Melody Patterson (Wrangler Jane) 1949-2015 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 08-21-2015, 09:55 PM

Link

Melody Patterson, an actress who did work in films and television, has died at the age of 66. According to reports, Ms. Patterson died August 20, 2015 at a nursing home after multiple organ failure.

Patterson was only 16 years old when she debuted in the role of Wrangler Jane on “F-Troop,” but she’d been acting since the age of 5. The Wrangler Jane character was said to be based on Doris Day’s portrayal of Calamity Jane in the 1953 movie co-starring Howard Keel. Patterson has stated that “Calamity Jane” was her favorite movie. As Wrangler Jane, Patterson lustily pursued Captain Parmenter, played by Ken Berry. A running gag on the program had Jane kissing Parmenter, who avoided her affection by stating, “Jane, please, not in front of the men!” Patterson got the role by telling producers she’d be 18 on her next birthday. They did not find out her real age until after seven episodes had aired and she’d already clicked with viewers.

After the cancellation of “F-Troop,” Patterson appeared on radio, on stage, in films, and on TV, including several episodes of television’s “Hawaii Five-O,” which featured her then husband James MacArthur. In her later years, she wrote a column for the magazine “Wildest Westerns” which dealt with western films and television series. She also enjoyed appearing at “F-Troop” reunion gatherings, signing autographs for fans.

Patterson’s death was first announced on Facebook by her personal friend Lee Day. She indicated that Ms. Patterson broke her back several years ago and never fully recovered. Melody's passing was then announced by her former F-Troop co-star Larry Storch as well as other sources.

Zoneboy · 08-21-2015, 09:59 PM

Larry Storch FB Page

It's with a heavy heart that we can let you know our beloved Wrangler Jane, Melody Patterson passed away today. Our hearts are sad today. RIP Sweet Melody. We love you.

opus · 08-21-2015, 10:09 PM

RIP Wrangler.

And not to be crass, but Larry Storch is still alive? And on Facebook?

Zoneboy · 08-21-2015, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by opus

And not to be crass, but Larry Storch is still alive? And on Facebook?

Very much so, on both counts.

opus · 08-21-2015, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoneboy

Very much so, on both counts.

Yeah, I went and looked him up. 92.

ph1l · 08-22-2015, 04:44 AM

I haven't gotten over the sad news of Yvonne Craig yet, and now this. It's been a sad week.

Mr. Television · 08-22-2015, 06:33 AM

Oh wow. This is a shock. Melody was great on F Troop, So very sad.

king of comedy · 08-22-2015, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by opus

Yeah, I went and looked him up. 92.

92?!! God Bless Him!! I remember I saw him at Comic Con in Parasippany, New Jersey. I didn't get a chance to talk but he looked good and was in good spirits. Rest in Peace Melody. I didn't knew she was that young. She was the best part of F Troop.

MrCleveland · 08-22-2015, 08:53 AM

So sad...and the youngest member of the show too...

ponytail · 08-22-2015, 09:28 AM

That is so sad. She was way too young. I remember as a kid I wanted to be just like Wrangler Jane.

howilu · 08-22-2015, 02:13 PM

Definitely a sad week for 60s TV fans. First Yvonne Craig passes away, now Melody Patterson. She brought beauty to the predominately male F Troop cast. Her passing leaves Larry Storch and Ken Berry as the only main cast survivors. May she rest in peace.

Zoneboy · 08-22-2015, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by howilu

Her passing leaves Larry Storch and Ken Berry as the only main cast survivors.

James Hampton is still with us.

Marvo301 · 08-22-2015, 02:29 PM

It's been a sad week. Yvonne Craig, Bud Yorkin, and now Melody Patterson. Melody was underage and lied to the producers about it in order to audtion for and be cast in the role of Wrangler Jane. No Wonder Captain Parmenter didn't want her kissing him in front the men!!

Melody Patterson

simmytbone · 08-22-2015, 05:14 PM

and what else is sad is that she died on the year that F-Troop is turning 50 years old

God Bless You Melody Patterson, May You R.I.P., please say hello to the Sgt. known as Forrest Tucker

D-Dey · 08-23-2015, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by howilu

Definitely a sad week for 60s TV fans. First Yvonne Craig passes away, now Melody Patterson. She brought beauty to the predominately male F Troop cast.

