Patsy Kelly was an American actress best known for her performances in “Rosemary’s Baby,” “Freaky Friday,” and “The Naked Kiss.” She was known for her unique comedic talent and her ability to ad-lib, stemming from her early career in vaudeville.
Personal and Family Life
Patsy Kelly was born Bridget Sarah Veronica Rose Kelly on January 12, 1910, in Brooklyn, New York. As a child, she was passionate about dance, teaching tap dancing by the age of 13. She was openly lesbian, which was unusual for her time, and had a long-term relationship with actress Wilma Cox.
Career Highlights
Beginning her career in vaudeville, Patsy appeared in various Broadway shows and comedy shorts in the 1930s, notably alongside Thelma Todd. Throughout the decades, she took on supporting roles in movies and made a successful transition to television, earning acclaim for her performances. She won a Tony Award in 1971 for her role in “No, No, Nanette.”
Death and Legacy
Patsy Kelly passed away on September 24, 1981, from pneumonia after suffering a stroke. She left behind a rich legacy in entertainment, remembered for her wit, humor, and openness about her personal life, which paved the way for LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Rosemary’s Baby | 1968-06-12 | Laura-Louise |
| The Naked Kiss | 1964-10-29 | Mac, Head Nurse |
| In Old California | 1942-05-31 | Helga |
| Freaky Friday | 1976-12-17 | Mrs Schmauss |
| The North Avenue Irregulars | 1979-02-09 | Rose |
| Please Don’t Eat the Daisies | 1960-03-31 | Maggie |
| There Goes My Heart | 1938-10-14 | Peggy O’Brien |
| Pigskin Parade | 1936-10-23 | Bessie Winters |
| The Crowded Sky | 1960-09-02 | Gertrude Ross |
| The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini | 1966-04-06 | Myrtle Forbush |
| Topper Returns | 1941-03-21 | Emily, the Maid |
| Thanks a Million | 1935-11-13 | Phoebe Mason |
| Kelly the Second | 1936-08-21 | Molly Patricia Kelly |
| Hollywood Out-takes and Rare Footage | 1983-02-25 | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) |