Patricia West-Del Ruth majored in theater at San Diego City College and San Diego State. She met cinematographer Tom Del Ruth, ASC, while auditioning for a role in a television movie in 1981. They married four months later. An ABC television talent development program led to roles for Patricia on General Hospital, Hill Street Blues and the feature films Crazy and Quicksilver. She interned in casting on the television show L.A. Law while taking classes in motion picture studies at UCLA in 1986. That’s when Patricia discovered her passion for scriptwriting, which enabled her to stay active in the industry while raising two young sons. The Del Ruth family settled in San Diego during the early 1990s. Patricia wrote several scripts for independent film consideration while earning a masters degree in psychology from the California Institute for Human Science. She organized Creative Heart Productions, which produced Creative Café , featuring interviews with filmmakers, and Cinema Scene, featuring Patricia teaching acting, screenwriting and independent filmmaking in a master class format. Both shows aired on local television channels. Patricia received four Telly Awards, acknowledging her contributions to independent film production for television in San Diego in 2005. San Diego North Magazine recognized her as one of the Top 50 Individuals to Watch.
The Del Ruth family moved to Oregon in late 2005. Patricia has subsequently conducted lectures, workshops and special events for a new organization called Film Oregon Alliance. As Director of Cinema Arts Education, she has been an advocate for the Oregon Film office. Patricia advises producers, writers, actors and independent filmmakers who are pursuing careers in the industry. She also serves on the boards of BendFilm, Film Oregon Alliance and High Desert Chamber Music and is a founding member of the High Desert Writers Guild. Photos used by permission, credit: Alan Weissman.
The Women’s International Center is honored to present a Living Legacy Award to Patricia West Del Ruth for her Excellence in the Cinema Arts.