Patsy Kelly

 Patsy Kelly (January 12, 1910 – September 24, 1981)

She was known for her role as the brash, wisecracking sidekick to Thelma Todd in a series of short comedy films produced by Hal Roach in the 1930s. Known as the "Queen of Wisecracks", Kelly's career continued after Todd's death in 1935 in similar roles. After her film career declined in the mid-1940s, Kelly returned to New York where she worked in radio and summer stock. She also became a personal assistant to Tallulah Bankhead. Kelly returned to the screen after 17 years with guest spots on television and in film roles. In 1971, Kelly returned to the stage in the revival of No, No, Nanette for which she won a Tony Award. At a time when being openly gay was not socially acceptable, Kelly was open about her sexuality. During the 1930s, she disclosed to Motion Picture magazine that she had been living with actress Wilma Cox for several years and had no intention of getting married. She later claimed she had an affair with Tallulah Bankhead when she worked as Bankhead's personal assistant.

She continued appearing in film and television roles until she suffered a stroke in January 1980 which limited her ability to speak. On September 24, 1981, Kelly died of cancer at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, California She is buried with her parents at Calvary Cemetery in Queens, NY.