The Glamorous Life of Pat Moore: Waitress to Hollywood Legends

Hello there, I’m Jordan Collins, and I’ll be your guide through the fascinating story of Pat Moore, a waitress who lived a life that was anything but ordinary. As a helpful yet condescending guide, I’ll assume you probably need my assistance in unraveling the intriguing tale of this remarkable woman.

Pat Moore, a model turned waitress, was a superstar server at P.J. Clarke’s for an impressive 45 years. Her life was a whirlwind of glamour, romance, and excitement, as she dated some of the most iconic men in show business, including Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Warren Beatty, and William Shatner. Moore, who passed away on August 15 at the age of 89, was remembered by those who knew her as a woman with a spark for adventure and a larger-than-life personality.

According to Brooke Kennedy, producer of “The Good Wife,” Pat Moore was one of those rare individuals who could make anyone feel like a star. “There are certain key people in this town that make it a small town,” Kennedy said. “They recognize you when you come in. It takes a very specific personality to maneuver all these other personalities and keep it going. People like Pat have a larger idea of who and what you are — even when you’re Jackie Onassis.”

Moore’s dating history reads like a Who’s Who of Hollywood legends. She was introduced to Frank Sinatra by Sammy Davis Jr., and their relationship was sometimes rocky. In fact, Moore used Warren Beatty to get back at Sinatra on one occasion, as witnessed by Sinatra’s right-hand man, Jilly Rizzo. “She was mad at [Sinatra] once and knew Jilly was at the bar,” recalled Linda McInerney, a fellow waitress at P.J. Clarke’s. “So she held his hand and kissed him and walked him through the bar, so Jilly would see. Then they walked out the side door.”

Moore’s relationship with Tony Bennett was particularly special, according to Gerry Biggins, a bartender at P.J. Clarke’s. “There was something special between her and Tony Bennett,” Biggins said. “He did a painting of her and would pop in to see if she wanted to go for a drink across the street. He would sit at the bar and wait for her. She would go to his concerts and he would serenade her. I believe that Tony Bennett was the love of her life.”

Moore’s life was not without its dramatic moments. She was born Patricia Shavley, the daughter of a firefighter and a switchboard operator, and had a spark for adventure from a young age. She was elected Miss Fordham while attending university, and pageant judges Jerry and Eileen Ford offered her a contract with Ford Models. She changed her name to Pat Moore and went on to appear in print ads for everything from perfume to crackers, bras to whiskey.

Moore’s personal life was just as dramatic. She wed a fellow model, Gene Watts, in the 1950s and had one son, Sean. After her modeling career ended, she supported herself as a film representative and landed a bit part in “The French Connection” as a cigarette girl whom Gene Hackman greets with a kiss. Her son, Sean, recalled receiving a surprise visit from William Shatner when his mom briefly dated the “Star Trek” actor. “We would sit down and watch ‘Star Trek’ together,” Sean told The Post. “I’d look at him, look at the TV and then look back at him.”

Moore’s fame extended beyond her dating history. She was a favorite waitress of many celebrities, including Johnny Depp, Andre Agassi, Brooke Shields, and George Steinbrenner. “Johnny would come in and bring her flowers,” Biggins told The Post.

In conclusion, Pat Moore’s life was a testament to her sparkling personality and her ability to make everyone feel like a star. Her legacy lives on through the countless stories and memories of those who knew her.

Glad I could clear that up for you.

Sources: Celebrity Storm and The New York Post
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed