Patricia Morrow

Patricia Morrow (February 17, 1944) is a former actress, best known for her portrayal of waif-like Rita Jacks in the primetime soap opera Peyton Place from 1965 to 1969.

Patricia Morrow
Morrow as Rita Jacks on Peyton Place.
Born (1944-02-17) February 17, 1944
Los Angeles, California, USA
Years active1953-1985
Spouse(s)Carl Lance Brisson (1975-1982)

Career

Acting career

Morrow usually appeared on television and made her debut in 1953, when she got the role of Constance Philbrick in I Led 3 Lives. She also played bit parts in several films, including Ma and Pa Kettle at Home (1954), Artists and Models (1955), The Bad Seed (1956), and The Wrong Man (1956).

Morrow later got supporting roles in films and started guest starring in several series in the 1960s, including Leave It to Beaver, My Three Sons and Perry Mason. In 1964, she got her first and only lead role in a film, a musical called Surf Party. She got more recognition when she landed the role of Rita Jacks in the soap opera Peyton Place. Despite only being contracted for a few episodes, she played the role for four years, between 1965 and 1969. During the show's run, Morrow became highly popular among the crowd.

Morrow reprised the role from 1972 to 1974 in Return to Peyton Place. She initially declined the role, saying she could not combine working five days a week on the show with law school. However, she accepted a contract of two working days a week and she motivated her return by saying: "I really can't turn down money. I have to use what earning power I have right now.[1]

Morrow made her final screen appearance in 1985, playing yet again Rita Jacks in the made for television film Peyton Place: The Next Generation.

Post-acting career

Following the demise of Peyton Place, Morrow, inspired by visits to Vietnam, immersed in volunteer work with kids on probation in a ghetto in Los Angeles. On her motivation, she commented: "Those kids need a model. Somebody to say, 'You can do what you want, be what you want.' Most of them don't think they can do anything. It is only through agencies like the Legal Aid Society, that youngsters learn of outlets — where to go and how to get there."[2]

During her volunteer work, Morrow became interested in political and legal leverage. She enrolled in Glendale University College of Law, from which she graduated during her run on Return to Peyton Place.[2] On her political contribution, Morrow commented: "I want to see if the democratic process works. I want to see if it can be done. I think a lot of our difficulties are perpetuated by untrained office holders, and I resent the fact most politicians don't know a darned thing about local problems."[2]

Personal life

During the run of Peyton Place, Morrow had a relationship with her onscreen husband Christopher Connelly. Morrow married Carl Lance Brisson, the son of Rosalind Russell, in 1975. Shortly after their divorce in 1982, Morrow adopted a baby girl she named Marielle Margaret Morrow. Her father was Robert (Bob) Morrow, a Los Angeles attorney and Patricia was raised in the posh, star studded, Toluca Lake area.

Filmography
Film
Year Film Role Notes
1944 Marriage Is a Private Affair Baby uncredited
1954 Ma and Pa Kettle at Home Susie Kettle uncredited
1955 Artists and Models Zuba Girl uncredited
1956 The Kettles in the Ozarks Sally uncredited
The Bad Seed Ginny uncredited
The Wrong Man Young Girl uncredited
1957 The Kettles on Old MacDonald's Farm Bertha as Pat Morrow
1964 Surf Party Terry Wells
Television
Year Title Role Notes
1953–1956 I Led Three Lives Constance Philbrick
1956 Dr. Christian - 1 episode
Carolyn Elizabeth Failed pilot
1957 General Electric Theater Nancy "A New Girl in His Life"
Annie Get Your Gun Jessie Oakley TV movie
1963 Going My Way Jo Ann Stevens "My Son the Social Worker"
Leave It to Beaver Girl #1 1 episode
as Pat Morrow
1964 The Virginian Ellie Marden Episode "Smile of a Dragon"
Mr. Novak Different characters 4 episodes
My Three Sons Nancy "Fish Gotta Swim, Birds Gotta Fly"
My Three Sons Lissa Stratmeyer "The Ballad of Lissa Stratmeyer"
Perry Mason Marla Carol "The Case of the Bullied Bowler"
1965–1969 Peyton Place Rita Jacks Primetime soap opera
1970 The Virginian Ellie Yost 1 episode
Gunsmoke Stella Felton 1 episode
1972–1974 Return to Peyton Place Rita Jacks Harrington Daytime soap opera
1976 Emergency! Gymnastics Coach Jenny Carter 1 episode
1985 Peyton Place: The Next Generation Rita Harrington TV movie
as Pat Morrow

References
  1. "Pat Morrow Returns To Peyton Place", The Terre Haute Star, May 27, 1972
  2. "Peyton Serial Stands Pat With Pat" by Charles Witbeck, Winnipeg Free Press, May 6, 1972
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