Patty Maloney, a cherished actress known for her roles in Little House on the Prairie and other iconic television shows, has passed away at the age of 89. Her brother, Dave Myrabo, confirmed her passing, noting that she had experienced several strokes over the years and was in hospice care in Winter Park, Florida at the time of her death.
Born Patricia Ann Maloney on March 17, 1936, in Perkinsville, New York, she stood at 3’11’ but her stature never limited her ambitions or achievements. ‘For a little person growing up in a big world, she did everything she wanted to do,’ Myrabo reflected on his sister’s life.
Patty’s career was as diverse as it was impressive. She played the memorable role of the alien Honk on the show Far Out Space Nuts and portrayed Lumpy, the son of Chewbacca, in the Star Wars Holiday Special. Her talent shone through in various other television appearances including The Brady Bunch Variety Hour, Charlie’s Angels, Married… with Children, My Name Is Earl, and The Love Boat.
Before her rise to fame in Hollywood, Maloney’s life was a tapestry of unique experiences. She worked with carnivals and with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, showcasing her versatility and adaptability. In 1961, she married Joseph Vitek, but after his death in 1968, she returned to Hollywood and continued to pursue her passion for performance, working as a puppeteer in Fol-de-Pol.
Hal Erickson, in his 2007 book Sid and Marty Krofft: A Critical Study of Saturday Morning Children’s Television 1969-1993, praised Maloney’s exceptional talent. ‘Her extensive dancing and mime skills enabled her to convey a full range of emotions for Honk without ever speaking a word of dialogue—and with her facial features utterly obscured,’ he noted, highlighting her ability to captivate audiences without the need for words.
In her later years, Maloney faced health challenges, including a diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in 2010, as reported by Men’s Journal. Despite these obstacles, she continued to inspire those around her with her resilience and zest for life.
Patty Maloney’s legacy is carried on by her brother, her nieces Jennifer and Laura, and her brother-in-law, Vic. Her life story serves as a testament to the fact that determination and talent can overcome any barrier, and that one’s impact on the world is not measured by physical size but by the size of one’s spirit and the breadth of one’s accomplishments.
As we remember Patty Maloney, we are reminded of the joy she brought to countless viewers through her performances. Her work has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, and her memory will continue to be celebrated by fans and colleagues alike.
What are your memories of Patty Maloney’s performances? Which of her roles stood out most to you? We invite you to share your thoughts, reflections, or favourite moments in the comments below.
Also read: A fighter on-screen and in life, Hollywood loses one of its greatest
