Pat Woodell (Bobbie Jo Bradley) 1944-2015 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 10-18-2015, 12:03 AM

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Actress Pat Woodell, who starred as one of a trio of sisters in the wholesome 1960s sitcom "Petticoat Junction" before she went on to be featured in a series of not-so-wholesome exploitation films, died Sept. 29 at her home in Fallbrook, Calif. She was 71.

Known as Patricia McDade off screen, she had battled cancer for more than 20 years, said her husband, Vern McDade.

She was born July 12, 1944, in Winthrop, Mass. Her initial aim in show business was to be a singer, and she had early gigs at resorts in the Catskills. In 1962, gossip columnist Harrison Carroll wrote, "Everybody wants to hear 18-year-old singer Pat Woodell."

Woodell, a statuesque brunette, was signed to a contract by Warner Bros., and her first network TV credit was on a 1962 episode of the western series "Cheyenne." She followed that up with appearances on "Hawaiian Eye" and "77 Sunset Strip," and had a role in a government-sponsored anti-communism drama, "Red Nightmare," narrated by Jack Webb.

Her best-known role came in the hit series "Petticoat Junction," set near the bucolic town of Hooterville. Many of the plots revolved around the misadventures of the three teenage daughters of widow Kate Bradley, played by veteran TV actress Bea Benaderet, as they tried to keep the slightly run-down Shady Rest Hotel afloat.

The show made its debut in 1963 on CBS, with Woodell playing Bobbie Jo, the smart, studious daughter. (The trio was rounded out by Linda Kaye Henning, who portrayed tomboy Betty Jo, and Jeannine Riley, who was boy-crazy Billie Jo.)

One of the better-known episodes that featured Woodell had her falling for a traveling-through beatnik type, played by Dennis Hopper. He spews over-the-top, angry verse that insults the townspeople. Yet a smitten Bobbie Jo tells him, "I think that was one of the most exciting poems I've ever heard." In the end, with her mother's help, she realizes he's more insane than artistic.

"The show has such a nostalgic note that it hits for so many people," Woodell said in an interview in the mid-2000s for a DVD compilation of the series. "Even today, after so many decades, I can be doing anything, anywhere in the world, by the way, and people will remember 'Petticoat Junction.'"

Woodell did some singing on the show — including in a Beatles parody group, the Ladybugs — with her on-screen sisters and the addition of actress Sheila Kuehl, now a Los Angeles County supervisor.

But Woodell grew tired of playing Bobbie Jo and left after two seasons of "Petticoat Junction," which ran until April 1970.

She had some success as a singer, including touring with comedian Jack Benny and recording an album, but stardom remained out of reach.

In the early 1970s she began appearing in low-budget exploitation films that thrived on nudity and violence, long before those were amply available on cable. Perhaps the best known of those films was the 1971 women's prison flick "The Big Doll House," which exclaimed in its trailer: "Their bodies were caged, but not their desires!"

"I have no delusions about this movie," Woodell said in a 1971 Chicago Tribune interview. But she didn't break through to more mainstream fare, and in 1973 gave up acting after attending a seminar developed by the controversial Werner Erhard. His est human potential programs were in vogue at the time, and Woodell went to work for his organization. She later co-founded a business consulting firm, retiring in 2013.

In addition to her husband — they were married in 1978 — she is survived by her stepfather, Joe Saveriano.

Zoneboy · 10-18-2015, 02:08 AM

Bonniegirl · 10-18-2015, 10:53 AM

Sad to hear of her passing!!! RIP Pat. She was beautiful!!

gidgetgrape · 10-18-2015, 04:40 PM

RIP! I enjoyed her work on "Petticoat Junction."

Marvo301 · 10-18-2015, 06:18 PM

I loved the episode introductions that she and Linda Henning did for season 1 and 2 DVD's for Petticoat Junction. I also loved the interviews they recorded for those DVD releases. Rest in peace Pat.

Pat Woodell

AB · 10-19-2015, 04:09 PM

Rest in peace.

Dianne3 · 10-22-2015, 06:16 PM

Unfortunately, I've never seen this Bobbi Jo (or the first Billie Jo) since the first 2 years weren't been shown in reruns.

Reading these posts, I wish I had.
RIP

On a local TV station, there was a blurb about the passing of brainy Bobbi Jo, but the actress's name wasn't mentioned. Even though I knew there was Bobbi Jo before Lori Saunders, I just assumed it was LS that died since she is a few years older.

biffbronson · 10-22-2015, 06:57 PM

The first 2 seasons of PJ may come around again sometime on Me-TV. It would be nice if they could do a tribute to Pat, with some of her more memorable episodes. Also, she did a Munsters ep (as Eddie's teacher), so Cozi should put that on in her memory.

biffbronson · 12-04-2015, 08:59 PM

I caught part of a b & w Petticoat Junction Christmas ep recently on MeTV, although I don't think Pat/Bobbie had a very big role in the storyline.

I find her beauty at times breathtaking, and also she was high on intangibles. Quite a woman.

Road Dog · 05-05-2016, 02:49 PM

I saw THE BIG DOLL HOUSE a few months ago and the character Pat played was called 'Bodine' which I though was a nod to Jethro and THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES.

