Fans of European horror have long been mesmerized by a pair of stunning, shining eyes which could simultaneously transmit mystery, seduction and a strength that were capable of charming anyone...even a werewolf. Last week we lost  those eyes, those that belonged to Patty Shepard, star of such films as the cult Paul Naschy flicks WEREWOLF VERSUS THE VAMPIRE WOMAN (a.k.a. NIGHT OF WALPURGIS, 1971) or in the (unfairly) despised Assignment Terror (1970).

Born in 1945 in Greenville, South Carolina, Patty Moran Shepard died of a heart attack at her home on January 3 in Madrid, Spain, the same country that welcomed her in 1963, when she moved with her father, an Air Force officer.

After a successful career as a TV commercial model she debuted in the big screen in 1966, appearing in the years ahead in gialli (MIO CARO ASSASSINO a.k.a. MY DEAR KILLER 1972); spaghetti westerns, such as in Antonio Margheriti’s THE STRANGER AND THE GUNFIGHTER (alongside two late, great action heroes, Lee Van Cleef and Lo Lieh), and in many horror movies shown in drive-ins through all the States in the late 70’s.

Her presence and talent will be eternally felt in our hearts, especially in those cold, full moon nights, when we can spot a graceful woman dressed in black walking softly between moldering tombs and hundred-year old crypts.

Muchas gracias for your work, señorita Shepard. Here's the trailer with Patty in one of her most beloved roles, that of Countess Wandesa Dárvula de Nadasd in THE WEREWOLF VS. THE VAMPIRE WOMAN.

- Stephan Segantini

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