View Full Version : Dennis Patrick (1918-2002)


Sean Snow
10-14-2002, 05:05 PM
OMG! This is SO SAD!! Ahhhh! He was one of my favorite male actors on "Dark Shadows" when he played Jason McGuire.

(from http://www.collinwood.net)

It is with great sadness we report the death of Dennis Patrick (Jason McGuire, Paul Stoddard), who died on the afternoon of Sunday October 13, aged 84, in a fire that destroyed much of his Hollywood Hills, which overlooked Los Angeles. He was found dead with the body of his beloved standard poodle beside him.

ShadowGram reports: "Firefighters responding to the call had a difficult time navigating the narrow, winding roads in the area. Apparently the blaze started in the bottom level of the wood-frame split-level home. The lower levels were destroyed. Dennis was found in the television room in the upper level, which did not burn."

From Associated Press: "Dennis Patrick, a veteran actor best known for recurring roles on the television series Dallas and Dark Shadows, died Sunday as his house caught fire. He was 84. An autopsy was pending.

Neighbours said Patrick was battling cancer and needed kidney dialysis. Investigators believe he may have died from smoke inhalation.

It took about 50 firefighters to extinguish the blaze that broke out at 1:17 p.m. in the 1937-era wood home, said Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey. Smoke billowing from the house could be seen for miles.

Patrick, who lived alone, was found dead with his dog next to him, said fire Chief Daniel McCarty.

Many of Patrick's roles leaned toward the macabre, including appearances on the The Twilight Zone, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour and the campy '60s soap opera Dark Shadows. His recent appearances include the 1988 TV miniseries War and Remembrance and the 1994 movie, The Air Up There."

Dennis' remarkable career spanned nearly five decades, as an accomplished actor and director of film, television and theatre. His canny wit and personal warmth made him a much loved guest at the Dark Shadows Festival fan conventions, which he attended regularly up until last July's event in Annaheim, California. Ever the consumate showman and gentleman, Dennis' unique humour and insight will leave him greatly missed by the Dark Shadows fan community. Our deepest sympathy is extended to Dennis' family and friends.

Beruche
10-14-2002, 07:12 PM
:(

Pitooey
10-14-2002, 07:55 PM
Another Dark Shadow alumni gone..... How sad. :(

Christopher
10-14-2002, 10:22 PM
Originally posted by JennyLee22
Another Dark Shadow alumni gone..... How sad. :(

What other DS cast members have died? :(

Sean Snow
10-15-2002, 05:57 PM
Originally posted by Silver Daze


What other DS cast members have died? :(

Here's a a list of DS regulars who have passed on:

Joan Bennett (1910-1990)
Chris Bernau (1940-1989)
Clarice Blackburn (1921-1995)
Joel Crothers (1941-1985)
Thayer David (1921-1978)
Louis Edmonds (1923-2001)
David Ford (1929-1983)
Robert Gerringer (1926-1989)
Grayson Hall (1923-1985)
Keith Prentice (1940-1992)
Craig Slocum (1934-1978)
Michael Stroka (1938-1997)
Virginia Vestoff (1939-1982)

Pitooey
10-15-2002, 06:26 PM
Originally posted by Sean Snow


Here's a a list of DS regulars who have passed on:


Chris Bernau (1940-1989)
Louis Edmonds (1923-2001)
Michael Stroka (1938-1997)
I had no idea Louis Edmunds died. This is so sad... Or Michael Stroka I saw them both in person... :crying: What part did Chris Bernau play? I forgot. Does anyone know?

Sean Snow
10-15-2002, 06:32 PM
Originally posted by JennyLee22
I had no idea Louis Edmunds died. This is so sad... Or Michael Stroka I saw them both in person... :crying: What part did Chris Bernau play? I forgot. Does anyone know?

He played Phillip Todd, the owner of the antique shop in the Levithan storyline.

Louis Edmonds died of respiratory failure on March 2, 2001. Dark Shadows cast members Jonathan Frid, Marie Wallace and Diana Millay attended his funeral.

Almost a month prior to his 59th birthday on April 14, 1997, Michael Stroka died of kidney cancer in Los Angeles, following an earlier battle with the illness.

Pitooey
10-15-2002, 06:42 PM
Thanks for the info............

I remember when I last saw Michael Stroka it was mentioned that he was sick but, he went to the Dark Shadows conventions anyway. he was quite a guy!!! May he Rest in Peace...

As for Louis Edmunds... I'll never forget his huge big smile when I saw him and shaked his hand. He was a wonderful man. I will miss him because I loved him on Dark Shadows and All my Children. One thing about Louis he hardly flubbed his lines on Dark Shadows............ May he also Rest in Peace..........

Sean Snow
10-16-2002, 05:28 PM
Keene Curtis, who was the voice of Judah Zachery during the 1840 storyline, has also passed away. He was 79 and was suffering from Alzheimers. He was a Tony award winning Broadway actor and also gueststarred on such series as Three's Company and Full House. He was a recurring character on Cheers during the last three seasons as John Allen Hill.