On October 23, 1916, in New York City, Patricia Ziegfeld Stephenson was born to two major figures in American entertainment: Florenz Ziegfeld, the legendary Broadway impresario, and Billie Burke – best known for her role as Glinda the Good Witch in “The Wizard of Oz.” Patricia had an interesting mix of glamor, creativity, and individual resilience rooted in both her famous parents and her own life experiences.
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Early Life and Family Background
Growing up in the shadow of her famous parents was no ordinary childhood for Patricia. Her father, Florenz Ziegfeld, had created the Ziegfeld Follies, an elaborate stage productions of the early 20th century that became Broadway staples. Her mother was the celebrated actress Billie Burke whose career spanned stage and screen. Despite the spotlight, Patricia spent her early years experiencing the joys and challenges of a close family.
She was raised in Hastings, New York, and at their winter home in Palm Beach, Florida. Her father died in 1932. When he died, Patricia and her mother moved to California, where she would spend much of her adult life.
Education and Early Career
At UCLA, Patricia studied acting and writing. Her education prepared her for later work as an author and family historian. After college, Patricia did acting and wrote for newspapers.
Marriage and Family Life
In 1939, Patricia married William Robert Stephenson, a dance instructor she met at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Their marriage was built on respect and common interests. William later became a successful home designer, he designed the General Electric show home for for Ronald and Nancy Reagan, and supported Patricia in all her endeavors. They had four children: Cecilia Duncan, Florenz Crossley, Susan Plemons, and William Robert Stephenson Jr.
Literary Contributions
The most notable literary work by Patricia is her 1963 autobiography “The Ziegfelds’ Girl: Confessions of an Abnormally Happy Childhood.” In the book, she provided details of her childhood, offering readers a window into the Ziegfeld household. Her writing was characterized by warmth and humor about life experiences.
Patricia also wrote the intro for “The Ziegfeld Touch: The Life and Times of Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr.,” a biography of her father written by her cousins, Richard and Paulette Ziegfeld., Jr. She added her contributions to these works to preserve her father’s legacy and gave insights into American theater history.
Later Years and Legacy
Patricia spent her later years raising her family and writing. In Los Angeles, where she lived, she was involved in her community, and socially connected with her children and grandchildren. Her husband, William, passed away in 2007 and Patricia one year later died of congestive heart failure on April 11, 2008, at the age of 91.
The legacy of Patricia Ziegfeld Stephenson is one of grace, creativity, and resilience. Her own identity emerged while honoring the achievements of her parents. Her writings offer a personal and heartfelt account of an earlier era of American entertainment, ensuring that the stories of the Ziegfeld will continue to entertain and inspire future generations.
