Pat Paterson

Pat Paterson (10 April 1910 – 24 August 1978) was a notable English film actress whose career spanned the late 1920s through the mid-1940s. Best recognized as the spouse of famed actor Charles Boyer, she had a diverse filmography that included over 20 films. Tragically, their only son, Michael, passed away at the young age of 21 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

At just 18, Paterson made a bold move to Hollywood, securing her parents' permission to pursue her dreams. She arrived in 1929 and quickly signed with Fox Studios, where she adopted the stage name Patricia, later shortened to Pat. Her career flourished from 1930 to 1934, as she took on progressively significant roles in various studio productions. One of her most prominent performances was in the 1935 film *Charlie Chan Goes To Egypt*, where she starred as Carol Arnold alongside Warner Oland.

Paterson's life took a romantic turn when she met Charles Boyer at a party in early 1934, arranged by mutual friend Maurice Chevalier. Their whirlwind romance culminated in marriage on St. Valentine's Day, just weeks later. Contrary to Boyer’s beliefs that married women should prioritize family, Paterson continued to thrive professionally, achieving her most significant successes during the early years of their marriage. However, the onset of World War II shifted their focus to supporting the war effort, effectively curtailing her film career. In December 1943, she gave birth to their son, Michael Charles Boyer, in Los Angeles, marking a new chapter in her life.