Age of Hollywood and later became a regular presence on television. Her versatile nature lent her the chance to work on stage, film, as well as TV without being tied to a singular role or format.

Patricia Crowley's early career and film debut

Patricia Crowley entered her acting career in the year 1950 on Broadway. She featured in the play Southern Exposure, which catapulted her career in the discipline of acting. It was just some years later that she switched to film.

Her first involvement in a film was in 1953 in Forever Female. Directed by Irving Rapper, Crowley played the roles of Clara Mootz/Sally Carver opposite William Holden. Ginger Rogers, who was already a star during the era, also featured in the film. The role saw Crowley enter Hollywood.

Crowley later assumed another great role as Dr. Autumn Claypool in Money From Home, the same year, co-starring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. The movie was a comedy, and this proved that she could fit in various types of roles. Both Forever Female and Money From Home did not go unrecognized, and she received the Golden Globe for New Star of the Year.

Read More: Veteran actress Patricia Crowley of ‘Forever Female’ and ‘Please Don't Eat the Daisies’ dies at 91

Career Highlights in Film and Television

Following her debut, Patricia Crowley featured in movies in the 1950s. She did various projects, including Red Garters (1954), The Square Jungle (1955), and There, the tomorrows always (1956). She re-joined Martin and Lewis with Hollywood or Bust (1956).

In addition to film, Crowley was also appearing on TV. Crowley played Joan Nash in NBC's Please Don’t Eat the Daisies between 1965 and 1967. A series regular, this role established her familiarity within the television format. She also appeared as a guest on The Twilight Zone, Rawhide, and The Untouchables.

Crowley has had an extensive career in entertainment with over 100 screen credits, juggling television as well as film. The length and the continuity of her career can be seen in the consistency of her work into the early 2010s.

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After her roles in Forever Female and Money from Home in 1953, Patricia Crowley was recognised by the Academy and was honored with a Golden Globe. Beginning from theater to modelling to her first movie appearance in the 1950s to her television success in the 1960s, Crowley has had a career spanning over 60 years.

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