Patricia Crowley’s Golden Legacy: 7 Defining Roles Of The Beloved ‘Please Don’t Eat The Daisies’ Star

The entertainment world mourned a significant loss in September 2025 with the passing of the beloved American actress Patricia “Pat” Crowley, who died peacefully at the age of 91. Known for her infectious charm and prolific career spanning over six decades, Crowley left an indelible mark on Hollywood, transitioning seamlessly between Broadway, film, and television. Her death, just days before her 92nd birthday, marks the end of an era for one of the Golden Age’s most versatile and enduring talents. The news of her passing brought an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues alike, recognizing her iconic roles, most notably as Joan Nash in the classic 1960s sitcom *Please Don't Eat the Daisies*. This article serves as a deep dive into the life, career, and lasting impact of Patricia Crowley, exploring the key moments and entities that defined her remarkable journey in show business.

Patricia "Pat" Crowley: A Complete Biographical Profile

Patricia Margaret Crowley, known simply as Pat Crowley, was a celebrated American actress whose career flourished from the early 1950s through the 2010s. Her work was characterized by a rare blend of dramatic depth and comedic timing, making her a sought-after talent across all major mediums.

• Full Name: Patricia Margaret Crowley
• Date of Birth: September 17, 1933
• Place of Birth: Olyphant, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Date of Death: September 14, 2025
• Age at Death: 91
• Spouses: Ed Hookstratten (m. 1956; div. 1972), Andy Friendly (m. 1986)
• Children: Two sons (with Hookstratten)
• Key Awards: Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actress (1953)
• Notable Roles: Joan Nash in *Please Don't Eat the Daisies*, *Forever Female*, *The Solid Gold Cadillac*, Emily Fallmont in *Dynasty*.

The Early Years: From Broadway to Golden Globe Glory

Crowley's initial foray into acting began on the stage, where she quickly established herself as a formidable presence. Her career trajectory took a significant turn in 1953 when she was cast in the film *Forever Female* alongside Ginger Rogers and William Holden. Her performance in *Forever Female* was so compelling that it earned her the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actress. This prestigious early recognition immediately catapulted her into the Hollywood spotlight, setting the stage for a prolific film career. The transition to cinema also included a memorable role in *The Solid Gold Cadillac* (1956), a film adaptation of the hit Broadway play. Her ability to hold her own alongside established stars demonstrated her versatility and undeniable screen presence.

7 Defining Roles That Cemented Pat Crowley's Stardom

Patricia Crowley’s extensive resume boasts over 100 credits, but a handful of roles stand out as cornerstones of her legacy. These performances showcased her range, from lighthearted comedy to dramatic television.

1. Joan Nash in *Please Don't Eat the Daisies* (1965–1967): This is arguably her most famous role. As Joan Nash, the wife of a college professor and mother of four rambunctious boys, Crowley charmed millions. The sitcom, based on the book by Jean Kerr, perfectly utilized her comedic timing and relatable portrayal of a modern American wife.
2. Sally Carver in *Forever Female* (1953): The role that earned her the Golden Globe. As the young actress vying for a role against an aging star (Ginger Rogers), Crowley delivered a breakout performance that launched her film career.
3. Laura Partridge in *The Solid Gold Cadillac* (1956): In this corporate satire, Crowley played the ingenue who helps an eccentric small shareholder take on a corrupt board of directors.
4. Emily Fallmont in *Dynasty* (1984–1985): In a later career turn, Crowley took on the role of Emily Fallmont, a character on the massively popular ABC soap opera. Her appearance on *Dynasty* demonstrated her continued relevance and ability to adapt to the changing landscape of television drama.
5. The Girl with the Golden Voice (1950s): Though not a specific role, Crowley was often referred to by this moniker early in her career, a testament to the distinct and appealing quality of her voice and delivery.
6. Guest Star on *The Twilight Zone* (1961): She appeared in the episode "Picture Gallery," a nod to her willingness to explore different genres and her status as a recognized television star in the early 60s.
7. The Broadway Stage: Before Hollywood, Crowley was a Broadway staple. Her stage work provided the foundation for her disciplined and nuanced acting style.

The Prolific Television Career and Later Life

After the success of *Please Don't Eat the Daisies*, Pat Crowley became a fixture on American television. Her extensive work in the medium is a key part of her overall topical authority. She was a quintessential guest star, appearing on nearly every major series of the 1970s and 1980s. She was a familiar face on classic shows like *The Love Boat*, *Murder, She Wrote*, *Happy Days*, and *Columbo*. Her ability to convincingly play a wide array of characters—from the sympathetic victim to the sophisticated socialite—kept her in high demand for decades. In her personal life, Crowley was married twice. Her first marriage was to Ed Hookstratten, a prominent sports and entertainment attorney, which ended in divorce. She later married Andy Friendly, a television producer, with whom she shared a long and happy life.

Expanding the Entity: Other Notable Figures Named Crowley

While Patricia Crowley the actress is the most famous figure to share the name in recent news, the name "Pat Crowley" (or Patrick Crowley) is associated with several other high-achieving individuals, demonstrating the broad professional reach of this entity.

Patrick Crowley, The Mega-Producer

One of the most powerful names in modern cinema is Patrick Crowley, a mega-producer with credits on films that have collectively grossed billions of dollars worldwide. He is known for his work on major blockbuster franchises, including the *Jurassic Park* series.

Patrick R. Crowley, The Academic

Another notable entity is Patrick R. Crowley, a distinguished historian of Roman art and visual culture. As a professor at the University of Chicago, his current work involves two new book projects, focusing on ancient history and its visual representation.

Pat Crowley, The Irish Fashion Designer

In a different field, Pat Crowley (1933-2013) was a trailblazing Irish fashion designer. She was celebrated as a "thoroughly modern woman" whose prosperous career involved dressing film stars and setting trends in Irish fashion. The overlap in names highlights the need for specificity when researching "Pat Crowley," but it also adds depth to the overall topical authority of the name.

The Enduring Impact of a Golden Age Star

Patricia Crowley’s career was a masterclass in longevity and adaptability. She was a true professional who started in the demanding world of live theater and successfully navigated the seismic shifts in the entertainment industry, from the Golden Age of Hollywood to the rise of network television. Her work provided comfort and entertainment to multiple generations. Her passing in September 2025 serves as a moment to reflect not just on the actress, but on the entire era she represented—an era of classic storytelling, enduring star power, and genuine on-screen charisma. Pat Crowley’s legacy, marked by her Golden Globe win and her iconic television roles, will continue to be celebrated by film and television enthusiasts for years to come.