Lyle Latell (born Lyle Zeiem; April 9, 1904 – October 24, 1967) was an American character actor who became a familiar and beloved face to moviegoers of the 1940s as the bumbling but good-hearted police sidekick, Pat Patton, in the popular Dick Tracy film series.
As the comically slow but loyal and steadfast partner to the famous detective, Latell provided the perfect comic relief in four RKO feature films: Dick Tracy, Detective (1945), Dick Tracy vs. Cueball (1946), Dick Tracy’s Dilemma (1947), and Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome (1947).
A prolific actor with over 100 film credits, Latell was a staple in supporting and bit parts throughout the Golden Age, often playing cops, cabbies, or tough guys. He also worked in television, making guest appearances in popular series like The Adventures of Superman and Maverick, but he remains forever identified with his most famous role as Dick Tracy’s ever-faithful partner.
