Patty Freedman, an actress who had a long and successful career as a publicist representing such clients as Margo Martindale and Eartha Kitt, died on Feb. 17 at her New York home. She was 64.
Freedman, the co-owner of Andrew E. Freedman Public Relations, had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
She spearheaded publicity campaigns for theater-specific accounts such as The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, Circle in the Square, where she served as a board member, The Bushnell, Yale School of Drama, where she also lectured, and Syracuse University.
In addition to Martindale and Kitt, she also represented talent such as as Stephen Schwartz, Winnie Holzman, Jason Robert Brown, Julie Halston, Liz Larsen, Billy Strich, John McDaniel, Lea Delaria and Steven Lutvak.
The Michigan native began her career as an actress going by the name Patty Dworkin and appeared on Broadway in such productions as “See Saw,” “Shenandoah” and “Sly Fox.” While in “Sly Fox,” she starred opposite Jackie Gleason and came to the attention of ABC casting executives who put her under contract and relocated her to Los Angeles.
She then appeared in “The Love Boat,” “Fantasy Island,” “Dynasty,” “Happy Days,” and “One Day at a Time.”
Her film credits include small roles in “Ghosbusters,” “Mr. Mom” and “Airplane Two.”
She is survived by her husband, Andrew, and sons Alexander and Christopher. Donations in her memory can be made to The Young Women’s Leadership Network.