Patricia Benoit
Patricia Eloise Benoit (February 21, 1927 – August 6, 2018) was an American television and stage actress.[1] She starred as the title character's eventual wife Nancy Remington in the 1950s TV series, Mister Peepers.
Patricia Benoit | |
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Patricia Benoit poses for the television wedding (for breakthrough 1954 TV series Mister Peepers) on 30 March 1954. | |
Born | Fort Worth, Texas, U.S. | 21 February 1927
Died | 6 August 2018 91) Port Chester, New York, U.S. | (aged
Nationality | American |
Occupation | stage actress, television actress |
Years active | 1950-1963 |
Known for | Mister Peepers |
Spouse(s) | Parton Swift (his death 1991) |
Children | 2 |
Early life
Patricia Benoit was born on February 21, 1927 at Fort Worth, Texas. At the age of 19, she moved to New York City from Fort Worth to study acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.[2] After her graduation in stage acting, she acted in summer stock and Off Broadway Productions for three years.
Career
She also made a solitary appearance in the television series Believe It or Not in 1950 before earning a career breakthrough performance in Broadway comedy sitcom Glad Tidings where she played the role of long-lost daughter of Melvyn Douglas.[3] She also received an award for the Best stage actress at the Theatre World Award in 1952.
She also rose to prominence by playing the role of Wally Cox's sweetheart in the record breaking 1950s NBC television series, Mister Peepers. The wedding moment between her and Wally Cox was a record smashing moment in television history in 1954 and was largely appreciated by the TV audience.[4] The American TV magazine TV Guide used the picture of the couple's television wedding in 1954 in its cover page.[5]
She starred in NBC anthology series, The Alcoa Hour (1956) as the wife of Mr. Baxter (Dennis King) which was based on a novel titled Merry Christmas, Mr. Baxter.
Personal life
She married Patron Swift Jr. in 1952 and lived with him until his death in 1991.
Death
She died on August 6, 2018 at the age of 91 while sleeping.[6] She is survived by her two sons, Jeremy and Nicholas.
References
- "Patricia Benoit Swift". Star Telegram.
- "Patricia Benoit". Talkhouse. Retrieved 2018-08-14.
- "Patricia Benoit". African Film Festival, Inc. 2013-03-03. Retrieved 2018-08-13.
- "Patricia Benoit, Wally Cox's Sweetheart on 'Mister Peepers,' Dies at 91". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2018-08-13.
- TV Guide, 21 May 1954
- League, The Broadway. "Patricia Benoit – Broadway Cast & Staff | IBDB". www.ibdb.com. Retrieved 2018-08-13.