Lorna Patterson, born on July 1, 1956, in Whittier, California, is an American retired film, stage, and television actress best known for her iconic role as Randy, the singing stewardess in “Airplane!” (1980). Her unforgettable performance in the comedy classic made her a recognizable face in Hollywood, and she later became the lead in the television series “Private Benjamin” (1981–1983), showcasing her talent for both comedy and drama.
Patterson’s passion for acting began early, performing melodrama at The Bird Cage Theatre in high school, and she briefly attended Rio Hondo College. Over the years, she built a versatile career spanning television, film, stage musicals, and voice acting, leaving a lasting mark on 1980s entertainment and beyond.
Key Fact
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name/Real Name | Lorna Patterson |
| Birth Date | July 1, 1956 |
| Birth Place | Whittier, California, USA |
| Age | 69 years (as of 2025) |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) |
Early Life of Lorna Patterson
Lorna Patterson was born on July 1, 1956, in Whittier, California, and showed a passion for performing from an early age. While still in high school, she honed her acting skills by performing melodrama at The Bird Cage Theatre at Knott’s Berry Farm, laying the foundation for her future career in film, television, and stage.
After high school, Patterson briefly attended Rio Hondo College, furthering her education while continuing to explore opportunities in the entertainment industry. Her early dedication to acting and performance set the stage for her breakout roles in Hollywood films and television, establishing her as a memorable talent of the 1980s.
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Full name/Real name:
Lorna Patterson (also known as Lorna Lembeck after marriage)
Birth date/Birth place:
Born July 1, 1956, in Whittier, California, USA
Family background:
She was previously married to Robert Ginty, with whom she had one child. She has been married to director Michael Lembeck since April 13, 1990, and they have two children together.
School/University:
Attended Rio Hondo College in Whittier, California, for one semester before dropping out. Early in her career, she performed professionally while still in high school at Knott’s Berry Farm’s Bird Cage Theatre.
Career Journey of Lorna Patterson
Lorna Patterson began her professional acting career while still in high school, performing melodrama at The Bird Cage Theatre at Knott’s Berry Farm. Her breakthrough role came in 1980 when she starred as Randy, the singing stewardess in the comedy classic “Airplane!”, a performance that instantly made her a recognizable face in Hollywood.
Following her breakthrough, Patterson reached her peak years in the early 1980s with the lead role in the television series “Private Benjamin” (1981–1983), based on the hit film of the same name. She also appeared in TV series such as “Goodtime Girls” and “Working Stiffs”, and lent her voice to animated productions including “Timeless Tales from Hallmark” and the anime film “Ultraman: The Adventure Begins.” Her versatility in film, television, stage, and voice acting highlights a diverse and impactful career that left a lasting mark on 1980s entertainment.
Physical Appearance of Lorna Patterson
Age:
69 years old (born July 1, 1956)
Height:
5 feet 2 inches (157 cm)
Weight:
318 g
Body measurement:
Dress 6 ; Bust 34B ; Waist 28″ ; Hips 37″
Physical attributes:
- Hair color: Blonde
- Eye color: Blue
- Body type: Average
- Ethnicity: Caucasian
Major Achievements of Lorna Patterson
Lorna Patterson is best known for her iconic role as Randy, the singing stewardess in “Airplane!” (1980), which became a defining moment in her career and a memorable part of comedy film history. She also gained recognition as the lead in the television series “Private Benjamin” (1981–1983), showcasing her talent as a leading actress in both film and TV.
Beyond her on-screen success, Patterson contributed to stage musicals and voice acting, appearing in productions such as “Timeless Tales from Hallmark” and “Ultraman: The Adventure Begins.” Her versatility across film, television, and theater highlights her enduring impact on the entertainment industry and her role in shaping 1980s comedy and television culture.
Personal Life of Lorna Patterson
Family:
Lorna Patterson was married first to actor Robert Ginty, with whom she has one child. She is currently married to director Michael Lembeck since April 13, 1990, and they have two children together.
Nationality:
American
Religion:
Originally Christian, Lorna Patterson converted to Judaism after her marriage to Michael Lembeck.
Ethnicity:
Caucasian (White American)
Marital status/Relationship:
Married to Michael Lembeck since 1990.
Social media presence:
Lorna Patterson maintains a low-profile but active presence on Instagram, sharing personal life moments, family, and lifestyle content.
| Platform | Username/Handle | Followers (approx.) | Description/Notes | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| @lornapatterson50 | 86 | Personal account with limited posts | https://www.instagram.com/lornapatterson50/ | |
| @lornaknowlespatterson | 431 | Personal content, active posting | https://www.instagram.com/lornaknowlespatterson/ | |
| @lpatterson125 | 281 | Shares family life, grandchildren, and lifestyle | https://www.instagram.com/lpatterson125/ | |
| @lornadoingstuff | Not specified | Personal account with family celebrations | https://www.instagram.com/lornadoingstuff/ | |
| @lornap | 171 | International teacher living in Switzerland | https://www.instagram.com/plornap/ | |
| @lorna.cloutman | 407 | Shares personal and family moments | https://www.instagram.com/lorna.cloutman/ |
Interesting Facts About Lorna Patterson
- Early Performer: Lorna began her acting career in high school, performing melodramas at The Bird Cage Theatre at Knott’s Berry Farm.
- Breakthrough Role: She rose to fame as Randy, the singing stewardess in the 1980 comedy classic “Airplane!”
- Television Success: Patterson starred as the lead in the TV adaptation of “Private Benjamin” (1981–1983), earning widespread recognition.
- Voice Acting Talent: She lent her voice to animated projects like “Timeless Tales from Hallmark” and “Ultraman: The Adventure Begins.”
- Life Beyond Acting: After retiring, she converted to Judaism and became an ordained cantor in 2009, blending her artistic and spiritual passions.
Conclusion of Lorna Patterson
Lorna Patterson remains a beloved figure in American entertainment, remembered for her charming screen presence and versatile performances across film, television, and stage. From her unforgettable role as Randy in “Airplane!” to her leading performance in “Private Benjamin,” Patterson captured the hearts of audiences during the golden age of 1980s comedy and television.
Even after stepping away from Hollywood, Lorna Patterson’s legacy continues to inspire. Her journey from a young stage performer to a respected actress and ordained cantor reflects her passion, dedication, and ability to reinvent herself with grace. Her story stands as a testament to talent, faith, and the lasting impact of an artist who followed her calling both on and off the screen.
FAQs About Lorna Patterson
1. Who is Lorna Patterson?
Lorna Patterson is an American retired actress best known for her roles in “Airplane!” (1980) and the TV series “Private Benjamin” (1981–1983).
2. What is Lorna Patterson famous for?
She gained fame for portraying Randy, the singing stewardess, in Airplane! and for her lead role in “Private Benjamin.”
3. Is Lorna Patterson still acting?
No, Lorna Patterson retired from acting and later became an ordained cantor after converting to Judaism.
4. Who is Lorna Patterson married to?
She is married to Michael Lembeck, a well-known director and actor, and they have two children together.
5. What are some of Lorna Patterson’s other notable works?
Her other works include “Goodtime Girls,” “Working Stiffs,” and voice roles in “Timeless Tales from Hallmark” and “Ultraman: The Adventure Begins.”
