Who is Movies: Patricia Place was a special movie actress

The life of Patricia Place was celebrated in a memorial Service Saturday, Sept. 27, in the courtyard of her North Hollywood home. Place is most recently recognized in her role as Emma Smith Bidamon, in "Emma Smith: My Story" the first LDS film to be released on Blu-ray, also on DVD Sept. 30, 2008
An actress to the end, Place, age 83, held a secret, even from her family, the fact she was battling cancer and continued working up until the day before she died. Only her neighbor, who drove her to chemotherapy treatments, knew of her struggle. Place died of pneumonia Sept. 20.

Gary Cook, Writer and Director of "Emma Smith: My Story," recalling his association with Place said that Actress Cheryl Kirby, who plays Lydia the school teacher in the Emma Smith film, referred her close friend for the part of Emma Smith Bidemon, wife of the Prophet Jospeh Smith.

"From the first, she struck me as a woman who "kept her own counsel" --one who was private and perhaps a bit shy. Yet, surprisingly within the first hour of our meeting, she leaned over and quietly confided, "I am supposed to be in this film."

Now actors have been known to try all kinds things in order to get a role. But this was different. Place wasn't campaigning. It was something she just knew. Funny thing is.. so did I. Sometimes you know things with your heart, than you don't know with your head," said Cook.

"Patricia admired Emma. I asked her one day why she liked the role so much." Patricia had other religious affiliations. "Her response was a bit of a surprise: "I love the way she was able to keep her family together. She was strong and determined and she loved them so much. And that helped her make a difference."

"Unlike Emma, who died with her loved ones gathered around her, Place was all alone when she died. But I'd like to think that perhaps there was someone waiting to greet her 'beyond the river'."

According to her daughter, Rosalind, in addition to her award-winning acting career she raised four children and was an activist for peace and integration. Place, born Charmian Limbaugh in Long Beach, California, is survived by three children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her Army Officer husband Robert Sorbello, and a child.

Place's awards include a Drama-Logue Award and, according to the LA Times the Best Actress Theatre LA Ovation Awards for "Valsetz" in 1989.

Along with many others to share in a Memorial for Place, the Joseph Smith Jr. Family Organization paid the following tribute:

"It is with deep regret we learned of the passing of this very special lady. She came into our lives about a year ago when she accepted the role of Emma Smith Bidamon, in the movie: Emma Smith: My Story. Being with her on the film-set gave us the opportunity to know her as a truly refined, dignified, yet down to earth person. Her portrayal of 'Emma' was unique; it was done in her own understated, yet profound style. She seemed to draw the best out of all who worked with her. Everywhere the movie is shown the audiences are very moved; it is a fitting tribute to Patricia, and will stand as a lasting memorial to her fine gifts as an actress. "
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