‘Little House on the Prairie’ actress Patty Maloney dies at 89
Known for her role as Alice Bates and as Chewbacca’s son “Lumpy” in the Star Wars Holiday Special, Maloney’s legacy lives on through her many memorable performances.
Patty Maloney, the beloved actress best known for her role in Little House on the Prairie, has died at the age of 89. Her brother, Dave Myrabo, confirmed that she passed away on March 31 in Winter Park, Florida, after being in hospice care due to multiple strokes.
Patricia Anne Maloney was born on March 17, 1936, in Perkinsville, New York. She began performing at just three years old on Broadway and later joined traveling shows and carnivals during her childhood summers. After her father died when she was seven, Maloney moved to Florida with her mother and stepfather.
She later attended the University of Florida and trained as a keypunch operator. Before returning to acting, she worked at National Airlines in New York, where she met and married Joseph Vitek, a printer from Chicago. The two were married in 1961 and lived in Chicago until Vitek died of melanoma in 1968.
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Following his death, Maloney returned to entertainment and eventually became known for her work with the Krofft brothers and her performances in television and film.
The woman behind “Lumpy” and Alice Bates
One of Maloney’s most memorable roles came in 1978, when she portrayed “Lumpy,” Chewbacca’s son, in the Star Wars Holiday Special. In a 2008 interview with writer Scott Kirkwood, Maloney said that the costume was made from real human hair and described the challenges of wearing it.
She explained that the outfit was very warm and that breathing inside it was difficult. Maloney recalled that someone had to open the mouth of the costume and insert a straw so she could breathe and get fresh air. She also said filming the show was hard work, but added that it was a fun experience and she enjoyed working alongside the other characters.
In 1982, Maloney appeared in the ninth and final season of Little House on the Prairie, where she played the kindhearted Alice Bates. Although her time on the show was brief, her performance left a lasting impression on fans of the series.
A career full of variety and heart
Maloney’s television appearances included popular shows like Donny & Marie, Charlie’s Angels, The Love Boat, and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, where she played the robot waitress Tina. She also voiced Darla Hood in the animated version of The Little Rascals.
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Her film credits included The Lord of the Rings (1978), Under the Rainbow (1981), The Ice Pirates (1984), and Ernest Saves Christmas (1988).
Her brother Dave said that despite the challenges she faced as a little person, Maloney achieved everything she wanted in life. “For a little person growing up in a big world, she did everything she wanted to do,” he told The Hollywood Reporter.
In 2010, Maloney was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that causes blurry central vision and makes everyday tasks difficult. Despite her health struggles, including multiple strokes in recent years, Maloney stayed close to family and continued to share her love for performing.
She is survived by her brother Dave, brother-in-law Vic, and nieces Jennifer and Laura.
Patty Maloney was more than an actress—she was a pioneer, a performer, and a symbol of perseverance. Whether making audiences laugh in quirky costumes or warming hearts as Alice Bates, she proved that passion and talent know no limits.
Her voice, energy, and dedication will continue to inspire those who remember her work.
Rest in peace, Patty. You’ll always be remembered with love.
