Patti McGuire: From Playboy Playmate to Devoted Wife of Tennis Legend Jimmy Connors

Patti McGuire is a former Playboy playmate, but she is much more than that. She is a 1970s beauty, a symbol of elegance and strength. Emerging to fame amidst an era of immense glamour and risky cultural transformation, Patti made news when she was appointed Playboy’s Playmate of the Month in November of 1976 and later on its Playmate of the Year for 1977. Her face was everywhere—on magazine covers, on television guest spots, and even on the backglass of a popular Playboy pinball machine. But that’s just half her tale. She then transferred to television and film production and enjoyed a simple but fulfilling life with tennis legend Jimmy Connors.

Over her lifetime, Patti has shown that she’s more than just beautiful. Her enduring marriage of over four decades speaks to her commitment, strength, and integrity. While she may have stepped out of the limelight in recent years, Patti’s life continues to fascinate fans of sports, entertainment, and pop culture alike. This in-depth biography explores the life of Patti McGuire—from her childhood roots in Missouri to her enduring legacy as a Hollywood personality and supportive partner.

Quick Bio

Who Is Patti McGuire?

Patti McGuire is an American retired actress, model, and television producer who was popular in the 1970s. She is best known for Playboy, where she received the honors of being Playmate of the Month (November 1976) and Playmate of the Year (1977). Her bold looks, charm, and friendly demeanor made her a favorite among readers and helped make her a cultural icon of her era. She lit the covers of numerous magazines, advertisements, and even guest-starred on the hit television series Starsky and Hutch.

In addition to her modeling fame, Patti also led a busy off-set career in the entertainment industry. She was a manager and production assistant for high-grossing movies like LA Confidential and The Birdcage. She is equally popular for being the wife of tennis great Jimmy Connors. Her long love affair is an additional layer to her already intriguing public image. Patti McGuire has managed to maintain her temperament and elegance throughout the years, demonstrating that she is a woman of merit during the shifting times.

Early Life

Patti was born September 5, 1951, in Dexter, Missouri, and raised in a conservative Midwestern family among her siblings—two sisters and one brother. Strong family values, community pride, and a love for learning defined her childhood. She then relocated with her family to St. Louis and attended high school there. Using her beauty and charm, she was even crowned Homecoming Queen, a testament to her growing popularity among her classmates.

After her graduation, Patti continued on to Southern Illinois University, where she studied history and political science. Working as a Bunny at the Playboy Club in St. Louis part-time, Patti was seen by talent scouts and photographers. Her drive and brains were qualities that set her apart from the rest in the show business world, and she proved to be a natural for a modeling career that would change her life beyond her wildest dreams.

Career Beginnings

Patti McGuire’s big break came when she was named Playboy magazine’s Playmate of the Month for November 1976. Her November centerfold, taken by Pompeo Posar, was an immediate success for its elegance and grace. Just a year later, she was also selected to be Playmate of the Year for 1977, which had with it public acclaim, a vehicle, and national fame. Her award from the rock legend Alice Cooper only served to fuel speculation regarding her career that was beginning to emerge.

Having achieved success in Playboy, Patti established her brand in the entertainment field. She made a single guest appearance on the top-rated TV show Starsky and Hutch in the 1977 episode “Playboy Island.” She was also employed as a face on the iconic 1978 Bally Playboy pinball machine, making her readily identifiable to followers outside of printed media. She made the switch to film production in the late 1990s, lending her efforts to popular films such as LA Confidential and Tigerland, thus demonstrating that she could be equally successful behind the camera as in front of it.

Who Is Patti McGuire’s Husband?

Patti McGuire married tennis superstar Jimmy Connors on October 2, 1979. Their romance began in the most glamorous way possible—at the Playboy Mansion, where they met and instantly connected. Jimmy Connors, then at the peak of his career, was captivated by Patti’s beauty and intelligence. According to Connors, their relationship blossomed quickly, and they became “inseparable.” Their union brought together two icons from different worlds—sports and entertainment—and has withstood the test of time.

The couple have two children, Brett and Aubree, together and have lived a large portion of their marriage in Santa Barbara, California. Even through the normal fights that married couples of celebrities have, their marriage has endured over a period of more than four decades. Connors even documented their ups and downs and reconciliations in his autobiography The Outsider, such as moments of spiritual realization. The pair, Patti and Jimmy, is now one of the longest-lasting celebrity couples, a rather uncommon feat in both the entertainment and sporting worlds.

Patti McGuire’s Physical Appearance

Patti McGuire stands at 5 feet 5 inches and weighs around 115 pounds. Her physical features—blue eyes, light brown hair, and toned, classic build—made her an ideal model for the golden era of Playboy. She had a classic beauty that appealed to a wide age group and distinguished her from other models during her era.

Her fashion choices and sense of style reflected the wild looks of the 1970s, including high-waisted outfits, body-hugging dresses, and feathered locks. From sitting for editorial photo shoots to making public appearances, Patti maintained poise and composure. Even today, fans remember not just her appearance, but also the understated elegance with which she carried herself in front of the public eye.

Net Worth

Patti McGuire’s net worth is put at between $1 million and $5 million, with all reports typically estimating at around $3 million on average. Her early wealth was primarily made while working for Playboy, for example, modeling, appearances, and endorsements. Later, Hollywood production work also added to her wealth, with listings as a production crew member on high-grossing films that did well critically.

Apart from her personal earnings, Patti benefits from the alliance with Jimmy Connors, whose fortune herself amounts to over $12 million considering his career in tennis, book sales, and endorsements. Together, they have made smart financial decisions and lived a pretty low-profile and stable life in California. Together, their wealth is a reflection of a lifetime of hard work, fame, and good decisions.

Future Prospects and Vision

Although Patti McGuire has largely stepped away from the spotlight, she continues to influence the world quietly. Whether through mentoring young talent in media or supporting charitable causes, she remains active behind the scenes. She has not publicly announced any upcoming projects, but her past work in production suggests that she may still play a role in entertainment, albeit privately.

Looking ahead, Patti’s legacy is secure—both as a pop culture icon and as a supportive partner and mother. Her story serves as an example of how to navigate fame with grace and how to evolve without losing authenticity. As more people rediscover the era of classic Playboy and Hollywood, Patti McGuire’s name continues to shine as one of its most elegant figures.