Pat Ast

2.1. Birth and background

Patricia Ann Ast was born on October 21, 1941, in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Her parents were Irwin and Rose (Ludwig) Ast, and she was of Jewish heritage.

2.2. Education

Ast attended Erasmus Hall High School in the Prospect Lefferts Gardens area of Brooklyn, where she completed her secondary education.

3.1. Early career and influences

In her twenties, Ast was known for her vibrant social life, particularly enjoying parties on Fire Island. Her outgoing and "boisterous" personality enabled her to connect with and befriend influential figures in the arts and entertainment industries. Despite working a day job as a receptionist at a box factory, Ast harbored aspirations of becoming an actress, singer, and model. Her social connections led to her screen debut when she met director John Schlesinger on Fire Island. Schlesinger cast her as a party guest in his acclaimed 1969 film, Midnight Cowboy.

3.2. Modeling and muse

Around the time of her film debut, Ast captured the attention of influential fashion designer Halston. Despite weighing approximately 210 lb ^{(210 lb)} at a time when the fashion industry largely favored extremely thin models, Halston hired her to work at his boutique and soon made her one of his models. Her distinctive look and personality challenged conventional beauty standards in the fashion world. In the early 1970s, Ast became a prominent member of Halston's exclusive group of favored models, known as the "Halstonettes." This esteemed troupe included other notable figures such as Pat Cleveland, Connie Cook, Alva Chinn, Anjelica Huston, and Karen Bjornson.

Ast regularly participated in runway shows for Halston and also graced the runways for Yves Saint Laurent. A particularly memorable moment occurred at the 1972 Coty Awards runway show, where she famously closed Halston's segment by emerging from a giant cake. Beyond her work with Halston, Ast developed a significant association with artist and filmmaker Andy Warhol, becoming a fixture in his circle and contributing to his artistic endeavors. Warhol cast her in the role of Lydia, a landlady, in his 1972 film Heat, where she starred alongside Joe Dallesandro.

3.3. Acting career

In 1975, seeking to further her acting pursuits, Pat Ast relocated to Hollywood. She appeared in several films across various genres, including The Duchess and the Dirtwater Fox (1976), Foul Play (1978), The Incredible Shrinking Woman (1981), and Reform School Girls (1986).

As her film career in Los Angeles experienced a slowdown, Ast developed a sense of resentment towards the city. She then returned to New York to pursue a role in the Broadway musical Nine, which was inspired by Federico Fellini's film 8 1/2. However, her involvement in the production was brief, as she was dismissed after three months.

4.1. Personal life

Pat Ast maintained an active social life and cultivated many friendships throughout her career. A particularly significant event that deeply affected her was the death of her close friend, the fashion designer Halston, in 1990. It was noted by those close to her that she was profoundly impacted by his passing and was "never the same" thereafter.

4.2. Health

Ast faced a lifelong struggle with diabetes. In the final decade of her life, her condition worsened considerably, leading to severe physical consequences, including the necessity of amputating some of her toes.

5.1. Circumstances

Pat Ast died on October 2, 2001, at the age of 59, at her home in West Hollywood, California. Her passing occurred approximately three weeks after the death of her longtime friend Berry Berenson, who was a victim of the September 11 attacks. Ast's death was discovered after her neighbors grew concerned when they noticed newspapers accumulating outside her door and observed that she had not taken her dogs out for several days. These neighbors contacted a friend of Ast's, who subsequently found her deceased in her bed. The reported cause of her death was natural causes.

5.2. Memorials and burial

Due to scheduling difficulties among those wishing to attend, two separate memorial services were held for Pat Ast. Among the notable guests who attended these services were actors Richard Benjamin, Paula Prentiss, Bud Cort, and Paul Reubens. Ast was laid to rest at the Mount Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery in Hollywood Hills, California.

7.1. Cultural impact

Pat Ast carved out a unique and memorable presence in the fashion and film industries, particularly within the vibrant cultural landscape of the 1970s. As a prominent muse and model for Halston, she challenged conventional notions of beauty, demonstrating that charisma and personality could transcend traditional physical ideals in high fashion. Her inclusion in the "Halstonettes" cemented her status as a significant figure in a transformative era of American design. Simultaneously, her association with Andy Warhol and appearances in his experimental films placed her at the nexus of the avant-garde art scene, reflecting her involvement in a pivotal moment of artistic and social change. Her distinct persona and unconventional path contributed to the diverse tapestry of 1970s popular culture.

7.2. Critical reception

During her career, Pat Ast was recognized for her distinctive and often bold screen presence. While specific critical reception varied by project, her roles, particularly in Andy Warhol's films, were part of a movement that explored unconventional narratives and characters. Posthumously, her contributions to both fashion and film, especially her role in expanding the definition of beauty in modeling and her unique collaborations with cultural icons like Halston and Warhol, have been noted for their lasting impact on cultural perceptions and artistic expression.