Patricia Altschul is the undisputed matriarch of Charleston. She’s the woman who made the "butler-served martini" a lifestyle goal for Bravo fans everywhere. But every time she appears on screen in a silk caftan, a specific question trends on social media: how old is Patricia on Southern Charm? People are obsessed. It makes sense, too, because she carries herself with a sort of timeless, old-world elegance that you just don't see anymore. She isn't just a reality star; she’s a socialite from a different era.
The Birth of a Charleston Icon
Patricia was born Patricia Madelyn Dey. She arrived on April 16, 1941. That makes her 84 years old as of 2025. Honestly, she looks incredible. While most people are slowing down in their eighties, Patricia is busy managing a brand, filming a hit television show, and keeping the chaotic cast of Southern Charm in line from her bedside or her perfectly appointed drawing-room.
She wasn't born in South Carolina, though. That’s a common misconception. Patricia was actually born in Jacksonville, Florida, and grew up in Richmond, Virginia. Her roots are deeply Southern, but her polish comes from years spent in the high-society circles of New York City and Washington, D.C. before she ever set foot in the Isaac Jenkins Mikell House.
Why Everyone Asks About Patricia Altschul's Age
The fascination with her age isn't just about vanity. It's about her energy. Think about it. Most 84-year-olds aren't engaging in witty banter with people in their thirties and forties like Shep Rose or Austen Kroll. Patricia has this sharp, biting wit that hasn't dulled a bit. She’s the "Grand Dame" for a reason.
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When she first joined the show back in 2014, she was already in her early seventies. Even then, she stood out. She wasn't the "grandma" archetype. She was the boss. Her age gives her a level of authority that the other cast members—and the viewers—respect. You don't argue with Patricia. You just hope she invites you over for a drink.
The New York Years and Beyond
Before the world knew her as the star of Southern Charm, Patricia was a serious academic and a major player in the New York social scene. She didn't just marry well; she was smart. She taught art history at George Washington University. That’s where that refined taste comes from. It isn't performative. She actually knows her stuff when it comes to the Masters and classical architecture.
She’s been married three times. Her first husband was Lon Hayes Smith. They had one son together, Whitney Sudler-Smith, who fans know as the creator and executive producer of the show. After that, she married Edward Stitt Fleming. But it was her third marriage to Arthur Altschul that really cemented her status in the upper echelons of society. Arthur was a partner at Goldman Sachs and a massive art collector. When he passed away in 2002, Patricia eventually decided to trade the bustle of Manhattan for the slower, more "civilized" pace of Charleston.
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Living the Dream at 84
Most people her age are thinking about retirement homes. Patricia bought a literal mansion. She purchased the Isaac Jenkins Mikell House in 2008 for about $4.8 million. It’s one of the most significant properties in the South. Living there requires a certain level of stamina. The upkeep alone is a full-time job, though she famously has Michael the Butler (who retired recently, much to the heartbreak of fans) to handle the day-to-day logistics.
Age has only made her more influential. She’s leaned into the "caftan lifestyle." She even launched her own line of luxury loungewear and home goods. It’s brilliant, really. She’s monetized the very thing people love about her: her refusal to be anything other than comfortable and glamorous.
The Secret to Her Longevity?
Fans often joke that it’s the martinis. Patricia is rarely seen without a cocktail in hand during "medicine hour." But in reality, it’s probably her mental sharpness. She stays engaged. She’s active on Instagram. She keeps up with the gossip. She doesn't isolate herself with people her own age; she surrounds herself with the vibrant (and often messy) cast of the show. That keeps you young.
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The Impact of a Legend
Knowing how old is Patricia on Southern Charm helps put her advice into perspective. When she tells Madison LeCroy or Craig Conover how to behave, she isn't just being a "Karen." She’s speaking from eight decades of observation. She’s seen trends come and go. She’s seen scandals break and fade. Her age is her superpower.
It’s also worth noting that Patricia represents a bridge between the "Old South" and the modern world. She holds onto the etiquette and the traditions, but she isn't afraid of the cameras. She’s managed to navigate reality TV without losing her dignity, which is a feat in itself.
What’s Next for Patricia?
Despite being well into her eighties, there are no signs of her leaving the screen. As long as Whitney is producing and Charleston has drama, Patricia will be there to comment on it. She’s become the moral (and sometimes immoral) compass of the show.
If you're looking to channel some of that Patricia Altschul energy as you age, there are a few "Patricia-approved" steps you can take:
- Invest in quality loungewear. Never be caught in a tattered bathrobe. A caftan is a suit of armor for the domestic goddess.
- Master one signature drink. Whether it’s a martini or a gin and tonic, know how it should be served.
- Cultivate a "no-nonsense" attitude. Life is too short for boring people or bad manners.
- Keep your circle interesting. Don't just stick to your age group. Engage with the world around you, even the parts that seem a little chaotic.
- Appreciate the arts. Education doesn't stop just because you finished school. Keep learning, keep looking at beautiful things.
Patricia Altschul is 84, but she’s living proof that "old" is just a number. In Charleston, she’s the queen, and the crown fits perfectly. Whether she's critiquing a party's floral arrangements or shading a cast member's outfit, she does it with a grace that only comes with decades of experience.