ARTIST · EXPERT · CREATOR
Patterson Lundquist is a dynamic, multi-faceted force in the entertainment industry whose prolific career spans high-profile celebrity public relations, licensed studio productions, legendary themed entertainment design, and mainstream network television performances. Known across multiple industries for his relentless attention to detail and elite collaborations, Patterson has spent decades bridging the gap between his classic Hollywood connections, historical media preservation, immersive physical art, graphic design, and modern fan culture.
Patterson is historically recognized as the very first costumer professionally booked as a signing guest at conventions beginning in the late 1990s. Prior to his trailblazing efforts, costumers attended events strictly as paying fans. Patterson altered the industry paradigm by moving from the fan floor and lobbies to his own table on "Celebrity Row."
Throughout that time, Patterson expanded his presence in a wide array of niches in entertainment. From acting, producing and directing, to appearing on television, in films and making live appearances in costume. Never one to sit around idle, he would go on to work in hair, makeup and costuming for both on camera and live events. His study and growth in scenic art as well as thematic design found him working to coordinate live and seasonal events. With a love of all things spooky he would capitalize his costuming and artistry for haunted attractions, public events and screenings. Always on the lookout for the next big trend, Patterson continued developing his artistry from tangible media into digital designs and product development. Patterson soon found himself collaborating with major motion picture studios, home video distributors, theme park attractions and iconic celebrities. He realized one day that all the "niche" skills he honed over the years had become invaluable. Scroll down to learn more about his work, his clients, his art and his passions.
THE GODFATHER OF COSPLAY IN MODERN AMERICA
Long before character costuming had evolved into "cosplay," a mainstream multi-million-dollar global industry, Patterson fundamentally revolutionized the fan convention landscape. Thus, earning him the title many have used to describe him since: "The Godfather of Cosplay in Modern America." He joked "If anything, I prefer being called the Gandalf of Cosplay. It's far less pompous sounding!"
He is historically recognized as the very first costumer to make the leap from a standard convention attendee to a professionally booked guest beginning in the late 1990s. Prior to his trailblazing efforts, costumers attended events strictly as paying fans—posing for casual photos in lobbies, participating in groups and costume contests and joining localized photo-calls. Patterson unintentionally altered the industry paradigm by moving from lobbies and the fan floor onto "Celebrity Row."
He established the precedent of costumers sitting directly alongside mainstream Hollywood legends, signing autographs, participating in official guest panels, judging costume contests and commercializing his professional, high-end character photography. His visionary transition unintentionally laid the foundational blueprint for the modern professional cosplay industry. His costuming recreations spanning from cartoons, science fiction and horror set him apart from the mainstream costumer of that era. This was when costumers often dressed as one specific thing for years at a time, typically wearing mass-produced costumes they purchased or costumes that were made by artists on commission.
THE WORLD'S LEADING ELVIRA IMPERSONATOR
Whether in front of the camera, on stage, or at public appearances, Patterson is globally celebrated as the quintessential Elvira, Mistress of the Dark impersonator. He is often referred to as second best, only to Elvira herself. In fact, since Cassandra Peterson's retirement from appearing in costume as Elvira, Patterson is widely regarded as the last remaining way to experience Elvira "in the flesh." In fact Patterson is often referred to as "the next breast thing to Elvira herself."
Patterson's "dead-ringer" appearance was achieved through a combination of elements. His makeup artistry, utilizing the same brands of foundation, eye shadows and powders as Elvira herself to contour and transform his face. His skills as a costumer, which involved recreating Elvira's iconic black bouffant hairstyle by meticulously crafting his custom wig. Relying on his skills with a sewing machine, Patterson pattern matched Elvira's signature gown with the tattered sleeves, plunging neckline and thigh high split. Patterson's expertise as a sculptor enabled him to handcraft Elvira's infamous jeweled dagger, which serves as the centerpiece of the black leather belt he replicated to achieve exact screen accuracy. Topped off with a custom designed prosthetic silicone chest appliance, Patterson's appearance as Elvira is unanimously unmatched.
