Shock! Patricia Crowley suddenly passed away at the age of 91 | General Hospital Spoilers
Remembering Patricia Crowley: The Beloved Matriarch of Port Charles Dies at 91
The daytime community and Hollywood at large are mourning the loss of veteran actress Patricia Crowley, who passed away on September 14, just three days shy of her 92nd birthday. A celebrated talent whose career spanned more than half a century, Crowley was best known to soap opera fans as the loving and resilient mother Mary Scanlan Collins on the General Hospital spin-off, Port Charles.
Crowley joined the cast of Port Charles at its inception in 1997, quickly becoming a cornerstone of the series. For over 250 episodes, she portrayed Mary as a pillar of strength, sacrifice, and unwavering maternal love, guiding her children through life’s endless challenges in the fictional town. Her warm and heartfelt performance left an indelible mark on the show’s legacy and secured her a permanent place in the hearts of viewers.
Born in Olyphant, Pennsylvania, in 1933, Crowley’s distinguished career began long before she arrived in Port Charles. She made her screen debut in the 1953 film Forever Female alongside Hollywood legends Ginger Rogers and William Holden. Her talent was immediately recognized, earning her a Golden Globe Award for “New Star of the Year” in 1954. This accolade launched a prolific career that saw her star in iconic series such as the beloved sitcom Please Don’t Eat the Daisies and the primetime soap powerhouse Dynasty, where she played Emily Fallmont.
Crowley was a ubiquitous and welcome presence on television for decades, demonstrating incredible range in guest-starring roles on legendary shows like Charlie’s Angels, Columbo, The Streets of San Francisco, and Murder, She Wrote. She moved seamlessly from lighthearted comedy to complex, dramatic characters, proving her versatility with every performance. Her final major role was in 2005 on The Bold and the Beautiful as Natalie DeWitt.
Her passing has been felt deeply by those who knew her. Wendy Riche, the former executive producer of both General Hospital and Port Charles, shared a poignant tribute on Facebook, writing, “My dearest friend Pat has passed, but I will never forget her. Rest in peace, my dear.”
This loss is a profound shock to her family. Crowley is survived by her husband, renowned producer Andy Friendly, and her two children from a previous marriage, Jon and Ann. The family is also mourning the recent loss of Patricia’s sister, actress Ann Crowley, who passed away in 2023.
Patricia Crowley was more than just a talented actress; she was a beloved colleague, a devoted friend, and a cherished matriarch both on-screen and off. While she may be gone, her extensive body of work ensures that her memory will endure, forever cherished by the fans and industry she so gracefully captivated.
