Monday, September 13, 2010

Patricia Neal

  
Patricia Neal
January 20, 1926- August 8, 2010
George Peppard, Audrey Hepburn, Patricia Neal (Mrs. Failenson)
Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
I've been so out of the loop for so long dear readers that I just found out that the talented, husky voiced Oscar winning Patricia Neal passed away on August 8th, 2010 at the age of 84. TCM is hosting a tribute in honor of the late Neal this week, so be sure to tune in and see this extraordinary woman in some of her memorable roles. She had quite the extensive resume, working opposite some of the most well known actors in the industry including Gary Cooper, John Wayne, and Paul Newman.

Neal was born January 20, 1926 in Kentucky and named Patsy Louise. A name that soon got a revamp once she entered the business. She began her career at the age of 21 starring opposite Ronald Reagan in the rom-con John Loves Mary. She then went on to star in The Fountainhead with Cooper and eventually Hud, which earned her an Academy Award.

Patricia Neal and Gary Cooper 
Fountainhead (1949)
 Patricia Neal and Paul Newman
HUD (1963)

Neal's life was defined by a combination of triumph and tragedy.  She endured the death of her first child daughter due to measles and the calamitous injury to her son who was struck in an accident and was brain damaged.  Thereafter, she suffered three massive strokes which left her in a coma for three weeks and left her semi-paralyzed and unable to speak.  But through it all, she was able to walk and talk again with the help of her husband  British writer Roald Dahl, and in 1968 she returned to the screen  as the bitter mother  in the screen version of Frank Gilroy’s play “The Subject Was Roses.” Once again she was nominated for an Academy Award. 
 Patricia Neal and Martin Sheen
The Subject was Roses (1968)
Patricia Neal died on August 8, 2010 in Edgarton, Massachusetts from lung cancer. She was 84 years old

4 comments:

Jamie Dorman said...

I'm so glad you posted this. I adore her, she's amazing and I really love that she didn't get alone with George Peppard. With his acting, who could blame her?! She always struck me as a ball buster, something I admire.

Miss Go Lightly said...

Yeah she was a 'ball buster' and I admire her for her resilience! Thx for your comment darling :)

coco said...

I remember her face in some movies my parents watched when I was younger. She had a unique voice and face. Then recently (about 6 months ago) I saw a movie on TCM called "Psyche 59" with Patricia Neal. Very interesting movie! I like her acting.

Anonymous said...

Found your blog searching for Moz photos and I love what I see here! Cheers from one Morrissey fan to another -- will be adding you to my blog roll!