The world has bid farewell to a truly radiant spirit. Patty Maloney, the cherished actress whose unique presence graced television screens for decades, passed away at 89, leaving behind a legacy that sparkled with laughter, resilience, and heart.
Her brother, Dave Myrabo, confirmed that Patty died peacefully on March 31 while in hospice care in Winter Park, Florida. Her final years were marked by a quiet battle with complications from multiple strokes, but true to her nature, she faced each day with grace.
Born Patricia Anne Maloney on March 17, 1936, in the small town of Perkinsville, New York, she stood only 3 feet 11 inches tall — yet the life she lived was anything but small. Her first steps into show business came early; at just three years old, she took the stage on Broadway, already drawn to the magic of performance. Life tested her early — after losing her father at seven, she and her family moved to Winter Park, where her mother and stepfather raised her.
Patty’s passion for entertaining led her down remarkable paths. She toured with carnivals and dazzled audiences as part of the iconic Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. At one point, she studied to be a keypunch operator at the University of Florida, and it was during her time working for National Airlines in New York that she met the love of her life, Joseph Vitek. They married in 1961 and began a new chapter in Chicago. But in 1968, tragedy returned — Joseph lost his battle with melanoma, and once again, Patty found herself at a crossroads.
Rather than retreat, she returned to the stage — and the screen — bringing her vibrant energy back to the world of entertainment. She collaborated with the whimsical Krofft brothers on Fol-de-Rol and soon became a familiar face in cult favorites like Far Out Space Nuts and the delightfully strange Star Wars Holiday Special, in which she played Lumpy, Chewbacca’s son. Donning a costume made from real human hair, she later recounted with a mix of awe and amusement:
“It was hard work — but it was also a blast. Breathing was tricky… someone had to open the mouth so they could slip a straw through and I could get a breath of air. It was wild!”
Her career blossomed with appearances on beloved shows like Charlie’s Angels, The Love Boat, and Donny & Marie. She also left her mark in films such as The Ice Pirates and Under the Rainbow. Yet, for many fans, it was her tender portrayal of Alice Bates in the final season of Little House on the Prairie that truly captured hearts. Like Patty herself, Alice was warm, spirited, and unforgettable.
Voice acting added another layer to her creative journey. She lent her voice to Darla Hood in the animated Little Rascals and brought to life the sassy robot waitress Tina on Buck Rogers in the 25th Century — further proof that her versatility knew no bounds.
Even as time brought new challenges — including a diagnosis of macular degeneration in 2010 that affected her vision — Patty never lost her sparkle. Her sense of humor, kindness, and unbreakable spirit remained unshaken.
Her brother Dave captured the essence of her extraordinary life when he said:
“For a little person growing up in a big world, she did everything she wanted to do.”
She is survived by her brother Dave, brother-in-law Vic, and her beloved nieces, Jennifer and Laura. The stories she told, the laughter she sparked, and the joy she gave will echo for generations.
Patty Maloney wasn’t just an actress. She was a trailblazer, a bright soul in a challenging world, and a beacon of what it means to live life fully.
Rest easy, Patty. The world was brighter with you in it — and your light still lingers in every role you played, every smile you inspired, and every heart you touched.