Knowing that visual appearance is only half of the presentation, Patterson relies on over thirty-five years of intense study of the Elvira character. Appearing in public requires the ability to be quick on his feet, have a reply for everything and remain in perfect character. Patterson's uncanny ability to evoke Elvira's witty personality is achieved through a combination of comedy improv, replicating her body language, recreating her facial expressions and using character specific lingo. Patterson relies on his razor-sharp memory to spout off any of Elvira's endless one-liners and quips at just the right moment.
Patterson has been told by endless people, including individuals who know Cassandra Peterson personally, that when he is present in Elvira drag, it feels like Elvira herself is actually there. In fact, Cassandra's good friend Joshua Grannell (also known as Peaches Christ), once told Patterson, "I know you're not Cassandra, but you seriously feel like her. It's actually kind of creepy." To which Patterson replied, "I bet you say that to all the ghouls," which sent Grannell into a fit of laughter.
This combination of Patterson's attention to detail, both in physical appearance and "channeling" the Elvira character, garnered immense praise from the horror icon herself, Cassandra “Elvira” Peterson. So impressed by his screen accurate appearance, Cassandra proclaimed upon first seeing a photograph of Patterson as Elvira in 1998, "Where were you this morning?! I could've slept late!" Cassandra would later proclaim during the 2007 reality show that Patterson knows more about Elvira than she does.
Patterson's profound connection with the character evolved through three major, chronological milestones alongside Cassandra Peterson herself:
- The Historic 1998 Sanctioned Stand-In: Patterson achieved an unprecedented milestone during the peak of the 1990s haunt boom. During the 1998 haunt season, upon their first meeting, Cassandra “Elvira” Peterson herself personally approved Patterson to serve as her official stand-in at Elvira's Nightmare Haunted House in Atlanta, Georgia. In doing so, Patterson became the first Elvira look-alike in history to appear as Elvira at an officially licensed Elvira-themed public attraction.
- The 2002 Elvira's Haunted Hills Atlanta Premiere: In 2002, Patterson stepped behind the scenes to coordinate the official Atlanta regional premiere of her second full-length feature film, Elvira's Haunted Hills. At the premiere event, Patterson famously appeared in full Elvira drag right alongside Cassandra Peterson, who attended out of costume. The appearance delighted fans, with Peterson humorously pointing at Patterson and joking to the crowd, "This is what I look like when I'm NOT being lazy!" The event raised money for Atlanta's Project Open Hand. The Premiere included a meet and greet before the film with Cassandra Peterson, seated next to Patterson who was dressed as Elvira. She introduced the film which was followed by an after party where Patterson performed as Elvira for ticket holders with Cassandra Peterson in attendance.
- The Search for the Next Elvira (Fox Reality): Building upon the deep professional trust forged during his years as the world's leading Elvira lookalike, Cassandra Peterson later invited Patterson to join her on the reality television series, The Search for the Next Elvira. On the show, Peterson chose him to serve as an official on-screen co-star, co-judge, and makeup artist for the finalists. Patterson was tasked with giving guidance, direction and advice to the finalists on the character of Elvira, cementing his status as the premier definitive authority on the character's signature look and character personality.
Other Public Appearances: From numerous public Halloween events and parades, his landmark accomplishments and continuing work as the worlds leading (for nearly 30 years) Elvira Impersonator include:
- Elvira's Nightmare Haunted House: A record 19-night appearance at Elvira’s Nightmare Haunted House in front of a combined audience of over 25,000 guests.
- Planet Hollywood: Appearing at Planet Hollywood on 'Elvira Day' three consecutive years in a row for the Planet Hollywood Summer Scares event.
- Rock ‘n Roll Monster Bash: Patterson appeared as Elvira at the annual event at Atlanta's famed Starlight Drive-In and unanimously won the title of “Miss Rock ‘n Roll Monster Bash” after twirling tassels for thousands of attendees.
- Hosted Elvira Mistress of the Dark (1988): In 2023, Patterson hosted the 35th Anniversary Atlanta screening of Elvira’s first film Elvira Mistress of the Dark at the Plaza Theater. This marked Patterson's second hosting gig at the historic theater. In 2006, he launched a live horror host show at the Plaza, where he hosted Plan 9 From Outer Space before a sold-out crowd, delivering live running commentary while reclined on a red Victorian couch just below the movie screen, in the same vein as Elvira’s Movie Macabre TV series.
