Pat Conway was a popular actor who starred as Sheriff Clay Hollister in the TV series Tombstone Territory. He was also the son of a famous Hollywood director and the grandson of a silent film legend. But his life was cut short by a mysterious illness that left his fans wondering what happened to him. In this article, we will explore the life and career of Pat Conway, and the possible causes of his death.
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Early Life and Family Background
Pat Conway was born on January 9, 1931, in Los Angeles, California. He grew up on his father’s ranch in Pacific Palisades, where he learned to ride horses and herd cattle. He attended Menlo Junior College in San Francisco and then studied acting at the Pasadena Playhouse and the Old Vic in London.
He was the son of Jack Conway, a successful director and producer who worked for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. His father directed many classic films, such as A Tale of Two Cities, Libeled Lady, and Boom Town. He was also married to Virginia Bushman, the daughter of Francis X. Bushman, one of the first stars of silent cinema. Francis X. Bushman was known for his roles in Ben-Hur, The Sign of the Cross, and Romeo and Juliet.
Pat Conway inherited his father’s talent and his grandfather’s good looks. He had dark hair, blue eyes, and a height of 6’3”. He was described as “nice”, “shy”, and “serious” by his colleagues and friends.
Acting Career and Tombstone Territory
Pat Conway started his acting career in 1951, when he appeared in the film Westward the Women as Sid Cutler. He then played Tim Dooley in the 1955 film An Annapolis Story. He also had guest roles in several TV shows, such as The Lone Ranger, The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin, and The Millionaire.
But his breakthrough role came in 1957, when he was cast as Sheriff Clay Hollister in the TV series Tombstone Territory. The show was set in Arizona Territory in the 1880s, and followed the adventures of Hollister, who maintained law and order in the town of Tombstone. He was assisted by his deputy Harris Claibourne (Richard Eastham), who was also the editor of The Tombstone Epitaph newspaper.
The show was based on historical events and characters, such as Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Johnny Ringo, and the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. It also featured guest stars like Harry Dean Stanton, Leonard Nimoy, James Coburn, and DeForest Kelley.
Pat Conway played Hollister with charisma and authority. He wore a black hat, a badge, a gun belt, and a leather vest. He was brave, honest, and loyal to his friends. He also had a romantic interest in Nancy (Quintin Sondergaard), the owner of the Crystal Palace Saloon.
Tombstone Territory ran for three seasons from 1957 to 1960. It was one of the most popular western shows of its time, and made Pat Conway a household name.
Later Roles and Retirement
After Tombstone Territory ended, Pat Conway continued to act in various western shows and movies. He appeared in Gunsmoke, Rawhide, Bonanza, Geronimo (1962), Brighty of the Grand Canyon (1967), The Streets of San Francisco (1975), The Abduction of Saint Anne (1975), The Bullet (1972), and The Endgame (1973).
However, he did not achieve the same level of fame or success as he did with Tombstone Territory. He also became less interested in acting and more focused on his business ventures. He owned several properties in California and Nevada, including a ranch near Lake Tahoe.
He also got married twice and had one son. His first wife was Dee Humphrey, whom he married in 1950 and divorced in 1955. His second wife was Nancy Sprigg Roe, whom he married in 1963 and stayed with until his death.
Death and Legacy
Pat Conway died on April 24, 1981, at the age of 50. He passed away in Santa Barbara County Hospital after suffering from renal failure and dehydration. According to doms2cents.com, his death was caused by acute alcoholism that damaged his kidneys and liver.
His death was a shock to his fans and colleagues, who remembered him as a talented and handsome actor who brought life to Sheriff Clay Hollister. His obituary was brief and did not mention any details about his illness or funeral.
He was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California. His grave is marked by a simple plaque that reads “Patrick D Conway / Beloved Husband / Father / Son / 1931-1981”.
Pat Conway left behind a legacy of memorable performances and a loyal fan base. He is still regarded as one of the best western actors of his generation, and his role as Sheriff Clay Hollister is still admired by many. He is also remembered as the son of a Hollywood legend and the grandson of a silent film icon. He was a part of a family that made history in the entertainment industry.
