Patricia Richardson
About
Biography
Filmography
Family & Companions
Biography
Pert and perky but still a "take charge" kind of gal, Richardson may best embody the ideal TV sitcom Mom for the 90s as co-star of the top-rated "Home Improvement" (ABC, 1991-99). She holds down a job, raises kids, and tolerates the testosterone-fueled notions and gadgets wielded by macho hubby Tim Allen. No stranger to episodic TV, Richardson had recurring roles in two short-lived series "Double Trouble" (1984) and "Eisenhower and Lutz" (1988), and then a two season run in "FM" (1989), playing a spunky radio talk show host.
Like many future sitcom divas, Richardson's career began in legitimate theater. In her very first NYC audition, she won a job as understudy for the title role in the Angela Lansbury starrer "Gypsy." Richardson went on to do the national tour and filled in for some of the chorus roles. After several appearances off-Broadway, her Broadway break came when she originated a role in Michael Weller's "Loose Ends." Richardson next starred in "The Wake of Jimmy Foster," penned by her old college classmate Beth Henley. Infamously finicky NEW YORK magazine theater critic John Simon lauded her as "one of the ten best performers of 1985" for her work in the Broadway production "Cruise Control." In-between legit acting jobs, Richardson appeared in numerous commercials. She landed her best feature role (to date) as a nurse who is attracted to beekeeper Peter Fonda in the indie "Ulee's Gold" (1997).
Filmography
Cast (Feature Film)
Misc. Crew (Feature Film)
Cast (Special)
Film Production - Main (Special)
Cast (TV Mini-Series)
Life Events
1975
In her first NY audition, secured the understudy part in the title role of "Gypsy" (starring Angela Lansbury)
1984
First regular role in TV series, "Double Trouble"
1985
Performance on Broadway in "Cruise Control" was lauded as "one of the ten best of 1985" by New York Magazine
1988
Cast as a recurring character on the CBS series "Eisenhower & Lutz"
1988
Co-starred in NBC sitcom "FM" with Robert Hays
1994
Co-hosted 46th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards with Ellen DeGeneres
1997
Co-starred opposite Peter Fonda in "Ulee's Gold"
2001
Cast at the mentally unstable mother of Marilyn Monroe in the fictionalized biopic "Blonde" (CBS), based on Joyce Carol Oates' novel
2005
Played Sheila Brooks on NBC's "The West Wing"
2012
Appeared in the film "Black Box"
2015
Landed a guest spot on "Last Man Standing"
Family
Companions
