Patterson Dial, born Elizabeth Patterson Dial, was an American actress known for her roles in films such as Secrets, A Lady of Quality, and Get-Rich-Quick Wallingford. She began her acting career at a young age and later transitioned into writing.
Personal and Family Life
Patterson Dial was born in Madison, Florida, and made her film debut at just fourteen. She married eminent novelist Rupert Hughes on December 31, 1924, after having an affair with him while he was still married. The couple did not have children, and Patterson left her acting career to become a writer.
Career Highlights
After her marriage, Patterson contributed numerous short stories to popular magazines throughout the 1930s, while also assisting her husband with his writing projects. Despite her literary accomplishments, she faced personal struggles, including severe depression, which overshadowed her life and career.
Death and Legacy
Patterson Dial passed away on March 23, 1945, from an overdose of sleeping pills, a tragedy that is surrounded by speculation regarding whether it was accidental or intentional. She was cremated and laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California. Her legacy lives on in her film and writing contributions, albeit overshadowed by the circumstances of her untimely death.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Secrets | 1924-03-24 | Susan |
| Souls for Sale | 1923-04-22 | Actress (uncredited) |
| Tol’able David | 1921-12-31 | Rose Kinemon |
| Sonny | 1922-05-22 | Alicia |
| The Seventh Day | 1922-02-06 | Katinka |
| Happiness | 1924-03-09 | Sallie Perkins |
| A Lady of Quality | 1924-01-14 | Annie Wildairs |
| Married Flirts | 1924-10-27 | Evelyn Draycup |
| Fury | 1923-01-01 | Looney Luke’s Girl |
| Reno | 1923-12-09 | Mrs. Tod Stoat |
| Get-Rich-Quick Wallingford | 1921-12-04 | Bessie |