Patricia Breslin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Patricia Breslin
Breslin in 1951
Born	Patricia Rose Breslin (1925-03-17)March 17, 1925 New York City, U.S.
Died	October 12, 2011(2011-10-12) (aged 86) Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Alma mater	College of New Rochelle
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1949–1969
Spouse(s)	David Orrick McDearmon ​ ​ (m. 1953; div. 1969)​ Art Modell ​ (m. 1969⁠–⁠2011)​
Children	2, including David Modell

Patricia Rose Breslin (born March 17, 1925 – died October 12, 2011) was an American actress. She was also a philanthropist, meaning she gave a lot of money to good causes.

Patricia had a successful career in television. She played important roles like Amanda Miller on The People's Choice (1955–58). She also played Laura Harrington Brooks on Peyton Place (1964–65). She appeared in movies such as Go, Man, Go! (1954). She was also in the horror films Homicidal (1961) and I Saw What You Did (1965).

In 1969, Patricia married NFL team owner Art Modell. She became well-known for her charity work. She lived in Cleveland, Ohio, and Baltimore, Maryland. Patricia donated millions of dollars to many groups. These included schools, health organizations, and art museums. She also helped start the Hospice of the Western Reserve in Cleveland.

Early Life and Education

Patricia Rose Breslin was born in New York City. She was one of three children. Her father, Edward, was a judge. Her mother, Marjorie, had Scottish family roots. Patricia grew up in the Parkchester area of the Bronx.

She went to the Academy of Mount St. Ursula High School. After high school, she studied at the College of New Rochelle in New Rochelle, New York.

Acting Career Highlights

Patricia Breslin started her acting career on television. In 1950, she appeared in an episode of Cameo Theatre. In 1954, she was a guest star on the NBC show Justice. She played a woman who was in danger.

That same year, she had a supporting role in the sports movie Go, Man, Go!. She acted alongside Ruby Dee, Sidney Poitier, and the famous Harlem Globetrotters.

From 1955 to 1958, Patricia starred with Jackie Cooper in The People's Choice. She played his girlfriend, and later his wife, Amanda Miller.

Guest Appearances on Popular Shows

Patricia Breslin was a guest star on many popular TV shows. Between 1960 and 1963, she appeared three times on CBS's Perry Mason. Each time, she played a person accused of a crime.

In 1960, she was in The Twilight Zone episode "Nick of Time". She played the new wife of William Shatner's character. She also appeared in another Twilight Zone episode in 1963, called "No Time Like the Past".

She also guest-starred on Western shows like Tate and The Rebel. In 1961, she was in an episode of The DuPont Show with June Allyson.

Later Roles in Film and TV

Patricia returned to movies in 1961. She starred in the horror film Homicidal. She worked again with the same director, William Castle, on the thriller I Saw What You Did in 1964.

In 1964, she joined the cast of the ABC soap opera Peyton Place. She played Laura Brooks. From 1965 to 1969, she also played Meg Baldwin in the ABC soap opera General Hospital. This was her last acting role.

Personal Life and Family

From 1953 to 1969, Patricia Breslin was married to actor and director David Orrick McDearmon. They had two children together.

Later, in 1969, Patricia married Art Modell. He owned the Cleveland Browns and later the Baltimore Ravens football teams. After they married, Art legally adopted Patricia's two sons. The family lived in Waite Hill, Ohio, and later moved to Owings Mills, Maryland. They had six grandchildren.

Philanthropy and Community Work

Patricia Breslin became a well-known philanthropist. She gave money and time to many causes in Cleveland and Baltimore.

She and Art Modell gave $5 million to the SEED School of Maryland. This is a public boarding school for students who need extra support. They also donated $3.5 million to help fix up the Lyric Opera House. Patricia was on the boards of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the Walters Art Museum. She also gave money to the Baltimore Museum of Art.

In Cleveland, she helped start the Hospice of the Western Reserve. This is a place that cares for people who are very ill. She also supported the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Patricia was active in the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This group grants wishes to children with critical illnesses. She also supported the Cleveland Musical Arts Association, the Cleveland Ballet, and the Cerebral Palsy Association.

Later Years and Passing

Patricia Breslin passed away on October 12, 2011. She was 86 years old. She had been in the hospital for a long time due to pancreatitis. Her funeral was held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore. Her husband, Art, had given a lot of money to help restore this church.

Filmography

Film Roles

Television Roles