Pat Conway was an American actor who rose to fame for his role as Sheriff Clay Hollister in the popular Western television series Tombstone Territory (1957-1960). He was also the son of MGM director Jack Conway and the grandson of silent film star Francis X. Bushman. But despite his Hollywood pedigree and promising career, Conway died at the young age of 50 from renal failure and dehydration. What led to his untimely demise and how did he live his life? Here are some facts you may not know about the actor Pat Conway and his cause of death.
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Early Life and Career
Pat Conway was born on January 9, 1931, in Los Angeles, California. He grew up on his family’s ranch in Pacific Palisades, where he learned horsemanship and cattle herding. He graduated from Menlo Junior College in San Francisco and then studied acting at the Pasadena Playhouse and the London Shakespearean theater at The Old Vic. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps before pursuing a career in Hollywood.
Conway’s first role was in the 1951 movie Westward the Women as Sid Cutler. He then appeared in several other films and TV shows, mostly in Western genres. His most notable role was as Sheriff Clay Hollister in Tombstone Territory, a series set in Arizona Territory that ran from 1957 to 1960. Conway played the brave and honest lawman who faced various outlaws and challenges in the frontier town. The show was well-received by critics and audiences alike and made Conway a household name.
Personal Life and Business Interests
Conway married actress Rosemary Miller in 1958 and they had two children together, Patrick Jr. and Kathleen. They divorced in 1966 and Conway remarried to Barbara Carroll in 1969. They had one daughter, Kelly, and remained married until his death.
Besides acting, Conway also had other business interests. He owned a restaurant called The Hitching Post in Santa Barbara, California, where he often entertained his friends and fans. He also invested in real estate and oil wells. He was known for his generosity and philanthropy, supporting various causes such as the American Cancer Society, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Santa Barbara Zoo.
Health Problems and Death
Conway’s health began to decline in the early 1970s. He suffered from high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney problems. He also struggled with alcoholism, which worsened his condition. According to Wikipedia, his obituary was very brief and did not mention any details about his cause of death. However, according to IMDb, he died of kidney failure and dehydration secondary to acute alcoholism on April 24, 1981, in Santa Barbara County, California. He was only 50 years old.
Conway’s death was a shock to many of his fans and colleagues who remembered him as a talented and charismatic actor. He left behind a legacy of memorable performances and a loyal following of Western enthusiasts. He was buried at Calvary Cemetery in Santa Barbara, California.
Conclusion
Actor Pat Conway cause of death was a tragic end to a promising life. He had a successful career as a Western star, a loving family, and a generous spirit. But he also had a dark side that led him to abuse alcohol and neglect his health. His death was a reminder of the dangers of addiction and the importance of seeking help when needed. Pat Conway will always be remembered as one of the icons of the golden age of television Westerns.
