Actress, Entertainer. Born Bridget Sarah Veronica Rose Kelly, she was nicknamed 'Patsy' by her brother. She's best known for her series of film comedies with Thelma Todd. Patsy began her career in vaudeville with comedian Frank Fay, and the two performed on Broadway in 1927. She also appeared on stage with other actors such as William Frawley, Jack Benny, Buddy Ebsen, and Will Rogers. The Hollywood producer Hal Roach signed her to a contract in 1933, somewhat reluctantly; Patsy was quoted as saying, 'I'll be a flop in movies. Besides, I don't like 'em, and I never did believe there was a place called Hollywood. Somebody made it up!' Kelly's contract with Roach allowed her to work for other studios, and she also appeared in pictures at the other major studios. In the 1940's her film career slowed and she returned to the stage. She worked on TV in the 1950's, most notably in Tallulah Bankhead's 'All Star Revue' from 1952-1953. She became a companion for Tallulah, sometimes even donning a maid's uniform. During the 1960's she appeared in a few TV and film roles. She won a Tony in 1971 for her role in 'No, No, Nanette,' which ran for 861 performances. In January 1980 Patsy suffered a stroke and went to live at the Motion Picture and TV Country Home until her death from cancer the following year. Thinking back on her Hollywood days, she said, 'I laughed from the time I arrived at the studio until I left at night. I was almost ashamed to take a paycheck. In 40-odd years in show business, some years I could do no wrong, and some years I could do nothing right. Show business. I owe it everything - it owes me nothing.'
Actress, Entertainer. Born Bridget Sarah Veronica Rose Kelly, she was nicknamed 'Patsy' by her brother. She's best known for her series of film comedies with Thelma Todd. Patsy began her career in vaudeville with comedian Frank Fay, and the two performed on Broadway in 1927. She also appeared on stage with other actors such as William Frawley, Jack Benny, Buddy Ebsen, and Will Rogers. The Hollywood producer Hal Roach signed her to a contract in 1933, somewhat reluctantly; Patsy was quoted as saying, 'I'll be a flop in movies. Besides, I don't like 'em, and I never did believe there was a place called Hollywood. Somebody made it up!' Kelly's contract with Roach allowed her to work for other studios, and she also appeared in pictures at the other major studios. In the 1940's her film career slowed and she returned to the stage. She worked on TV in the 1950's, most notably in Tallulah Bankhead's 'All Star Revue' from 1952-1953. She became a companion for Tallulah, sometimes even donning a maid's uniform. During the 1960's she appeared in a few TV and film roles. She won a Tony in 1971 for her role in 'No, No, Nanette,' which ran for 861 performances. In January 1980 Patsy suffered a stroke and went to live at the Motion Picture and TV Country Home until her death from cancer the following year. Thinking back on her Hollywood days, she said, 'I laughed from the time I arrived at the studio until I left at night. I was almost ashamed to take a paycheck. In 40-odd years in show business, some years I could do no wrong, and some years I could do nothing right. Show business. I owe it everything - it owes me nothing.'
Bio by: Jennifer M.
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