Pati Behrs facts for kids

Pati Behrs Eristoff (born February 13, 1922 – died July 4, 2004) was a talented Russian American prima ballerina (a lead dancer in ballet) and an actress. She was also the grandniece of the famous writer Leo Tolstoy.

About Pati Behrs

Pati Behrs Eristoff was born in Turkey. Her parents were Russian immigrants. Her family had to leave Russia and move to Paris, France.

Pati lived through World War II and the time when France was occupied. She danced in nightclubs in Paris to survive. During this difficult time, she also bravely helped to hide people from danger.

After the war, Pati moved to the United States. She received a contract to work in Hollywood films.

Her Family Life

Pati Behrs had a short first marriage to George 'Gogi' Tchitchinadze. He worked at the Bel-Air Hotel.

In December 1947, she met actor John Derek in an acting class. They got married on October 9, 1948. Pati and John had two children together. Their son was Russell Derek (1950–1999). Their daughter, Sean Catherine Derek (born 1953), later became a screenwriter (someone who writes movie scripts).

Pati and John Derek separated in September 1955. They divorced in April 1956.

In 1975, Pati married a doctor named Lucius Lindley. He passed away in 1986.

Pati became a grandmother in 1969. She became a great-grandmother in 1996. She passed away on July 4, 2004, at the age of 82.

Her Love for Animals

Pati Behrs cared a lot about animals. She was an animal-rights advocate, meaning she supported protecting animals. She gave her old 1926 Steinway piano to a group called Actors and Others for Animals. Her daughter, Sean, asked that the piano be sold. The money from the sale would then be used to help animals in need.

Film Roles

Pati Behrs appeared in several films during her career. Here are some of the movies she was in:

See also

• List of people from California
• List of prima ballerinas
• List of Russian people