Biographer Patricia Bosworth Dies From COVID-19
Biographer and former actress Patricia Bosworth, whose biography on Montgomery Clift is considered the best one on the actor, succumbed to complications brought about by the coronavirus.
According to Deadline, the 86-year-old passed away on Thursday because of pneumonia brought about by the coronavirus. News of her death was made known by her stepdaughter, Fia Hatsav.
Before becoming a writer, Bosworth started her entertainment career as a model, even being photographed by the legendary Diane Arbus, whose biography she would write later on. After her stint as a model, Bosworth joined the New York’s Actors Studio and studied acting alongside future entertainment luminaries like Marilyn Monroe and Marlon Brando.
As an actress, her biggest role was playing Sister Simone in the 1959 film “The Nun’s Story.” She also appeared on Broadway in productions like “Inherit the Wind,” “Mary, Mary,” and “Small War on Murray Hill.” She also appeared on the television shows “The Patty Duke Show,” “Naked City,” “Young Dr. Malone,” and “The Secret Storm.”
Bosworth left acting in the mid-60s and pivoted to journalism. Aside from working for the New York Times and New York magazine, Bosworth also served as senior editor McCall’s, managing editor of Harper’s Bazaar, and executive editor of Viva. She was also an editor at Mirabella ad contributing editor at Vanity Fair.
However, Bosworth is best remembered for her work as a biographer. Her book “Montgomery Clift: A Biography,” was not just a bestseller but is also considered the definitive biography of the actor. Her controversial Diane Arbus biography served as the basis for the 2006 film “Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus,” which starred Nicole Kidman and Robert Downey Jr.
Variety quotes Bosworth’s friend Ray Leslee on their obituary on the actress/biographer. Leslee said Bosworth was “an inspiration and a pillar of support.” He also revealed that she was working on a biography of actor Paul Robeson.
Her death further lengthens the list of members of the entertainment industry who have died after testing positive for COVID-19. Bosworth’s fellow actors Mark Blum and Andrew Jack also passed away due to COVID-19. Other fatalities include “Top Chef Masters” winner Floyd Cardoz, and British comedian Eddie Large.
The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally recently surpassed a million, according to the latest situation report from the World Health Organization. The exact number of confirmed cases is at 1,133,758, while those who have died from COVID-19 is now at 62,784.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there are now 304,826 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. There are now 7,616 people dead in the United States because of COVID-19.