Patricia Avery was a renowned American silent film actress of the 1920s, born Elizabeth Anderson Avery on November 12, 1902, in Boston, Massachusetts. As a young woman, she made the bold decision to relocate to Hollywood to pursue a career in acting during the early 1920s, and her early endeavors were met with remarkable success.
Avery's first film role was in 1927, when she starred alongside the illustrious Lillian Gish in the film Annie Laurie. This initial foray into the world of cinema was merely the beginning of her impressive repertoire, as she went on to secure roles in three films that same year. This impressive trifecta of performances earned her a coveted spot among the esteemed "WAMPAS Baby Stars," a prestigious list that also included the likes of silent movie icon Sally Phipps, Frances Lee, and Barbara Kent.
At first glance, it seemed as though Avery's career was poised for greatness, with a string of successful films and a promising future ahead. However, this was not the case. Despite her initial success, Avery's career was, in fact, reaching its zenith. Her final film role was in 1928, when she starred in the epic drama Alex the Great alongside Richard Gallagher and Albert Conti. Following this performance, her career suddenly and inexplicably came to a grinding halt.
With no new roles forthcoming, Avery was forced to bid farewell to her short-lived yet illustrious acting career. She would later go on to marry art director Merrill Pye, who would receive an Academy Award nomination for his work on the 1959 film North by Northwest. The couple resided in La Crescenta, California, where Avery lived out the remainder of her life, passing away on August 21, 1973, at the age of 70.