- hosting multple advanced screenings of mainstream horror films in Atlanta througout the late 1990's and early 2000's.
- hosting and judging endless costume contests, appearing in parades and public promotions.
- From haunted house attractions to wedding venues Patterson entertained audiences, officiated weddings and twirled tassels. At conventions, he appeared as an attending celebrity guest, he appeared for photo-ops, autographs, panels and judged costume contests.
ARCHIVAL PRESERVATION, PROP AUTHENTICATION & LICENSED MEDIA
Patterson’s rare intersection of deep pop-culture historical knowledge and corporate acumen has made him a trusted, highly sought-after creative contractor and the absolute gatekeeper for a variety of classic Hollywood artifacts.
- The Foremost Authority on I Dream of Jeannie ephemera: Patterson is considered the definitive global expert on the production history and material culture of I Dream of Jeannie. Patterson serves as the premier industry expert and authenticator for series-related props, original costumes, and the show's iconic genie bottles. Elite international auction houses—including Heritage Auctions and Profiles in History (now part of Heritage)—rely on his unrivaled expertise. Patterson’s vetting process is vital to the preservation of Hollywood history, as he is trusted both to authenticate genuine artifacts and to systematically de-authenticate and expose misrepresented items on the market. His knowledge on the history of the beloved series has been utilized by productions like The Donny & Marie Show, I Dream of Jeannie: The E! True Hollywood Story, as well as various broadcast and cable network news agencies, legacy printed media (newspapers & magazines), internet blogs and websites.
- The Photographic Archive & The Barbara Eden Historical Record: As a passionate gatekeeper of television history, Patterson possesses, manages, and curates the world’s largest photographic collection from the iconic television series I Dream of Jeannie spanning over 10,000 on-set photographs from the production. Due to his meticulous organizational standard, he also handles and catalogs a vast majority of the historical archive of Barbara Eden. This extraordinary repository features rare, pre-fame publicity stills that Ms. Eden herself no longer possesses. These historic images capture the Hollywood legend before her first official screen appearances, documenting her early years as a local singer at nightclubs and exclusive private events. The rare images preserved within his private collection include her formative residency at the prestigious Hollywood Studio Club, and extend even earlier than her relocation to Hollywood, tracing back to her time living with relatives in San Marino, California.
- The Photographic Archive: Patterson possesses, manages, and curates the world’s largest photographic collection from the iconic television series I Dream of Jeannie. His preservation and restoration of these historic images serve as the largest regarded collection and record of production of the classic television sitcom.
- Sony Pictures Home Entertainment: Patterson served as the lead copywriter for the I Dream of Jeannie individual second through fifth season DVD releases, authoring the official episodic guides. Recognizing his artistic precision, Sony officially licensed his custom artwork for the I Dream of Jeannie: The Complete Series Boxed Set. Furthermore, his historical trivia copywriting appeared exclusively in the boxed set's custom trading card collection, which prominently features his name in the credits. His photo restorations and graphic compositions for the various I Dream of Jeannie releases can be seen worldwide as they are utilized by most streaming services for the various streams of I Dream of Jeannie.
- Official Elvira Home Media & Documentaries: Patterson served as a consulting producer for the definitive, feature-length documentary exploring the making of Elvira's debut feature film, Elvira: Mistress of the Dark. With his extensive knowledge on the production of the film, some of Patterson's duties involved fact-checking, talent procurement, content negotiations, photography restoration and enhancement, narration (German release) and other duties of a consulting producer. Demonstrating his creative branding instincts, he personally conceived the official titles for both the primary documentary (Too Macabre – The Making of Elvira: Mistress of the Dark) and its accompanying special effects development featurette (Recipe for Terror: The Creation of the Pot Monster).
- Audio Commentary & Dissertations: Patterson recorded an authoritative, comprehensive official audio commentary track for Elvira: Mistress of the Dark that has been permanently cemented as a featured bonus on all premium physical media, Special Edition, and Blu-ray releases of the film since 2017. Additionally, he authored a scholarly film dissertation included in various international pressings and provided rare, exclusive archival photography utilized directly within the documentary’s production.
