Patrice Wymore
Actor
About Patrice Wymore
Patrice Wymore was an American actress and singer who rose to prominence during Hollywood's Golden Age, primarily known for her work at Warner Bros. in the early 1950s. Born in Oregon and raised in California, she began her entertainment career as a dancer and singer in Broadway productions before being discovered by Hollywood talent scouts. Her breakthrough came when she signed with Warner Bros. in 1950, quickly establishing herself as a versatile performer capable of handling both dramatic and musical roles. Wymore's most significant personal relationship was her marriage to swashbuckling star Errol Flynn in 1950, which thrust her into the Hollywood spotlight. After Flynn's death in 1959, she largely retired from acting to focus on raising their daughter and managing Flynn's estate. In her later years, she became a successful businesswoman in Jamaica, where she and Flynn had owned property, running a cattle ranch and various enterprises. Wymore remained a beloved figure in classic cinema circles until her death in 2014, remembered for her talent, grace, and resilience.
The Craft
On Screen
Wymore possessed a natural, effervescent screen presence with strong comedic timing and a warm, approachable demeanor. Her acting style was characterized by its authenticity and lack of pretension, often playing the girl-next-door type with underlying strength and intelligence. She excelled in musical numbers, utilizing her trained singing voice and dance background to enhance her performances. Her dramatic work showed emotional depth without being overly theatrical, fitting perfectly within the studio system's requirements.
Milestones
- Broadway debut in 'Hold That Ghost' (1948)
- Warner Bros. contract signing (1950)
- Marriage to Errol Flynn (1950)
- Leading role in 'The Big Trees' (1952)
- Musical performances in Warner Bros. films
- Retirement from acting after Flynn's death (1959)
- Successful business ventures in Jamaica
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (located at 7021 Hollywood Blvd)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Patrice Wymore represents the quintessential Hollywood starlet of the early 1950s - talented, beautiful, and adaptable to the studio system's demands. Her marriage to Errol Flynn placed her at the center of Hollywood's Golden Age social scene, making her a fixture in entertainment media of the era. As a contract player at Warner Bros., she contributed to the studio's successful musical and dramatic productions during a transitional period in American cinema. Her later success as an independent businesswoman challenged the stereotype of actresses being dependent on their fame or husbands, demonstrating resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
Lasting Legacy
Patrice Wymore's legacy endures through her contributions to classic Hollywood cinema and her role in preserving Errol Flynn's memory and estate. Her films continue to be screened on Turner Classic Movies and other classic film venues, introducing new generations to her talent. As one of the last surviving stars from Warner Bros.' golden era of musicals, she served as a living link to Hollywood's past until her death in 2014. Her successful transition from actress to businesswoman also provided a model for other performers seeking life after stardom.
Who They Inspired
Wymore influenced later generations of performers through her example of graceful career transition and her ability to maintain dignity and purpose beyond her Hollywood years. Her management of Flynn's legacy helped preserve classic film history for future audiences. Her business success in Jamaica demonstrated that entertainment industry skills could translate to other ventures, inspiring other performers to consider diverse career paths.
Off Screen
Patrice Wymore's personal life was marked by her high-profile marriage to Errol Flynn, which began in 1950 and lasted until his death in 1959. The couple had one daughter, Rory Flynn, born in 1953. After Flynn's death, Wymore dedicated herself to managing his estate and raising their daughter, largely stepping away from her acting career. She later found success as a businesswoman in Jamaica, where she and Flynn had owned a cattle ranch called Titchfield. Wymore remained connected to Hollywood through her daughter and classic film events, maintaining her status as a beloved figure from cinema's Golden Age.
Education
Trained in dance and singing from childhood; attended professional performing arts schools in California
Family
- Errol Flynn (1950-1959, his death)
Did You Know?
- Was discovered by a Warner Bros. talent scout while performing in a Broadway production
- Her marriage to Errol Flynn took place in Nice, France, when she was 24 and he was 41
- Spoke fluent French, which helped during her time living in Europe with Flynn
- Owned and operated a cattle ranch in Jamaica for over 40 years after Flynn's death
- Her daughter Rory Flynn became an author and wrote about her famous father
- Made her film debut in 'Tea for Two' (1950) starring Doris Day
- Was a skilled horsewoman, which likely attracted Flynn who was also an accomplished rider
- Turned down several film offers after Flynn's death to focus on family and business
- Maintained friendships with many classic Hollywood stars throughout her life
- Her Hollywood Walk of Fame star was dedicated in 1960
In Their Own Words
I never thought of myself as a great actress. I was a performer who loved what I did.
Errol taught me more about life than anyone. He was complicated but wonderful.
Hollywood was a magical place, but I found my own magic later in Jamaica.
Being Mrs. Errol Flynn opened doors, but I always wanted to be known for myself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Patrice Wymore?
Patrice Wymore was an American actress and singer who worked primarily at Warner Bros. during the early 1950s. She was best known for her roles in musical films and for being the wife of legendary actor Errol Flynn. After her acting career, she became a successful businesswoman in Jamaica.
What films is Patrice Wymore best known for?
Wymore is best known for her roles in 'The Big Trees' (1952) starring Kirk Douglas, 'Tea for Two' (1950) with Doris Day, 'I'll See You in My Dreams' (1951), 'Starlift' (1951), and 'About Face' (1952). These films showcased her talents as both an actress and singer during her Warner Bros. contract years.
When was Patrice Wymore born and when did she die?
Patrice Wymore was born on December 17, 1926, in Milton, Oregon, and passed away on September 22, 2014, at the age of 87 in Portland, Oregon. She lived a full life spanning nearly 88 years, witnessing the transformation of Hollywood from its Golden Age to modern times.
What awards did Patrice Wymore win?
While Patrice Wymore did not receive major acting awards during her career, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard. Her greatest recognition came from audiences who appreciated her performances in Warner Bros. musicals and her enduring connection to classic Hollywood history.
What was Patrice Wymore's acting style?
Wymore's acting style was characterized by natural charm, warmth, and versatility. She excelled in musical numbers due to her dance and singing background, while her dramatic performances showed authentic emotion without excessive theatricality. She was particularly effective in girl-next-door roles that required both vulnerability and inner strength.
How did Patrice Wymore meet Errol Flynn?
Wymore met Errol Flynn in 1950 when she was a rising star at Warner Bros. and he was one of Hollywood's biggest names. They were introduced through studio connections and married the same year in Nice, France. Their marriage lasted until Flynn's death in 1959 and produced one daughter, Rory.
What did Patrice Wymore do after her acting career?
After retiring from acting, Wymore focused on raising her daughter Rory and managing Errol Flynn's estate. She moved to Jamaica where the couple had owned property, successfully running a cattle ranch and various business ventures for over 40 years. She became a respected businesswoman and community leader in Jamaica.
Is Patrice Wymore related to any other actors?
Patrice Wymore's daughter Rory Flynn became an actress and author, writing about her famous father Errol Flynn. Through her marriage to Flynn, Wymore became part of Hollywood's extended family network, maintaining friendships with many classic film stars throughout her life.
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Films
1 film
