Patty Maloney, the talented actress who stole hearts in Little House on the Prairie, has passed away at the age of 89. Known for her role as Alice Bates, she became a memorable part of a show that defined a generation and created stories that people still hold dear today.
Her passing was confirmed by her brother, Dave Myrabo, who shared that she died on March 31 in hospice care in Winter Park, Florida. Patty had faced several health challenges in recent years, including multiple strokes, but remained a strong and inspiring figure until the end.
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Born on March 17, 1936, in Perkinsville, New York, Patty was only three feet eleven inches tall, but her talent and presence were larger than life. Her journey in entertainment started early—she appeared on Broadway at just three years old. After losing her father at the age of seven, she moved with her family to Florida, where she was raised by her mother and stepfather. Even as a child, Patty had a passion for performing. She traveled with summer carnivals and even spent time performing with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
Before diving fully into acting, Patty pursued other paths. She studied at the University of Florida and trained as a keypunch operator, later working for National Airlines in New York. It was there she met and married Joseph Vitek, a printer from Chicago. Sadly, he passed away in 1968 after a battle with melanoma, and Patty eventually returned to her first love—entertainment.
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Her career blossomed once more when she began working with the Krofft brothers on the puppet show Fol-de-Rol. She became widely recognized for her role as Honk on Far Out Space Nuts and gained cult-favorite status for playing Lumpy, Chewbacca’s son, in the Star Wars Holiday Special in 1978. In a later interview, Patty looked back on that experience with fondness. She admitted the costume made from human hair was tough to wear, especially since it got very hot and hard to breathe in. She recalled needing help just to get some air between takes, sharing how someone would open the costume’s mouth and insert a straw so she could breathe properly.
Patty’s television appearances were many and varied. She brought joy and laughter through shows like Donny & Marie, Charlie’s Angels, The Love Boat, and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, where she played the lovable robot waitress Tina. Still, her role as Alice Bates in the final season of Little House on the Prairie remains one of her most cherished performances. Patty also worked in film, lending her talents to projects like the animated The Lord of the Rings (1978), Under the Rainbow (1981), The Ice Pirates (1984), and Ernest Saves Christmas (1988). She even voiced Darla Hood in the cartoon version of The Little Rascals.
Her brother Dave summed up her incredible life beautifully, saying, “For a little person growing up in a big world, she did everything she wanted to do.” Patty’s story is one of determination, talent, and heart—a reminder that dreams are never out of reach, no matter the obstacles.
In 2010, Patty faced new challenges when she was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. This condition, which damages the part of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision, made everyday activities more difficult, but she continued to live with grace and courage.
Patty Maloney is survived by her brother Dave, her brother-in-law Vic, and her nieces Jennifer and Laura. While her physical presence may be gone, her spirit, performances, and the warmth she brought to her work live on.
She was more than an actress—she was a bright light in the world of entertainment, a kind soul who touched many lives, and a woman who never let limits define her. Rest in peace, Patty Maloney. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten.
