Once the face of 1970s glamour, Patti McGuire continues to captivate—even at 73. Best known for her iconic title as Playboy’s 1977 Playmate of the Year, McGuire isn’t just a symbol of a bygone era; she’s also the longtime partner of American tennis great Jimmy Connors.
From Small-Town Roots to National Spotlight
Born on September 5, 1951, in Dexter, Missouri, Patti McGuire grew up in a close-knit community with a love for Americana culture. She later moved to St. Louis and enrolled at Southern Illinois University, where she studied political science and worked as a bartender to support her education.
It wasn’t long before her striking looks and outgoing nature turned heads in the modeling world.
Rising Star in the World of Playboy
Patti’s journey into fame took a major leap in 1976 when she was featured as Playboy’s Playmate of the Month for November. Her blend of classic beauty and confident charm quickly earned her fans nationwide, and she was soon crowned Playmate of the Year for 1977.
Her photoshoots captured the free-spirited and glamorous vibe of the decade, making her one of the magazine’s standout stars of the era.
A Brief Brush with Hollywood
After her success with Playboy, McGuire stepped into the entertainment world, landing a few roles in TV and projects tied to the magazine. While she didn’t chase a long-term acting career, she did find fulfillment behind the scenes, occasionally taking on production work within the industry.
A Lasting Love with a Tennis Icon
In 1979, Patti McGuire married Jimmy Connors, a tennis legend whose fiery game and headline-making career made him a household name. Their relationship drew media buzz at the time and placed them among the era’s most glamorous couples.
Decades later, the couple is still going strong. They’ve built a life together away from the limelight, raising a family and keeping their relationship largely out of the public eye.