CELEBRITY PUBLIC RELATIONS, MANAGEMENT & TALENT CARE
Behind the velvet rope, Patterson is an elite, deeply trusted Hollywood publicist, talent manager, and logistics coordinator. He has spent decades safeguarding the legacies and contemporary brands of classic television royalty.
- The Barbara Eden Brand Portfolio: Patterson handles the complete digital architecture and public relations footprint for Hollywood legend Barbara Eden. He personally directs and executes all of her official social media channels, oversees the operations of the Official Barbara Eden Fan Club, and acts as the key designer of all her custom merchandising released through her official online store and e-commerce platform, run by his company Tangible Dreams Entertainment, LLC.
- The Bill Daily Legacy: For many years, Patterson served as the long-time manager, publicist, and career strategist for the beloved classic television star Bill Daily (I Dream of Jeannie, The Bob Newhart Show), managing his public appearances and media outreach.
- Celebrity Assistant & Escort Operations: Renowned within the entertainment industry for his absolute discretion, meticulous planning, and unparalleled professionalism, Patterson is frequently brought on to work directly on the ground as an elite celebrity handler, assistant, and escort on major convention circuits and media junkets. His personal roster of elite talent handling includes legendary stars such as Barbara Eden, Loni Anderson, Mimi Rogers, Martin Landau, Noah Hathaway, Bill Daily, and Cassandra "Elvira" Peterson.
- Most Recently (Summer 2026): Patterson organized and managed the public appearance of Barbara Eden at the 2026 Project Angel Food Lead with Love: Going the Distance broadcast from KTLA in Hollywood. Patterson escorted Ms. Eden as she appeared on the Red Carpet and on the live broadcast and social media stream to help raise over half a million dollars for the charity. Patterson also facilitated the video message from Cassandra Peterson during the broadcast.
THEMED ENTERTAINMENT & SCENIC DESIGN ARTISTRY
Patterson’s immense creative development, scenic artistry, and physical fabrication work has been seen across major studio institutions, global theme parks, and award-winning seasonal events. Seen above: Patterson's custom designed and fabricated set for his Elvira photographic and video segments.
- The Munster Mansion (Waxahachie, Texas): In a masterful display of specialized scenic art, Patterson worked directly on the ground with the McKee family to customize their famous, full-scale Munster Mansion replica house. Patterson engineered and executed the complex distressing, texturing, and aging effects required to transform standard, modern drywall installations into the weathered deteriorated visuals identical to the original 1960s television show set.
- Nightmare Haunted House & The Crypt of Terror: From 2002 to 2005, Patterson served as the head show manager and lead designer under the guidance of Phyllis Ray whose legendary spaces were widely celebrated and ranked as the top Haunted Attractions in the American South during their iconic run.
- Walt Disney World Resorts & Disney Cruise Line: During his tenure with ICC Designs, Patterson provided the specialized, meticulous "final touch" craftsmanship and scenic eye on a vast array of world-class immersive Christmas decor across Walt Disney World resorts. His seasonal design work also extended out to sea, installing the luxury holiday decor aboard both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder cruise ships.
- Busch Gardens: Patterson lent his conceptual development talents to the design, layout, and world-building for the 2001 premier Howl-O-Scream event series.
- Netherworld Haunted House: His deep roots in the haunt industry include working as an environmental scenic artist and lead "webber" texturing the world-famous haunt’s detailed sets.
LITERARY WORK
As a versatile and multifaceted writer, Patterson Lundquist’s literary portfolio seamlessly bridges the worlds of paranormal non-fiction, contemporary storytelling, and official Hollywood media copy.
Driven by a lifelong fascination with the supernatural, he authored the deeply personal Stranger Than Fiction: True Stories of the Paranormal book series, exploring chilling real-life anomalous encounters across multiple volumes. Beyond the paranormal, Lundquist demonstrated his narrative versatility by penning Clash of Realities, a witty, fast-paced coming-of-age romantic comedy tracking the chaotic personal and public life of its protagonist navigating the lives of celebrities in Hollywood.
His deep expertise in classic pop-culture history earned him high-profile commissions within the entertainment industry. Notably, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment selected him to write the official episodic copy and synopses for the I Dream of Jeannie third through fifth season DVD box sets. He also produced the written copy for the Complete Series Boxed Set exclusive trivia for the collectible trading cards, with the packaging bearing his name, a first for Sony Pictures.
