Patricia Wright (actress)

Patricia Wright
Born
Patricia Wright Ellis

(1921-07-05) July 5, 1921 (age 103)
NationalityAmerican
EducationWashington State University, UCLA
Occupation(s)Actress, weather presenter, dancer, commercial announcer, commercial spokeswoman
Years active1950–1966 (as actress)

Patricia Wright Ellis (born July 5, 1921)[1] is an American former actress and dancer, weather presenter, announcer, and commercial spokeswoman, who made several film and television appearances throughout the 1950s and 1960s. She also wrote, directed and produced, and was featured in printed adverts and educational videos for which she won awards, including at the Argentine Film Festival.[2]

Ellis is most notable for her role as the leading lady in the short subject Cuckoo on a Choo Choo, opposite The Three Stooges. She was also an announcer on the late 1950s daytime television series Queen for a Day.

Biography

Early life

Wright grew up in Washington state and attended Washington State University, before moving to Hollywood to start an acting career in the 1940s. She worked as a secretary production assistant in radio, and was a production assistant on The Bob Hope Show.[2]

Film and TV roles

Wright signed with Paramount Pictures and her film appearances included Chained for Life (1952), Trail Guide (1952), and Scandal Incorporated (1956).

She appeared in several American television shows, including Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., The Adventures of Kit Carson, and The Ray Milland Show.

In addition to her film and television roles, Wright worked for Fox News serving as Los Angeles' first ever television weathergirl.[2]

She also produced, wrote and directed educational multimedia for CBS.[2]

Personal life

Wright in her post-acting career trained at UCLA and became a college Professor in Cal State Los Angeles. After retirement, Wright was the guest of honour at the 2008 Three Stooges Fan Club Meeting.[2]

Wright currently resides in Newport Beach, California and turned 100 on July 5, 2021.[1]

Filmography

Name of Production Year Role
Penthouse Party (TV series) 1950 As herself
Fireside Theatre (TV series) 1950 Herself
Dick Tracy (TV series) 1950 episode: The Mosquito Murders)
Hit Parade of 1951 1950 Minor role (uncredited)
The Lemon Drop Kid 1951 Dancer (uncredited)
Racket Squad (TV series) 1951 Millie Shane
Chained for Life 1952 Renee
Trail Guide 1952 Saloon Girl
Cuckoo on a Choo Choo (film short) 1952 Lenora
Rebound (TV series) 1952 Adele Barker
Craig Kennedy, Criminologist (TV series) 1952 3 roles
-Lydia "Dixie" Ramsay
-Alberta Seward
-Mildred Kinney
The Adventures of Kit Carson (TV series) 1954 unknown
Meet Mr. McNutley (TV series) 1954 1 episode
The New Adventures of China Smith (TV series) 1954 2 roles
-Kate Orleans
-Maggie McGinnis
Lux Video Theatre (TV series) 1956 Phyllis
Scandal Incorporated 1956 Marjorie Cameron
Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. (TV series) 1966 Mrs. Gray

References

  1. ^ a b Szabo, Matt (July 2, 2021). "Newport Beach's Patricia Wright Ellis hits the century mark". Daily Pilot. Archived from the original on July 17, 2021. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d e Hall, Sara (July 18, 2011). "90 Years of Entertainment, Dedication and Glamour". Newport Beach Independent. Archived from the original on March 18, 2021. Retrieved March 18, 2021.