Patrice Wymore

Patrice Wymore, an actor of notable grace and screen presence, was a celebrated figure of the mid-20th century, bringing memorable performances to both stage and screen. Her life and career encapsulated a vibrant era of Hollywood glamour and theatrical brilliance, intertwined with a personal life that connected her with one of the most iconic figures in cinematic history. Born on December 17, 1926, in Miltonvale, Kansas, Wymore displayed an early inclination towards the performing arts. Her journey in show business began in earnest on the stage, and by her late teens, she had joined a touring company, performing in various musicals. Her big break came when she landed a role in the Broadway production of "Hold It!" in 1948, which quickly positioned her as a rising star on the theatrical scene. Her charismatic performance did not go unnoticed, and soon opportunities beckoned from the world of cinema. With her distinctive presence, Wymore was soon courted by Hollywood, a natural transition from stage to silver screen that was emblematic of the era's versatile actors. In 1950, she signed a contract with Warner Bros., making a noted debut in "Tea for Two," where she starred alongside Doris Day and Gordon MacRae. The film showcased her talents and established her as a fresh face with undeniable allure. Her subsequent roles, including performances in films like "Rocky Mountain" (1950) with Errol Flynn and "I'll See You in My Dreams" (1951) with Doris Day and Danny Thomas, further cemented her position in Hollywood. Throughout the early 1950s, Wymore's filmography grew, each role augmenting her reputation as a versatile actor capable of handling both comedic and dramatic themes with aplomb. However, it was her encounter with Errol Flynn, her co-star in "Rocky Mountain," that marked a pivotal change in Wymore's life, both personally and professionally. The pair were married in 1950, and Wymore became not only the wife of a screen legend but also Flynn's most enduring partner. Their marriage was a celebrated union, though not without its complexities. Flynn, known for his hard-drinking lifestyle and tumultuous relationships, provided Wymore with both the allure of Hollywood royalty and the challenges inherent in such a high-profile marriage. The couple retreated to Flynn's estate in Jamaica, where Wymore would spend much of her life after Flynn's death in 1959. Despite their tumultuous marriage, Wymore remained devoted to preserving Flynn's legacy, dedicating herself to maintaining the estate and overseeing Flynn's affairs posthumously. Their daughter, Arnella Flynn, born in 1953, linked Wymore forever to the legacy of Flynn. During and after her marriage, Wymore's career on-screen slowed as she focused more on personal endeavors and raising her daughter. She appeared less frequently in films, with one of her final on-screen roles being in the 1960s TV series, "The Lucy Show." Despite her reduced presence in Hollywood, Wymore remained linked to the cinematic world through occasional return appearances and guest roles on television. Her brief sabbatical from acting didn’t diminish her legacy; rather, it afforded Wymore the opportunity to channel her creative energies into other avenues. Later in life, Wymore found solace and purpose back in Jamaica. She became a significant figure in the local community, investing in the land, contributing to its agricultural pursuits, and opening a successful banana and cattle plantation. Her commitment to the Jamaican landscape became a significant part of her identity, one that symbolized her evolution from Hollywood starlet to a woman of grounded strength and resilience. Wymore’s narrative might be one of an actor stepping back from the limelight, but it is also a testament to a woman’s adaptability and perseverance. Her legacy is marked not by the sheer volume of her filmography but by roles that lingered in the memory of audiences and a life lived with conviction and flair. When she passed away on March 22, 2014, at the age of 87, it marked the end of an era connected to Hollywood's Golden Age, yet her story continued to resonate. Patrice Wymore's life was indeed a tapestry woven with the threads of Hollywood's golden years, the tropical allure of Jamaican landscapes, and the enduring quest for an authentic existence. Her legacy is painted in the vivid shades of cinematic history, personal reinvention, and the enduring connection to the man who once personified the ideals of swashbuckling romance. Though her roles on screen may have diminished in number, her impact remained, quietly powerful and gracefully commanding in its subtlety. In many ways, her journey epitomizes the kind of life that blends the theatrical with the deeply personal, crafting a narrative of transformation that continues to inspire.