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Veteran Actress Patty Maloney, Known for ‘Little House on the Prairie’ and ‘Star Wars,’ Passes Away at 89
Patty Maloney, the actress celebrated for her role in Little House on the Prairie and her memorable performance in the Star Wars Holiday Special, has died at the age of 89. News of the performer’s death was confirmed by her brother, Dave Myrabo, who informed The Hollywood Reporter that she passed away on Monday, March 31. Maloney, recognized for her 3-foot-11 stature, had been receiving hospice care in Winter Park, Florida, prior to her death.
Confirmation of Death and Health History
According to reports, Patty Maloney had suffered several strokes in recent years. Her brother, Dave Myrabo, shared a heartfelt sentiment about her life, stating, “For a little person growing up in a big world, she did everything she wanted to do.” The actress had been under hospice care in Winter Park, Florida, before her passing.
Notable Roles in Film and Television
Beyond her iconic appearances on Little House on the Prairie, Maloney gained further recognition for portraying Chewbacca’s son, Lumpy, in the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special. She also charmed audiences as Honk in the Sid & Marty Krofft series Far Out Space Nuts.
Little House on the Prairie actress Patty Maloney has died at the age of 89 on Monday, March 31; seen in a publicity photo from her one-woman show, I’m Right Tonight, in 2005
The 3-foot-11 actress was in hospice care in Winter Park, Florida. She had suffered ‘several’ strokes in the years prior; pictured in a still from Little House on the Prairie (1974)
Battling Health Challenges
Maloney’s health challenges began in 2010 when she received a diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), as reported by Men’s Journal. AMD is a common eye condition among older adults that can lead to blurred or diminished central vision.
Extensive Career in Television
Throughout her career, Patty Maloney amassed an impressive list of television credits. She featured in the 1981 film Under the Rainbow, which was inspired by The Wizard of Oz. Her television work included guest roles on popular series such as Charlie’s Angels, Trapper John, M.D., The Love Boat, and multiple episodes of Little House on the Prairie.
She also lent her voice to Darla Hood in the animated TV series adaptation of The Little Rascals and made an appearance in Star Trek: Voyager in 1996.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Patricia Anne Maloney in 1936, she was originally from Perkinsville, New York. However, Maloney spent her formative years in Winter Park, Florida, raised by her mother and stepfather.
During her younger years, she engaged in performing arts through carnivals and circuses, showcasing her talents to wide audiences.
Marriage and Return to Performing
Patty Maloney married Joseph Vitek in 1961. During their marriage, she held a position as a keypunch operator at Clipper Carloading in Chicago.
Following Vitek’s passing due to melanoma in 1968, encouraged by friends, she returned to performing as a way to navigate her grief and rediscover her passion.
Her death was confirmed by her brother, Dave Myrabo, who told The Hollywood Reporter she passed on Monday, March 31
‘For a little person growing up in a big world, she did everything she wanted to do,’ Myrabo stated; pictured with friends Scott Michaels and Sadie Corre
Voice Acting and Diverse Projects
Beginning in 1982, Maloney broadened her professional horizons to include voice acting for animation. She also contributed to the ‘Monopoly’ game show pilot and served as a puppeteer for the Crypt Keeper on ‘Tales from the Crypt.’
Her filmography includes an appearance in ‘Ernest Saves Christmas’ alongside Buddy Douglas. In 2011, she presented herself in the documentary ‘Hanlet: Episode 4½ – Attack of the Phantom Special,’ which delved into the history of the Star Wars Holiday Special.
Voice Role in Scooby-Doo
In 1988, Maloney notably provided the voice for Tanis the Mummy in ‘Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School,’ working alongside voice actors Jeff Cohen, Glynis Johns, and Casey Kasem.