Patrick M. Wright was a prominent figure in the world of 1970s drive-in exploitation films, known for his gruff and intimidating presence on screen. Born on November 28, 1939, in San Francisco, California, Wright was a stocky and strong-looking individual with a thick mustache, curly brown hair, and a powerful frame. He often played the role of stolid jerk cops, ramrod military men, prison guards, and assorted villains, showcasing his ability to portray a wide range of characters.
Wright's acting career began in the late 1960s, and he quickly gained recognition for his roles in films directed by Russ Meyer, including "Good Morning... and Goodbye!", "The Seven Minutes", and "Beneath the Valley of the Ultra-Vixens". Some of his most memorable parts include Sheriff Mack in the laughably lousy creature feature "Track of the Moonbeast", a lecherous high school football coach in the hilariously bawdy "The Cheerleaders", the nasty leader of a white slavery ring in the splendidly sleazy "The Abductors", and a sadistic goon in Matt Cimber's enjoyably trashy "The Candy Tangerine Man".
In addition to his film work, Wright also appeared in several television shows, including "Wizards and Warriors", "Dynasty", "The Dukes of Hazzard", and "The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams". Moreover, he directed the entertainingly lowbrow teen sex comedy "Hollywood High", produced the failed horror spoof "Frightmare", and worked on several movies and TV shows in minor behind-the-scenes production capacities.
Wright also acted under the pseudonyms Silver Foxx, Bal Johnson, and Michael Wright, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He ended his lengthy and extensive film career with a few small parts in a handful of straight-to-video items. Wright passed away at the age of 65 on December 9, 2004, in Palmdale, California.
