Beloved "Little House on the Prairie" and "Star Wars" actress dies at 89—fans celebrate her iconic role
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The entertainment world is mourning the loss of a seasoned performer whose legacy spans circus rings, TV screens, Broadway stages, and the heart of classic American television.
Patricia “Patty” Maloney, known for her unforgettable role on Little House on the Prairie, has passed away at the age of 89.
With a career marked by joy, resilience, and unmatched stage presence, Patty leaves behind a lifetime of laughter, warmth, and showmanship that touched fans across generations.
Her representative, Jeffrey Loseff, confirmed her passing and remembered her fondly as “the ultimate performer, a triple threat performing on Broadway” and in her own one-woman shows.
At just 3 feet 11 inches tall, Patty was a standout not only in stature but in spirit—bringing boundless energy and charisma to every role she took on.
She played Alice Bates on Little House on the Prairie, a role that endeared her to countless viewers who tuned in each week for stories of hope, hardship, and heart.
But Patty’s talents weren’t confined to Walnut Grove.
She became a part of pop culture history when she played Chewbacca’s son Lumpy in the cult-favorite Star Wars Holiday Special, and also portrayed Honk in Far Out Space Nuts, a children’s sci-fi show from the 1970s.
Her film appearances included roles in Swing Shift, Under the Rainbow, and The Addams Family, where she continued to bring her signature humor and charm to the screen.
Long before her television success, Patty began her performance career under the bright lights of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus—a foundation that would shape her captivating stage presence for years to come.
She also performed alongside pioneering comic Totie Fields in Las Vegas, bringing laughter and brilliance to audiences who never forgot her.
A statement from her representative captured the love she inspired throughout her career: “There wasn't a person she met or place she's worked where she was not loved by everyone.”
Patty's impact went beyond the characters she portrayed.
She brought heart to her work and a sense of joy that resonated deeply with those around her.
Her brother, Dave Myrabo, shared that Patty had been in hospice care in Winter Park, Florida, and passed peacefully after facing multiple strokes over the years.
Even in her later years, she remained an enduring figure in Hollywood’s golden era of variety shows, with appearances on Donny and Marie and Bay City Rollers.
We’d love to hear from you: What was your favorite Patty Maloney moment? Did her performances leave a lasting mark on your childhood or family memories? Share your reflections and tributes in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the life of a true original whose light continues to shine through every scene she left behind.
Patricia “Patty” Maloney, known for her unforgettable role on Little House on the Prairie, has passed away at the age of 89.
With a career marked by joy, resilience, and unmatched stage presence, Patty leaves behind a lifetime of laughter, warmth, and showmanship that touched fans across generations.
Her representative, Jeffrey Loseff, confirmed her passing and remembered her fondly as “the ultimate performer, a triple threat performing on Broadway” and in her own one-woman shows.
At just 3 feet 11 inches tall, Patty was a standout not only in stature but in spirit—bringing boundless energy and charisma to every role she took on.
She played Alice Bates on Little House on the Prairie, a role that endeared her to countless viewers who tuned in each week for stories of hope, hardship, and heart.
Patty Maloney, known for her role on Little House on the Prairie, has passed away at 89. Image source: Celebrity Knowledge / YouTube
But Patty’s talents weren’t confined to Walnut Grove.
She became a part of pop culture history when she played Chewbacca’s son Lumpy in the cult-favorite Star Wars Holiday Special, and also portrayed Honk in Far Out Space Nuts, a children’s sci-fi show from the 1970s.
Her film appearances included roles in Swing Shift, Under the Rainbow, and The Addams Family, where she continued to bring her signature humor and charm to the screen.
Long before her television success, Patty began her performance career under the bright lights of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus—a foundation that would shape her captivating stage presence for years to come.
She also performed alongside pioneering comic Totie Fields in Las Vegas, bringing laughter and brilliance to audiences who never forgot her.
A statement from her representative captured the love she inspired throughout her career: “There wasn't a person she met or place she's worked where she was not loved by everyone.”
Patty's impact went beyond the characters she portrayed.
She brought heart to her work and a sense of joy that resonated deeply with those around her.
Her brother, Dave Myrabo, shared that Patty had been in hospice care in Winter Park, Florida, and passed peacefully after facing multiple strokes over the years.
Even in her later years, she remained an enduring figure in Hollywood’s golden era of variety shows, with appearances on Donny and Marie and Bay City Rollers.
