Actor

Gail Patrick

1911–1980 · Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.

An American film actress. Born Margaret LaVelle Fitzpatrick, she appeared in 62 movies between 1932 and 1948, usually as the leading lady's extremely formidable rival; some of these roles include the second wife in My Favorite Wife (1940) with Irene Dunne and Cary Grant, Anna May Wong's sophisticated competitor in Dangerous to Know (1938), Carole Lombard's spoiled sister in My Man Godfrey (1936), and Linda Shaw, Ginger Rogers' rival in Stage Door (1937).

Gail Patrick was a remarkable woman who defied the conventional boundaries of Hollywood, transforming herself from a typecast film actress to a groundbreaking television producer. Her journey through entertainment was marked by intelligence, ambition, and a pioneering spirit that would reshape the landscape of television production in the mid-20th century.

Early Life and Unexpected Hollywood Beginnings

Born Margaret LaVelle Fitzpatrick on June 20, 1911, in Birmingham, Alabama, Gail Patrick was far from a typical Hollywood starlet. A graduate of Howard College (now Samford University), she initially aspired to become a lawyer, even completing two years of law school. Her entry into Hollywood was serendipitous - in 1932, she entered a beauty and talent contest "for a lark" and won train fare to Hollywood for herself and her brother. Patrick's arrival in Hollywood was strategic and unconventional. When offered a standard contract, she negotiated her terms boldly, demanding $75 a week instead of the customary $50 and refusing standard layoff provisions. She even negotiated out of "cheesecake" photoshoots, demonstrating her pragmatic approach to her nascent career.

Hollywood's Quintessential "Other Woman"

Throughout her acting career from 1932 to 1948, Patrick appeared in over 60 feature films, often typecast as the romantic rival or the sophisticated antagonist. Her physical attractiveness and distinctive screen presence made her a memorable supporting actress. Notable films included My Man Godfrey (1936), where she played William Powell's spoiled sister, and Stage Door (1937). Film scholar Maria DiBattista aptly described Patrick as excelling in roles portraying "feckless or selfish or simply second-best brunettes". Patrick herself was pragmatic about her success, attributing it to timing and the movie studios' desire for "hussies" during that era.

Transition to Television Production

Patrick's most significant contribution to entertainment came after her acting career. As Gail Patrick Jackson, she became a pioneering television producer. Her breakthrough came through Erle Stanley Gardner'sPerry Mason series. After forming Paisano Productions with Gardner and her husband Cornwell Jackson, she developed and sold the Perry Mason television series to CBS. Her role was groundbreaking - she was one of the first female producers and the only female executive producer in television during Perry Mason's nine-year run from 1957 to 1966. The show earned the first Emmy Award presented for television drama.

Personal Life and Legacy

Beyond her professional achievements, Patrick led a dynamic personal life. She was married four times, including to restaurateur Robert H. Cobb and served patriotically during World War II by touring Canada to promote war bonds. Her personal challenges included experiencing the loss of premature twins and developing diabetes. Patrick received numerous honors, including being named Los Angeles Woman of the Year twice and receiving the Mystery Writers of America's Edgar Award for her contributions to the mystery genre. She was also a significant benefactor to her sorority, Delta Zeta, establishing a $1 million trust for scholarships.

Conclusion

Gail Patrick's legacy transcends her Hollywood persona. She was a trailblazer who transformed from a strategic actress to a groundbreaking television producer, challenging gender norms in the entertainment industry. Her life exemplified determination, intelligence, and entrepreneurial spirit.