Gravel-voiced, heavy-set actor, known for his portrayals of tough yet wisely benevolent characters, Pat Corley was perhaps best known as Phil, the all-knowing bartender/restaurateur, whom he played for eight years on the CBS sitcom, "Murphy Brown" (1988-1996). Corley's early career consisted of work on the stage, most notably the Broadway revival of "Of Mice and Men" (1974-75) and two Tennessee Williams plays' "Red Devil Battery Sign" (1975) and "Sweet Bird of Youth" (1975-76). He made his TV debut in "The Wackest Ship in the Army," due to his brother's friendship with star Jack Warden. Among his feature credits were Mark Rydell's "The Rose" (1979) and Oliver Stone's early horror effort, "The Hand" (1981).
- Also Credited As:
Cleo Pat Corley
- Born:
June 1, 1930 in Dallas, Texas
- Died:
September 11, 2006.
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Job Titles:
Actor, Dancer, Singer, Army soldier
Family
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Daughter: Christina Corley.
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Daughter: Michelle Corley.
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Daughter: Vicki Corley.
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Father: Robert Lee Corley.
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Mother: Ada Lee Martin.
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Son: Jerry Corley.
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Son: Kevin Corley.
Education
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College of the Pacific, Stockton, California
Milestones
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1973 Made film debut in "The Super Cops"
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1977 Made TV debut in "The Outside Man"
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1986 Made TV series debut in "He's The Mayor"
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1988 Played Phil, the restaurant owner, on the long-running CBS sitcom "Murphy Brown"
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2006 Co-starred with Ashley Judd in Joey Lauren Adams' screenwriting and directing debut, "Come Early Morning"
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Broadway debut, James Baldwin's "Blues for Mr. Charlie"
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First professional appearance at 17 at the American Legion
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Moved to California at age 13