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.
She grew up surrounded by family, learning the values of perseverance and independence that would later define her career.
After graduating high school, Lory moved to Detroit to begin her career in modeling, quickly gaining recognition for her poise, beauty, and professionalism.
Detroit in the 1950s offered opportunities, but Lory had larger ambitions; she longed to break into the world of film and television.
From Modeling to Hollywood Dreams
Patrick eventually moved to New York City, where the competitive modeling world tested her resilience. While attending a film interview in Manhattan, she faced a discouraging moment that could have ended many careers.
A producer dismissed her outright, saying, “Pretty girls can’t act.” For Patrick, this judgment ignited determination rather than discouragement.
She resolved to prove that talent, ambition, and dedication could overcome superficial assumptions. Packing her belongings, she headed west to Los Angeles with dreams of becoming a working actress.
Her perseverance quickly paid off. Within three days of arriving in Hollywood, Patrick landed her first role on The Loretta Young Show, a major achievement for any aspiring actress of the era.
Her appearance on the show marked the beginning of a prolific decade in television, establishing her as a familiar and beloved presence on the small screen.
Television Stardom: From Westerns to Sitcoms
Lory Patrick became a recognizable figure to millions of viewers as schoolteacher Tina Swenson on NBC’s hit series Tales of Wells Fargo.