And when you consider her age, Melody's death is the bigger surprise.

08-21-2015, 09:55 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,488	Melody Patterson (Wrangler Jane) 1949-2015 Link Melody Patterson, an actress who did work in films and television, has died at the age of 66. According to reports, Ms. Patterson died August 20, 2015 at a nursing home after multiple organ failure. Patterson was only 16 years old when she debuted in the role of Wrangler Jane on “F-Troop,” but she’d been acting since the age of 5. The Wrangler Jane character was said to be based on Doris Day’s portrayal of Calamity Jane in the 1953 movie co-starring Howard Keel. Patterson has stated that “Calamity Jane” was her favorite movie. As Wrangler Jane, Patterson lustily pursued Captain Parmenter, played by Ken Berry. A running gag on the program had Jane kissing Parmenter, who avoided her affection by stating, “Jane, please, not in front of the men!” Patterson got the role by telling producers she’d be 18 on her next birthday. They did not find out her real age until after seven episodes had aired and she’d already clicked with viewers. After the cancellation of “F-Troop,” Patterson appeared on radio, on stage, in films, and on TV, including several episodes of television’s “Hawaii Five-O,” which featured her then husband James MacArthur. In her later years, she wrote a column for the magazine “Wildest Westerns” which dealt with western films and television series. She also enjoyed appearing at “F-Troop” reunion gatherings, signing autographs for fans. Patterson’s death was first announced on Facebook by her personal friend Lee Day. She indicated that Ms. Patterson broke her back several years ago and never fully recovered. Melody's passing was then announced by her former F-Troop co-star Larry Storch as well as other sources.
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08-22-2015, 04:44 AM	#6
ph1l Member Senior Member Join Date: Apr 19, 2004 Posts: 1,362	I haven't gotten over the sad news of Yvonne Craig yet, and now this. It's been a sad week.
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08-22-2015, 06:33 AM	#7
Mr. Television 23 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,132	Oh wow. This is a shock. Melody was great on F Troop, So very sad.
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08-22-2015, 08:53 AM	#9
MrCleveland Drew Carey from Hell Forum Star Join Date: Nov 10, 2007 Location: The City of Cleveland, in The State of Cleveland, in The United States of Cleveland Posts: 14,235	So sad...and the youngest member of the show too...
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08-22-2015, 02:29 PM	#13
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,460	It's been a sad week. Yvonne Craig, Bud Yorkin, and now Melody Patterson. Melody was underage and lied to the producers about it in order to audtion for and be cast in the role of Wrangler Jane. No Wonder Captain Parmenter didn't want her kissing him in front the men!! Melody Patterson
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08-21-2015, 09:59 PM	#2
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,488	Larry Storch FB Page It's with a heavy heart that we can let you know our beloved Wrangler Jane, Melody Patterson passed away today. Our hearts are sad today. RIP Sweet Melody. We love you.

08-21-2015, 10:09 PM	#3
opus VB Forum Superstar Join Date: May 16, 2015 Location: VB Galaxy Posts: 32,803	RIP Wrangler. And not to be crass, but Larry Storch is still alive? And on Facebook?

08-22-2015, 09:28 AM	#10
ponytail Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 20, 2004 Location: In Happy, Healthy, Wealthyville Posts: 4,273	That is so sad. She was way too young. I remember as a kid I wanted to be just like Wrangler Jane.

08-22-2015, 02:13 PM	#11
howilu Member Senior Member Join Date: Apr 20, 2003 Location: St. Louis Park, MN Posts: 1,965	Definitely a sad week for 60s TV fans. First Yvonne Craig passes away, now Melody Patterson. She brought beauty to the predominately male F Troop cast. Her passing leaves Larry Storch and Ken Berry as the only main cast survivors. May she rest in peace.

08-22-2015, 05:14 PM	#14
simmytbone Member Senior Member Join Date: Apr 17, 2009 Posts: 1,513	and what else is sad is that she died on the year that F-Troop is turning 50 years old God Bless You Melody Patterson, May You R.I.P., please say hello to the Sgt. known as Forrest Tucker
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