10-18-2015, 12:03 AM	#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: 34,386	Pat Woodell (Bobbie Jo Bradley) 1944-2015 Link Actress Pat Woodell, who starred as one of a trio of sisters in the wholesome 1960s sitcom "Petticoat Junction" before she went on to be featured in a series of not-so-wholesome exploitation films, died Sept. 29 at her home in Fallbrook, Calif. She was 71. Known as Patricia McDade off screen, she had battled cancer for more than 20 years, said her husband, Vern McDade. She was born July 12, 1944, in Winthrop, Mass. Her initial aim in show business was to be a singer, and she had early gigs at resorts in the Catskills. In 1962, gossip columnist Harrison Carroll wrote, "Everybody wants to hear 18-year-old singer Pat Woodell." Woodell, a statuesque brunette, was signed to a contract by Warner Bros., and her first network TV credit was on a 1962 episode of the western series "Cheyenne." She followed that up with appearances on "Hawaiian Eye" and "77 Sunset Strip," and had a role in a government-sponsored anti-communism drama, "Red Nightmare," narrated by Jack Webb. Her best-known role came in the hit series "Petticoat Junction," set near the bucolic town of Hooterville. Many of the plots revolved around the misadventures of the three teenage daughters of widow Kate Bradley, played by veteran TV actress Bea Benaderet, as they tried to keep the slightly run-down Shady Rest Hotel afloat. The show made its debut in 1963 on CBS, with Woodell playing Bobbie Jo, the smart, studious daughter. (The trio was rounded out by Linda Kaye Henning, who portrayed tomboy Betty Jo, and Jeannine Riley, who was boy-crazy Billie Jo.) One of the better-known episodes that featured Woodell had her falling for a traveling-through beatnik type, played by Dennis Hopper. He spews over-the-top, angry verse that insults the townspeople. Yet a smitten Bobbie Jo tells him, "I think that was one of the most exciting poems I've ever heard." In the end, with her mother's help, she realizes he's more insane than artistic. "The show has such a nostalgic note that it hits for so many people," Woodell said in an interview in the mid-2000s for a DVD compilation of the series. "Even today, after so many decades, I can be doing anything, anywhere in the world, by the way, and people will remember 'Petticoat Junction.'" Woodell did some singing on the show — including in a Beatles parody group, the Ladybugs — with her on-screen sisters and the addition of actress Sheila Kuehl, now a Los Angeles County supervisor. But Woodell grew tired of playing Bobbie Jo and left after two seasons of "Petticoat Junction," which ran until April 1970. She had some success as a singer, including touring with comedian Jack Benny and recording an album, but stardom remained out of reach. In the early 1970s she began appearing in low-budget exploitation films that thrived on nudity and violence, long before those were amply available on cable. Perhaps the best known of those films was the 1971 women's prison flick "The Big Doll House," which exclaimed in its trailer: "Their bodies were caged, but not their desires!" "I have no delusions about this movie," Woodell said in a 1971 Chicago Tribune interview. But she didn't break through to more mainstream fare, and in 1973 gave up acting after attending a seminar developed by the controversial Werner Erhard. His est human potential programs were in vogue at the time, and Woodell went to work for his organization. She later co-founded a business consulting firm, retiring in 2013. In addition to her husband — they were married in 1978 — she is survived by her stepfather, Joe Saveriano.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

10-18-2015, 06:18 PM	#5
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,456	I loved the episode introductions that she and Linda Henning did for season 1 and 2 DVD's for Petticoat Junction. I also loved the interviews they recorded for those DVD releases. Rest in peace Pat. Pat Woodell
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

10-22-2015, 06:57 PM	#8
biffbronson Sentimental Fool Forum Star Join Date: Aug 22, 2009 Location: Near Notre Dame Posts: 10,502	The first 2 seasons of PJ may come around again sometime on Me-TV. It would be nice if they could do a tribute to Pat, with some of her more memorable episodes. Also, she did a Munsters ep (as Eddie's teacher), so Cozi should put that on in her memory.
	__________________ In memory of lovely Erin Moran 1960-2017 ~ Missing you "For you are beautiful ~ And I have loved you dearly ~ More dearly than the spoken word can tell..." "What's the word?" (Paul Martin) ~~ "I don't want money for nothing." (Timmy Martin) -- Lassie ROCKS! WORD UP "It's just a dugout that my dad built... In case the reds* decide to push the button down..."*

10-18-2015, 02:08 AM	#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: 34,386

10-18-2015, 10:53 AM	#3
Bonniegirl AKA Hazel Horvath Forum Addict Join Date: Jul 10, 2014 Posts: 65,772	Sad to hear of her passing!!! RIP Pat. She was beautiful!!

10-18-2015, 04:40 PM	#4
gidgetgrape Forever Gidget Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 20, 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 3,502	RIP! I enjoyed her work on "Petticoat Junction."

10-19-2015, 04:09 PM	#6
AB Member Eternal Member Forum Icon Join Date: Dec 26, 2006 Location: The South Posts: 59,428	Rest in peace.

10-22-2015, 06:16 PM	#7
Dianne3 Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 07, 2002 Posts: 1,057	Unfortunately, I've never seen this Bobbi Jo (or the first Billie Jo) since the first 2 years weren't been shown in reruns. Reading these posts, I wish I had. RIP On a local TV station, there was a blurb about the passing of brainy Bobbi Jo, but the actress's name wasn't mentioned. Even though I knew there was Bobbi Jo before Lori Saunders, I just assumed it was LS that died since she is a few years older.

12-04-2015, 08:59 PM	#9
biffbronson Sentimental Fool Forum Star Join Date: Aug 22, 2009 Location: Near Notre Dame Posts: 10,502	I caught part of a b & w Petticoat Junction Christmas ep recently on MeTV, although I don't think Pat/Bobbie had a very big role in the storyline. I find her beauty at times breathtaking, and also she was high on intangibles. Quite a woman.

05-05-2016, 02:49 PM	#10
Road Dog Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Apr 30, 2004 Posts: 94	I saw THE BIG DOLL HOUSE a few months ago and the character Pat played was called 'Bodine' which I though was a nod to Jethro and THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES.