Patricia Crowley, Star of “Please Don’t Eat the Daisies” and “Dynasty,” Dies at 91 After Decades of Television and Film Success
Hollywood has lost another familiar face, one that brought charm and warmth to both the big and small screens. Patricia Crowley, the Golden Globe–winning actress best known for her role as Joan Nash in the beloved 1960s sitcom Please Don’t Eat the Daisies and for her memorable appearances in Dynasty, has died at the age of 91. Her son confirmed the news, marking the end of a remarkable career that spanned over six decades and left behind a legacy filled with unforgettable performances.
Crowley was more than just a performer; she was a storyteller who lit up every role with intelligence, grace, and a natural sense of humor. Born in Olyphant, Pennsylvania, in 1933, she began acting in the early 1950s, quickly establishing herself as a rising star in both film and television. By the time she was cast in Please Don’t Eat the Daisies in 1965, she had already made a name for herself in Hollywood, but it was this sitcom that endeared her to audiences everywhere. For two years, from 1965 to 1967, she played Joan Nash, a witty and relatable wife and mother, opposite actor Mark Miller. Her performance made viewers feel like they were welcoming a friend into their living rooms each week.
Her career, however, stretched far beyond just one role. Patricia appeared in an impressive range of television shows across decades, proving her versatility and adaptability in an industry that often boxes actors into type. She was featured in Maverick, 77 Sunset Strip, The Twilight Zone, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, Friends and Lovers, The Rockford Files, and countless others. Her face was one that television viewers came to know and trust, no matter what character she played. In the 1980s, she joined the primetime soap Dynasty, adding another layer to her already rich resume and introducing herself to a new generation of fans.
Crowley also found success in film, working with some of the most prominent names in Hollywood. She appeared alongside Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in Money from Home, as well as roles in Forever Female with Ginger Rogers and Red Garters. Her film career may not have been as long as her television work, but it cemented her reputation as an actress who could move effortlessly between comedy and drama.
Her achievements did not go unnoticed. Patricia won a Golden Globe Award early in her career, recognition that celebrated not only her talent but her unique ability to bring warmth and humanity to every role she touched. Yet despite her accolades, she remained grounded, remembered by those who knew her as kind, approachable, and deeply committed to her craft.
The news of her passing has sparked tributes from fans who remember watching her in their childhoods, as well as from younger audiences who discovered her later work through reruns and streaming platforms. It is a testament to how timeless her performances were. Patricia Crowley’s presence on screen was never about flash or spectacle. It was about honesty, charm, and the quiet strength of a woman who loved her work and respected the art of storytelling.
As Hollywood says goodbye to Patricia Crowley, her legacy lives on in the laughter and memories she gave to millions. Her work in Please Don’t Eat the Daisies remains a touchstone of classic television, a reminder of the innocence and warmth of that era. Her appearances in dramas like Dynasty showed her range and ability to evolve with the times. And her kindness, remembered by those closest to her, is perhaps the greatest part of the story she leaves behind.
At 91, Patricia Crowley leaves behind not just her family, including her children and loved ones, but also generations of fans who will continue to watch her, admire her, and remember her as one of the bright lights of American entertainment.
