Pat Nixon was an American first lady who is best known for her role as the wife of Richard Nixon, as well as for her contributions during his presidency. Born Thelma Catherine Ryan, she was involved in various charitable activities and held a significant place in American history.
Personal and Family Life
Pat Nixon was born on March 16, 1912, in Ely, Nevada, to Irish and German parents. She had two older brothers and also had half-siblings from her mother’s previous marriage. She graduated cum laude from the University of Southern California in 1937, where she earned a degree in Merchandising. Pat met Richard Nixon while acting in a community theater production, and the couple married on June 21, 1940.
Health Issues
Throughout her life, Pat Nixon faced numerous health challenges. She suffered strokes in 1976 and 1982 but managed to recover fully from both incidents. She had a history of emphysema due to her smoking, along with other health issues like a degenerative spinal disease and mouth cancer. In December 1992, while being treated for respiratory problems, she was diagnosed with lung cancer, leading to her limited public appearances afterward.
Death and Legacy
Pat Nixon passed away on June 22, 1993, in Park Ridge, New Jersey, after a long battle with lung cancer. Her legacy includes her work as first lady and her significant influence on various social causes. Notably, she shares her name with a character in Tom Clancy’s novel, where Jack Ryan’s wife is also named Catherine Ryan.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Our Nixon | 2013-01-23 | Self |
| Nixon by Nixon: In His Own Words | 2014-08-04 | Self (archive footage) |
| All the Presidents’ Wives | 2008-06-24 | Self (archive footage) |
| Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? | 1975-08-06 | Self (archive footage) |
| Gala Day at Disneyland | 1960-01-21 | Herself |
| Mark Felt: The Man Who Brought Down the White House | 2017-09-28 | Self (archive footage, uncredited) |
| Dancing Pirate | 1936-05-22 | Dance-Class Student (uncredited) |
| J. Edgar | 2011-11-09 | Self (archive footage, uncredited) |
| The Presidents’ Gatekeepers | 2013-09-12 | Self (archive footage) |
| Cold Turkey | 1971-02-19 | Self (archive footage) |
| Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics | 2010-11-09 | Self (archive footage) |
| Becky Sharp | 1935-06-28 | Ballroom Dancer (uncredited) |
| A Kentucky Treasure: The Osborne Brothers Story | 2014-08-05 | Self (archive footage) |
| Nixon in China | 2012-02-22 | Self |
| All the President’s Men | 1976-04-09 | Self (archive footage, uncredited) |
| Led Zeppelin Played Here | 2014-10-11 | Self (archive footage) |
| Within These Walls: A Tour of the White House | 1991-01-01 | Self (archive footage) |
| Holiday Time at Disneyland | 1962-12-23 | Self |
| Race for the White House | 2016-03-06 | Self (archive footage) |