Patty Maloney, Little House on the Prairie star, dies at 89
More than just a television program, Little House on the Prairie was a tale that impacted generations and left a lasting legacy.
We are heartbroken to share the passing of beloved actress Patty Maloney, who brought warmth and joy to countless fans through her unforgettable role as Alice Bates on Little House on the Prairie. She passed away at the age of 89.
Born Patricia Anne Maloney on March 17, 1936, in Perkinsville, New York, Patty captivated audiences with her charisma, determination, and boundless talent. Standing just 3 feet 11 inches tall, she made her Broadway debut at the remarkable age of three, setting the stage for a lifelong career in entertainment. Her early life was marked by both triumph and tragedy—she lost her father at age seven and was raised in Winter Park, Florida, by her mother and stepfather.
From performing with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus to spending summers touring with carnivals, Patty’s childhood was steeped in performance. Despite her petite stature, she stood tall in the world of entertainment, leaving an indelible mark on stage and screen alike.
After studying at the University of Florida and becoming a trained keypunch operator, she worked at National Airlines in New York. Yet, her heart remained in the arts. Patty’s versatility and passion led her to various television and film roles, where she continued to charm audiences with every performance.
In 1961, she married Chicago printer Joseph Vitek, whom she had met while living in the city. Their love was tragically cut short when Vitek passed away from melanoma in 1968.
Patty spent her final years in hospice care in Winter Park, Florida, after bravely facing several strokes. Her brother, Dave Myrabo, confirmed that she passed away peacefully on Monday, March 31.
Though Patty Maloney is no longer with us, her legacy will live on through the characters she brought to life and the hearts she touched. She will forever be remembered not only as a trailblazer in entertainment but as a symbol of resilience, grace, and joy.
After the heartbreaking loss of her husband in 1968, Patty Maloney found her way back to the spotlight, reigniting her passion for performance. She joined forces with the legendary Krofft brothers on their whimsical puppet show Fol-de-Rol, marking her triumphant return to the entertainment industry.
Her career soon took a starry turn when she charmed audiences as Lumpy, the endearing offspring of Chewbacca, in the cult-favorite Star Wars Holiday Special of 1978. She later soared into sci-fi stardom again with her beloved role as Honk on Far Out Space Nuts, delighting fans with her unique comedic timing and infectious spirit.
In a heartfelt 2008 interview with Scott Kirkwood, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Holiday Special, Maloney reminisced with joy:
“In addition to being a lot of labor, it was also a lot of fun. Being a part of all the other characters was fantastic as well.”
She also revealed a curious detail about her Lumpy costume—it was crafted from real human hair.
“It was just incredibly warm—very, very warm—but not particularly uncomfortable. Because the mouth had to be shut most of the time, there wasn’t much room to actually breathe,” she explained. “I can recall a few instances where I had to flee from the basement while being pursued, up the tree’s steps, and into my chamber. To allow me to breathe and get some clean, pure oxygen, they had a person waiting there who would open my mouth and insert a straw.”
Her television credits were as varied as they were memorable. From appearances on Donny & Marie, Charlie’s Angels, The Love Boat, and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century—where she delighted fans as the robot waitress Tina—Patty left her mark across decades of pop culture.
But to many, her most cherished role remains that of Alice Bates in the ninth and final season of Little House on the Prairie in 1982. With warmth, humor, and heart, Patty Maloney brought Alice to life in a way only she could—earning her a permanent place in the hearts of fans across generations.
Her journey was one of resilience, passion, and unforgettable characters—and her light will continue to shine through every smile she inspired on screen.
Patty Maloney’s filmography was as vibrant and diverse as her spirit. Over the years, she brought her unique spark to a range of cinematic adventures, with standout roles in Ernest Saves Christmas (1988), Ralph Bakshi’s animated epic The Lord of the Rings (1978), the whimsical comedy Under the Rainbow (1981), and the cult sci-fi favorite The Ice Pirates (1984).
Her talents extended beyond the screen as well—Maloney lent her voice to the animated adaptation of The Little Rascals, charming a new generation as the spunky Darla Hood.
Throughout her remarkable journey, Patty never let her stature define her limits. Standing just under four feet tall, she navigated a towering industry with determination, humor, and boundless heart. As her brother, Dave Myrabo, beautifully put it:
“She did everything she wanted to do—for a little person growing up in a big world.”
Patty Maloney was more than an actress—she was a trailblazer, a performer with soul, and a woman who turned every role into something unforgettable. Her legacy continues to shine bright in the hearts of those who admired her and the many lives she touched on and off the screen.
In 2010, Patty Maloney’s health began to decline after she was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that causes damage to the macula—the part of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision. As a result, everyday tasks that require clear vision became increasingly difficult for Patty. According to the National Eye Institute, this condition leads to hazy central vision, which can significantly impact daily life.
Despite her health challenges, Patty’s indomitable spirit never wavered. She is survived by her nieces, Jennifer and Laura, as well as her brother and brother-in-law, Vic.
Patty Maloney’s enduring legacy will live on through the unforgettable characters she portrayed, the warmth in her voice, and the extraordinary performances she gifted to the world. Those who admired her work will always hold her in their hearts, cherishing her unique contribution to the entertainment world.
Patty Maloney’s impact on the entertainment world is immeasurable. Through her exceptional skill, boundless generosity, and unwavering commitment to her craft, she left a legacy that will endure for generations. Her unique talents and heartwarming performances touched countless lives, and her spirit will always be remembered.
We shall never forget you, Patty. Rest in peace.
