Patrick Dennis Hart

Patrick Dennis Hart, is dearly beloved by family and audiences for his life contributions and artistic works he developed, produced and directed in the Pacific Northwest and Los Angeles. Patrick worked as an actor in the 60’s, including many films in which he worked with such notables as Elvis Presley, Anne Margaret Tony Curtis, Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin, Fred McMurray and George C. Scott to name a few. In television, Patrick worked on such productions as Gillian’s island, Surf Side Six, Lawman, roaring 20’s, Hawaii Five-O, The Alaskan, Adventures in Paradise, Hallmark Hall of Fame, Playboy after Dark, including the episode where Hugh Hefner “discovered” Barby Benton. Patrick acted in many productions, which included touring military bases, prisons, and hospitals throughout the Southland including a tour with famed actress Kaye Ballard. He was a member of the 4 A’s.

Patrick moved his family from Los Angeles to the Pacific Northwest and there converted a 600-seat movie theater into a legitimate theater, where he produced and directed over 120 plays musicals, events and concerts including Fiddler, Sound of Music, Oklahoma, Lil Abner, Bonnie Guitar country star, directing Oscar winners Virginia Mayo in “Butterflies are Free” and JK Simmons in "The Fantastiks” who also directed “Godspell”. Patrick developed, produced and directed “Broadway Cabaret” for Sundance Cruise line the 1200 passenger ship “Stardancer” that made its maiden voyage from Miami to the West Coast.

Patrick owned SAG Franchised Screen Artist Agency, which he operated for nine years. He produced and directed the opening ceremonies and final night world wide web performance of the annual World Championships of Performing Arts for 22 years, a position he truly enjoyed and looked forward to each year.

He was a member of Canoga Park Elks and of the Volunteer Surveillance Team for LAPD Devonshire division for several years.

The Hart family has entertainment in their veins. Their daughter Lori Hart-Dorff is a performer as well. She performed on Broadway, including as a featured performer at Radio City Music Hall, and many national and world tours. Their granddaughter, Kaitlyn Dorff is a rising singer, songwriter in pop music.

As the Artistic director of the Big Oak Theatre, he developed, produced and directed musical reviews and comedies for the past 14 years (with some time out during Covid) -- to all sold out performances. Patrick is quite well known for his portrayal of ‘ol miser” Scrooge for decades in the Leslie Bricusse holiday production of “Scrooge, the Musical”.

Patrick shared his love for the arts, offering his unique wisdom by coaching and guiding aspiring artists to follow their dreams. His love for all humanity was reflected by his kindness, compassion and empathy. His wonderful bushy eyebrows and remarkable and witty sense of humor were unmatched.

He is survived by his wife Bonnie of 63 years, Son Patrick Hart, Daughter Lorene Hart Dorff, and granddaughters Callie and Kaitlyn Dorff.