Lory Patrick, 'Tales Of Wells Fargo' Actor, Dies at 92

Widow of Disney star Dean Jones was also a TV writer and director

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Lory Patrick, a prolific TV actress in the 1960s known for roles in shows like "Tales of Wells Fargo" and "Bonanza", has died at the age of 92. Patrick was also the widow of Disney film star Dean Jones and worked as a writer and director later in her career.

Why it matters

Lory Patrick's passing marks the end of an era for classic television and film acting. As a woman working in the entertainment industry in the 1960s, she broke barriers as a writer and director, in addition to her on-screen roles. Her connection to Disney star Dean Jones also gives this story added significance.

The details

Lory Patrick, whose real name was Lory Basham Jones, died peacefully on January 26 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania at the age of 92. Over the course of her career, she appeared in over 70 television series in the 1960s, including "Tales of Wells Fargo", "Wagon Train", and "Bonanza". She also had film roles in "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" and "Surf Party". After retiring from acting in the late 1960s, Patrick continued writing TV and film projects and was a columnist for a writer's magazine. She also directed the original stage production of the play "St. John in Exile" starring her husband Dean Jones, which later was adapted into a film.

  • Lory Patrick died on January 26, 2026 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
  • Patrick's acting career was primarily in the 1960s.

The players

Lory Patrick

A prolific TV actress in the 1960s known for roles in shows like "Tales of Wells Fargo" and "Bonanza". She was also the widow of Disney film star Dean Jones and worked as a writer and director later in her career.

Dean Jones

A Disney film star who appeared in movies like "That Darn Cat!", "The Love Bug", and "The Shaggy D.A." He was married to Lory Patrick.

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The takeaway

Lory Patrick's life and career exemplified the changing role of women in the entertainment industry in the 1960s. As both an accomplished actress and a pioneering writer and director, she paved the way for greater gender equality in Hollywood.