Patricia Boots Mallory's life story began in Mobile, Alabama, where she was raised in a large family. Her journey in the entertainment industry started with a discovery by the renowned Florenz Ziegfeld Jr., who was impressed by her unique physical attributes as a tall, thin, natural blonde teenager. As the era of early talkies was unfolding, she began her career, which would span many years to come.
In 1933, she married William Cagney, the brother of the famous actor James Cagney. Her younger sister, Viola "Bodie" (Mallory) Avinger, gave birth to identical twin boys, Cleveland (Cleve) and Steven (Steve) Lewis, on February 19, 1941. Inspired by her sister's experience, Boots Mallory Cagney decided to adopt fraternal twins, Jill and William, shortly after.
Boots Mallory's sister, Joan Mallory Seeley, also pursued a career in the entertainment industry, albeit briefly. She appeared in a few movies before a car accident cut short her time in the spotlight. Joan later became a singer, performing in some of New York's most renowned nightclubs. Her stint in the Ziegfeld Follies was a notable highlight in her career.
Boots Mallory's personal life was marked by two marriages. Her first husband was William Cagney, and her second husband was British-born actor Herbert Marshall. Unfortunately, her life was cut short due to lung cancer, leaving behind a legacy in the entertainment industry.
