Perhaps the most famous Pat in history is St. Patrick, thanks to his legendary work in Ireland and the beloved international holiday that bears his name. In more modern times, Pats of all kinds have made great contributions to our culture. Whether they go by Pat, Patrick, Patricia, Patsy, Paddy, or Patrice, these luminaries have made our world a better place. Take a look the great Pats of the past, and click on any photo for more about the famous Pat.
Saint Patrick (387–461)
Known as the “Apostle of Ireland,” Saint Patrick is the primary patron saint of Ireland, along with saints Brigit of Kildare and Columba. Saint Patrick’s Day is observed on 17 March, which is said to be the date of his death. Celebrated inside and outside Ireland as a religious and cultural holiday, it is also a celebration of Ireland itself.
Pat Conroy (1946–2016)
The South Carolina native was known for his candid and “down-home” writing style, which drew upon his rough childhood experiences as a military brat with a domineering father. His works include “The Prince of Tides” and “The Great Santini.”
Pat Harrington (1929–2016)
Harrington played building superintendent Dwayne Schneider on American sitcom One Day at a Time for the series’ entire nine-season run from 1975 to 1984.
View Pat Harrington’s obituary
Patrick Macnee (1922–2015)
The British-born actor was best known as the stylish secret agent John Steed in the 1960s TV series “The Avengers.”
View Patrick Macnee’s obituary
Pat Quinn (1943–2014)
Quinn played parts of nine seasons in the NHL and went on to coach the Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs. Quinn guided Canada to the championship at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, the country’s first gold medal in men’s hockey in 50 years. He was behind the bench when Canada won the World Cup of Hockey in 2004.
Patti Page (1927–2013)
Page was one of the most popular American pop singers of all time. Her No. 1 singles included “All My Love (Bolero),” “I Went to Your Wedding,” “(How Much Is That) Doggie in the Window” and the timeless classic “Tennessee Waltz.”
Pat Summerall (1930–2013)
In addition to decades as a sports broadcaster on American television, Summerall also played 10 seasons in the NFL.
Patricia Blair (1933–2013)
The American actress is known best for her work on 1960s TV Westerns “The Rifleman” and “Daniel Boone.”
View Patricia Blair’s obituary
Patty Andrews (1918–2013)
As part of the Andrews Sisters, Patty Andrews sold more than 75 million records, including the classic World War II hit “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.”
View more about the Andrews Sisters
Patricia Medina (1919–2012)
The British born actress was a popular fixture in swashbuckling period pieces throughout the 1950s.
Patrice O’Neal (1969–2011)
American comedian and actor Patrice O’Neal had a relatively short career but a tremendous impact on the world of comedy. He turned up in programs such as “The Office” and “Arrested Development,” as well as the Spike Lee film “25th Hour.” His final televised special, “Elephant in the Room,” aired in 2011.
View comedians’ favorite memories of Patrice O’Neal
Patricia Neal (1926–2010)
Neal won an Academy Award for her role opposite Paul Newman in “Hud.” She also starred in “The Day the Earth Stood Still” and had an appearance in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
Patrick Swayze (1952–2009)
American actor and dancer Swayze starred in modern classics such as “Ghost,” “Point Break” and of course “Dirty Dancing.” Swayze earned a Golden Globe nomination for his role as Vida Boheme in “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar.”
Patrick McGoohan (1928–2009)
Born in New York to Irish parents, McGoohan grew up in Ireland and Britain. He is best remembered for his roles in television’s “Danger Man” and “The Prisoner,” McGoohan received two Emmys for his work on “Columbo” with Peter Falk, and also appeared on the big screen in films such as “Braveheart,” “Silver Streak” and “Ice Station Zebra.”
View Patrick McGoohan’s obituary
Pat Hingle (1924–2009)
Hingle originated the role of Gooper in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” narrated “A Land Before Time” and kept Gotham City safe as Commissioner Gordon in four “Batman” films.
Patricia Kennedy Lawford (1924–2006)
Part of the fabled Kennedy family, she tried her hand at a career in movies, but 1950s Hollywood proved an inhospitable place for a woman interested in producing and directing.
View Patricia Kennedy Lawford’s obituary
Pat Corley (1930–2006)
Corley served sage advice along with drinks as Phil the barkeep on American sitcom “Murphy Brown.”