Additionally, his insights into cult entertainment and expert knowledge on all things Elvira, led Arrow Home Video to collaborate with Patterson on their collector's release of Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, for which they licensed his retrospective essay detailing the film, its production, history, legacy and impact on pop culture. So impressed with his knowledge, Arrow licensed his feature-length audio commentary for the film. Both the essay and audio commentary have gone on to be included in all Arrow Home Video's pressings of the film since 2017.
Celebrating his creative roots in television, Patterson also expanded into scriptwriting by penning three full episodes of the audio series Master Dearest: From the Diaries of Jeannie —a landmark project personally approved and recorded by television icon Barbara Eden for her official anniversary social media specials.
Continuing to evolve his narrative reach, Patterson is currently back in the fiction realm with a brand-new book in active development. Returning to his dark and atmospheric roots, his latest novel is a gripping gothic horror story set entirely against the vivid, nostalgic backdrop of the 1980s.
MAINSTREAM NETWORK TELEVISION & FILM RESUME
Patterson’s distinct personality and on-screen presence have translated seamlessly across broadcast television networks, major film studios, and peak-era reality formats. Here are just a few of his appearances.
- The Walking Dead (AMC): Between high-profile PR campaigns and design builds, Patterson stepped into the post-apocalyptic landscape to appear on screen during the historic final season of the smash-hit television series.
- Halloween II (Dimension Films): Patterson features in the cinematic filmography of the horror genre, appearing on-screen within the supporting atmospheric world of Rob Zombie’s brutal 2009 sequel.
- Contagion (Warner Bros.): He contributed featured background work for Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderbergh’s star-studded, critically acclaimed thriller.
- Desperate Housewives (ABC): Patterson brought his versatile background acting skills to the set of Wisteria Lane, contributing background work to ABC’s iconic, long-running flagship primetime drama.
- MTV Networks: During the peak era of MTV's reality boom, Patterson starred as a central featured personality on the hit dating-reality show Room Raiders (anchoring the memorable "Beauty and the Freaks" edition).
SKILLS
Patterson’s professional and creative life has carried him through various avenues of expression. Below is a curated selection of physical skills, abilities, knowledge and expertise.
- Actor: Since his fifth grade Christmas play, Patterson has thrived in the art of acting.
- Artist: Patterson's artwork spans from traditional pencil on paper, to ink, paint and digital formats. His artwork is owned by notables like Cassandra Peterson, Barbara Eden, Taylor Hanson, The McKee Family of The Munster Mansion, Dee Wallace and others.
- Designer: From scenic art, to architecture, thematic design, interior decorating and public attractions his attention to detail makes him an invaluable asset.
- Graphic Designer: Patterson's eye for visual engagement is diverse:
- Logo Development
- Printed Media design (flyers, advertisements, coupons billboards)
- Digital Media design
- Major Media Marketing development and implementation.
- Hair & Make-up: Throughout his professional life Patterson has provided hair and make-up work across a variety of venues:
- Professional studio make-up.
- Special effects make-up.
- Prosthetics - silicone & foam latex.
- Wigs styling, custom lacefront commissions and traditional styling.
- Wedding hair & make-up.
- Haunted House Attractions.
- Mortuary make-up.
- Live, on-location touch-ups for film, television and broadcast media.
- Voice-over & Voice Acting: From narrating feature-length documentaries, corporate pitches, radio broadcasts and narrative features, Patterson's vocal skills are broad. Including animated voices, celebrity impressions and regional accents.
Through Patterson’s company Tangible Dreams Entertainment, LLC he offers the following services:
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT/PUBLIC LIASON
PUBLIC RELATIONS (PR) & MEDIA MANAGEMENT
VIRAL MARKETING & BRAND DESIGN & BRAND MANAGEMENT
WHOLESALE PURCHASING & MATERIAL PROCUREMENT
CELEBRITY ASSISTANT & STYLIST/CONSULTANT
TRAVEL ACCOMPANIMENT & SECURITY
EBAY VERO REPRESENTATION
PHOTO RESTORATION, ENHANCEMENT & PRESERVATION
ORIGINAL MUSIC COMPOSITION
For more information about his company and services visit the company website: www.tangibledreams.net.