If you are a fan of the classic soap opera Search For Tomorrow, then you’ll remember Morgan Fairchild who played Jennifer Pace in the show. Morgan Fairchild was one of the most popular actresses of her generation and rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s. In 2022, she’s still just as busy working in film and television.
One of the things that has made Morgan Fairchild stand out as an actress is that she’s played strong female characters – often ones that are witty, and even cunning or manipulative.
There’s a misconception that she’s played dumb characters. But such couldn’t be further from the truth.
So, how did Morgan Fairchild get her start? She’s had quite a fascinating life and career that’ll serve as an inspiration to any aspiring actress.
Join FactsVerse to learn about Morgan Fairchild’s life and career and how she’s not what she appears to be on-screen…
MORGAN FAIRCHILD’S EARLY LIFE AND CAREER
Morgan Fairchild was born as Patsy Ann McClenny on February 3rd, 1950, in Dallas, Texas. While not from a show business background, her parents encouraged her to try her luck in the industry from a very young age.
She started her acting career as a child when she appeared on a local TV show called “Mr. Peppermint Show,” that was hosted by Jerry Haynes. During her teens she appeared in many local TV shows including dance shows as well.
She knew that there was no other option than for her to pursue an acting career during her adulthood. This is what she’s known since her childhood and the only thing she’s ever wanted.
Her first acting gig as an adult was as a body double for Faye Dunaway in the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde. She didn’t manage to land any roles in the 1960s, but she continued to persist.
In the 1970s, her fate would change, and we’d know all about Patsy – who had now adopted the stage name, Morgan Fairchild.
While she had gained a bit of fame as a child, she still had to find a way to break into acting. Many child stars aren’t able to carry on their careers as adults and Morgan Fairchild knew that, despite years of experience, she’d essentially have to start all over…
Before we tell you more about Morgan Fairchild’s life and career and how she is not what she appears to be on-screen, please like this video and subscribe to FactsVerse for more interesting stories about pop culture and your favorite celebrities and more fascinating biopics! Now, let’s get back to the video…
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MORGAN’S FILM AND TELEVISION CAREER
Morgan Fairchild moved to New York City after completing her work on Bonnie and Clyde. She struggled for a few years to find work – landing her first role in 1970. However, this was a small role that could easily be forgotten.
The role was as a beautiful blonde driving a car in a film called A Bullet for Pretty Boy. This role didn’t do Morgan any favors and she was still seeking opportunities, not being able to find any for a couple of years.
However, her luck changed in 1973 when she won the role of Jennifer Pace in the popular soap opera Search for Tomorrow. While the soap opera had over 2,000 episodes, we only saw the character of Jennifer in a mere 20 episodes. Nevertheless, this was enough for Morgan Fairchild to make her mark on the show.
While the show didn’t make her a star, it got her more attention among producers and directors alike. She began receiving offers for both films and TV shows.
During her stint on Search For Tomorrow, she also had a few guest appearances on popular TV shows such as Kojak, Rafferty, and Switch. After the show ended, she landed a few roles on shows such as The Bob Newhart Show, The Initiation of Sarah, and The Amazing Spider Man.
While she was working regularly, she wasn’t able to nab a big role as she had on Search For Tomorrow.
She did garner more attention in 1978 when she starred in a TV movie called Escapade. In this movie, Morgan Fairchild played a secret service agent who’s on the lookout for her missing partner. She starred alongside Granville Van Dusen and received much acclaim for her performance.
She then became a staple of American TV without needing to be tied to one show. She appeared twice on the hit sitcom Barnaby Jones – each time playing a different character. She also appeared in an episode of Dallas.
In 1979, she appeared in the TV movie The Country Western Murders which became a huge hit. This was a crime film starring Sonny Bono that follows a songwriter who comes across a dead body and becomes embroiled in a mystery. Morgan Fairchild played a supporting role but still managed to steal the show.
She followed this up by appearing as Susan Taylor in 3 episodes of the popular sitcom, Mork and Mindy. For the remainder of the 1970s, she regularly appeared in popular TV shows and TV movies.
In 1980, she played Dulcie Warren in the mini-series The Dream Merchants. This was based on Harold Robbins’ story of the ruthlessness in early Hollywood. Morgan Fairchild fit right into her role and she perfectly complemented her fellow cast members.
This was one of many roles where Morgan Fairchild played a strong female character, and by now, this was expected of her.
For some strange reason, many audiences who aren’t entirely familiar with her work have thought that Morgan Fairchild has played bimbos for much of her career. Nothing could be further from the truth, especially if you watch a show such as The Dream Merchants.
The same year, she won the role of Constance Weldon Semple Carlyle in the romantic drama series Flamingo Road. This became a short-lived though popular TV series and she won acclaim for her performance.
She was now a star and continued to work regularly – which is what has led to her longevity in the industry. She also made sure to make herself available to fans and promoted herself when needed. She appeared on talk shows when available and even made cameo appearances with Rodney Dangerfield in one of his specials.
In 1984, she appeared in the TV series Paper Dolls. She played Racine, a modeling agent working in this glamorous but often ruthless industry. The show only ran for a mere 13 episodes, but it’s considered to be one of Morgan Fairchild’s best-known roles.
In 1985, she had become so famous that she appeared as herself in the film Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure. In 1985 and 1986, she appeared in the miniseries North and South, in which she played Burdetta Halloran. This was a fascinating TV series about 2 families and their experiences during the American Civil War.
During the same years she appeared in the TV series Falcon Crest. This was a soap opera that followed the Gioberti Family who managed their vineyard, Falcon Crest Winery. She played Jordan Roberts in a total of 29 episodes – in what eventually became one of the most popular soap operas of all time.
She also focused on feature films in the 80s, appearing in the films Red Headed Stranger, Campus Man, Sleeping Beauty, and Deadly Illusion in 1986 and 1987. All films were huge hits in which she had lead roles. In Deadly Illusion, she starred alongside Billy Dee Williams who played a detective trying to clear his name for a crime he didn’t commit. The film was written and directed by Larry Cohen and he gave Morgan one of her best roles through this film.
Her career has been completely uphill since then – working almost nonstop in both film and television. Even in the 1990s, she was making guest appearances in shows such as Friends and Home Improvement.
She also never forgot her soap opera roots and worked in Days of Our Lives in 2017 and returned to General Hospital in 2022, playing a different character from when she first appeared in 1996.
She’s currently filming for 2 feature films: Spring Break ’83 and The Nana Project.
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MORGAN’S LIFE AND LEGACY
Apart from her versatile acting, Morgan Fairchild has many other interests. She’s passionate about politics and isn’t afraid to air her views on her Twitter account. She’s also dedicated her time to serve as a spokesperson for people suffering from HIV/AIDS.
She’s also a science nerd which she’s been since her childhood. She was married to Jack Calmes from 1967 to 1973. She’s in her seventies now but is still considered one of the greatest sex symbols of all time.
While perhaps not as appreciated as many of her contemporaries, even a cursory glance at her CV shows that Morgan Fairchild has been one of the most versatile and talented actresses of her generation – managing to carve out a successful career in both film and television.
Morgan Fairchild is not what she appears to be on-screen. She’s an intelligent and amicable lady who also happens to be a gifted actress.
So, now let’s hear from you:
Are you a fan of Morgan Fairchild? Did you know about any of these facts about her life and career?
In fact, here’s what we want to know from you:
Do you think that she’s still remembered today by newer generations?
Or do we need to have a revival of her work to introduce her to a new generation of potential fans?
Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
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