Hollywood is saying goodbye to one of its enduring faces from the golden age of television. Lory Patrick, an actress, writer, and former model, passed away peacefully at her home in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on January 26, 2026, at the age of 92.
Surrounded by family and close friends, Patrick’s passing marks the end of an era for those who remember the warmth, charm, and dedication she brought to the small screen during a career that spanned decades.
Born Loretta Basham on April 8, 1933, in Beckley, West Virginia, Patrick’s early life was rooted in small-town America. After graduating from high school, she moved to Detroit to begin her career in modeling, quickly gaining recognition for her poise, beauty, and professionalism.
Patrick eventually relocated to New York City to pursue greater opportunities in film and television. Determined to succeed despite early discouragement, she later moved to Los Angeles to follow her dream of becoming a working actress.
Her perseverance quickly paid off. Within days of arriving in Hollywood, Patrick landed her first television role, marking the beginning of a prolific decade in the industry.
She later became a recognizable figure to millions of viewers as schoolteacher Tina Swenson on the NBC series Tales of Wells Fargo, starring alongside Dale Robertson during the show’s final season.
Patrick’s television career included more than 70 appearances throughout the 1960s. She guest-starred in popular series such as Bonanza, Wagon Train, Dr. Kildare, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, and The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis.
Although television was her primary medium, Patrick also appeared in feature films including Surf Party (1964) and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1967).
Her talents extended beyond acting. At a time when few women worked as television writers, Patrick wrote episodes for Bonanza, demonstrating her creative versatility behind the camera. She later became a columnist and authored the book Hearing God in 1993. In 1984, she also directed the stage production St. John in Exile, which starred her husband.
Patrick married actor Dean Jones in 1973, and their partnership lasted until his death in 2015. Earlier in her life, Patrick was briefly married to science-fiction writer Harlan Ellison in 1966.
Following her retirement from acting in the late 1960s, Patrick dedicated herself to family life, writing, and artistic pursuits. After Dean Jones’s passing in 2015, she relocated from California to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to be closer to her family.
She is survived by three children, eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, three brothers, and a sister.
For fans of classic television, Patrick was a warm and familiar presence who brought humanity and relatability to a wide range of roles. Her career reflected the transition of television during its golden age and demonstrated the contributions female performers could make both on screen and behind the scenes.
Lory Patrick’s passing at the age of 92 leaves a lasting legacy in television history. From her early modeling days to her decades-long career in Hollywood, she inspired audiences through dedication, resilience, and creative passion.
She will be remembered not only for her work in television and film but also for her commitment to family, faith, and community.