Pat Morita (1935–2005)
Morita starred in “Mr. T and Tina,” the first U.S. sitcom about an Asian-American, as well as the first season of “Happy Days” and four “Karate Kid” films. He was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of Mr. Miyagi in “The Karate Kid.”
Pat Roach (1937–2004)
The English wrestler and actor was known for his roles in the movie Willow and the Indiana Jones films.
Pat Tillman (1976–2004)
Following the 9/11 attacks, NFL player Pat Tillman left his career to join the U.S. Army, becoming an Army Ranger. Tillman served in Afghanistan until 2004, when he was accidentally killed by friendly fire.
Pat Coombs (1926–2002)
For over 50 years character actress Pat Coombs dominated British radio and television, with notable roles on sitcom You’re Only Young Twice and long-running soap EastEnders.
Patrick De Gayardon (1960–1998)
French stuntman De Gayardon flies over the Grand Canyon in a suit equipped with wings he invented and tested. He fell to his death during a skydive in Hawaii.
Pat Paulsen (1927–1997)
American comedian and satirist Paulsen was well-known for his work on “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” and his many presidential campaigns, some of which actually drew protest votes.
View more about Pat Paulsen’s presidential campaigns
Patsy Montana (1908–1996)
Montana was a country music pioneer known best for her 1935 hit “I Want to Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart.” Montana’s Western-theme songs created a yodeling cowgirl image that helped elevate women in country music to prominent, if not equal, standing with male singers.
Pat Brown (1905–1996)
Americans love their political dynasties: the Bushes, the Kennedys, the Cuomos. Yet one of the longest-lasting dynasties of the modern day tends to be overlooked: the one begat by Edmund G. Brown, aka “Pat,” the governor of California from 1959 to 1967, whose daughter was the state treasurer and whose son, Jerry, is the state’s current governor.
Patricia Highsmith (1921–1995)
The American novelist and short story writer was known best for “Strangers on a Train” and “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” Her 1952 story “The Price of Salt” was recently made into Oscar-nominated film “Carol” starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara.
Pat Buttram (1915–1994)
In addition to playing Mr. Haney on American sitcom “Green Acres,” Buttram was known for his longtime role as Gene Autry’s sidekick. He also was a popular voice actor, lending his voice to such animated classics as Disney’s “Robin Hood” (as the Sheriff of Nottingham), “The Aristocats” and “The Rescuers.”
Pat Nixon (1912–1993)
Former first lady Nixon spent her time in the White House promoting volunteerism, expanding the White House art collection and traveling more than any other first lady to that point in history. She also was the first of our nation’s first ladies to travel to an active combat zone.
View more about the Nixons’ love story
Patrick Troughton (1920–1987)
Fans of “Doctor Who” will recognize Troughton as the second incarnation of the eponymous time traveler from the long-running British sci-fi series.
Pat O’Brien (1899–1983)
O’Brien, left, seen here with Ronald Reagan in the 1940 movie “Knute Rockne, All-American,” also appeared in such films as “Angels With Dirty Faces,” “Ragtime” and “Some Like It Hot.”
Paddy Chayefsky (1923–1981)
Chayefsky was not at all Irish but would be at home among the best of Irish writers. In addition to his plays and novels, Chayefsky is the only person to have won three solo Oscars for best screenplay.
View Paddy Chayefsky’s obituary
Patsy Cline (1932–1963)
Cline was only 30 when she died in a plane crash, cutting short one of the most promising careers in country music. Her renditions of “I Fall to Pieces” and “Crazy” are staples for any respectable jukebox.
Pat O’Dea (1872–1962)
The history of modern sport is littered with tales of stars voluntarily turning their back on celebrity, but it’s unlikely anyone will ever walk the same strange path to anonymity and back as Australia’s first great footballing export, Pat O’Dea.
Pat Garrett (1850–1908)
As sheriff of Lincoln County, New Mexico, Garrett became widely known for tracking down William Bonney, aka Billy the Kid, and his gang and capturing them – and then, after Bonney escaped, finding him again. A gunfight ensued and Garrett fatally shot Billy the Kid … or did he? Others claimed to be Billy the Kid, and it’s possible Garrett shot the wrong man.
View obituaries for the people of the Wild West
Patrick Henry (1736–1799)
American revolutionary Henry was famous for his call, “Give me liberty, or give me death.” After the revolution, he was instrumental in the adoption of the Bill of Rights.
