Melody Patterson, a beloved actress, and performer, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry throughout her decades-spanning career. Famous for her role as the spunky and sharp character Wrangler Jane in the popular television series F Troop. Patterson’s talent and charm captivate audiences both on and off-screen. Her energy and charisma helps F Troop a famous classic of its time. Also, her legacy continues to inspire new generations of fans. Sadly, at the age of 66, Patterson passes away. In a manner that left her fans, family, and friends in a state of shock. In this video, we honor the life and achievements of Melody Patterson, reflecting on her impact and celebrating the joy and talent she brought to the world of entertainment.
Factsverse Presents: Melody Patterson’s Cause of Death at 66 was Utterly Tragic
She Was Born To Perform
Melody Patterson was born on the 16th of April, 1949, in the sun-kissed city of Inglewood, California. Born to machinist Pat Patterson and Rosemary Wilson. A former Miss Universe official, her mother is an illustrious career as a dancer with Warner Bros.. Serves as a stand-in for the iconic Joan Crawford in a number of films.
From an early age, Melody’s passion for the arts was evident. At four years old, she’s at the stage in a production of Mrs McThing. At the Downey Community Theatre in her hometown of Downey, California. Not long after, at the tender age of five, she penned and directed her very own theatrical piece. Before reaching her tenth birthday, Melody explores various facets of the entertainment industry. She works as a model for photographers, an actress, and even an ice skater.
As she entered ninth grade, Melody enrolled in the prestigious Hollywood Professional School. Her educational journey continues at the Warner Bros. school, she balances her studies with the series F Troop’s role. Melody later pursued further education at the esteemed American Academy of Dramatic Arts in the vibrant city of New York.
Melody Patterson’s F Troop Audition
In 1965, Patterson auditioned for the TV show F Troop, not expecting what would follow. To her astonishment, she asks to perform lines from the Doris Day film Calamity Jane. Which happens to be her all-time favorite movie. Having watched the film countless times, she knew every line and scene by heart. Her remarkable reading won over the producers, and she was subsequently cast as Wrangler Jane.
Although she was barely 16, she claimed to be 18 in order to secure the audition. The studio and producers require that she needs to be at least 18 in order to be on the show. Melody isn’t going to let that stop her from pursuing her dreams. In fact, she even used a doctored birth certificate to back up her dubious claim.
In an interview, she shares her thoughts on the audition process, admitting that she’s confident during her F-Troop audition performance. When asked by the producers if she was 18 and could ride a horse, she simply agreed without hesitation. She believes that even if she tests on screen only, she still gets some film to show for it. When they offer her, she thought that if she manages to do the pilot, she’ll be ahead in her career.
When she was given the role, Patterson finally admitted to being just 16. Needless to say, the producers were fairly put off at first by this revelation. Their initial shock, however, was soon alleviated by her maturity and professionalism.
Melody Was The Perfect Fit
Melody Patterson played the role of Wrangler Jane Angelica Thrift on F Troop throughout it’s entire run, appearing in 65 episodes. The show, set in the Wild West during the post-Civil War period, revolved around the quirky and clumsy soldiers stationed at the remote Fort Courage. The ensemble cast brought humor and camaraderie to the screen, and Patterson’s character added a much-appreciated touch of charm and romance to the mix.
Wrangler Jane, the beautiful and feisty owner of the local trading post, was a skilled sharpshooter and horse rider. She often found herself rescuing the bumbling soldiers from various predicaments. Jane’s character was an especially empowered woman for the time, proving she was just as capable as the men around her. Her presence on the show broke the mold of the traditional damsel in distress, as she consistently demonstrated her strength and independence.
Patterson’s portrayal of Wrangler Jane was well-received by audiences, who appreciated her strong yet feminine character. Her on-screen chemistry with the show’s lead character, Captain Wilton Parmenter, played by Ken Berry, was undeniable. Jane harbored romantic feelings for Parmenter and often tried to win his affections, providing a recurring romantic subplot throughout the series.
Melody Patterson’s performance as Wrangler Jane in F Troop played a significant role in the show’s success. Her character brought a unique blend of strength, wit, and charm to the series, creating a memorable and lasting impression on viewers.
She Performed For The Troops
Melody Patterson brought joy to troops stationed in Vietnam as part of the Johnny Grant and Friends show. Her initial tour took place in December 1967, and she was accompanied by Diane McBain, Sherry Jackson, and Sabrina Scharf. Patterson embarked on her second tour in June 1968, this time alongside Vicki Lawrence and Karen MacQuarrie, who held the title of Miss Welcome to Long Beach 1968.
In addition to her appearances for the troops, Patterson served as a disc jockey for the Armed Forces Radio Service, further showcasing her dedication to entertaining servicemen and women. Later in her career, she penned a column titled “Wrapping with Wrangler” for the Wildest Westerns magazine, allowing her to maintain a connection with her fans and share her experiences in the world of entertainment.
Melody Patterson’s Post F Troop Career
After F Troop was canceled in 1967, Patterson continued her career in TV, radio, and theater, with appearances on shows like Mr. Novak and Shindig! Throughout the 1970s, she guest-starred in three episodes of Hawaii Five-O and began modeling and featuring in television commercials.
Patterson’s big-screen debut was a small, uncredited part in 1963s Bye Bye Birdie. Her first significant role came in the 1968 drama The Angry Breed. She went on to star in the action film The Cycle Savages, alongside Bruce Dern, followed by a lead role in the horror movie Blood and Lace in 1971. Patterson also had a minor role in 1973s The Harrad Experiment and her last film credit in 1990s The Immortalizer, a direct-to-video sci-fi horror flick.
While residing in Hawaii, Patterson acted in the play Butterflies Are Free, co-starring Barbara Rush and Dirk Benedict. She also appeared in House of Blue Leaves for the University of Hawaii and played Peggy in The Front Page, which was written by Charles MacArthur and directed by her husband at the time, James MacArthur, who was Charles’ son.
In 1999, at the age of 50. Patterson earned her bachelor’s degree from Sierra Nevada College, proving that it’s never to late to go back to school and earn a degree.
Melody Patterson’s Love Life
Throughout her life, Melody Patterson entered into matrimony on three occasions. Her first marriage was to the renowned actor James MacArthur in July 1970, best known for his role as Danny “Danno” Williams in the popular TV series Hawaii Five-O. Patterson chose to set her career aside and relocate to Honolulu, where the series was filmed. The couple eventually went their separate ways in 1975. Subsequently, she married Robert Hill Crump Seaton, Jr., but their union also ended in divorce on April 29, 1998. Patterson’s final marriage was to Vern Miller, an aircraft mechanic, on November 28, 1998, and lasted until her passing. Throughout her marriages, Patterson did not have any children.
Melody’s Tragic Death
Melody Patterson passed away in a nursing home in Hollister, Missouri at the age of 66 on August 20, 2015, due to multiple organ failure. Her death was shocking to many, given that she was still relatively young and her health issues were not widely known to the public.
The world, including her fans, friends, co-stars, and family, mourned her passing. Many expressed their sadness and paid tribute to the talented actress on social media platforms and through various media outlets. Those who had worked with her remembered her fondly for her professionalism, warmth, and the charisma she brought to the screen.
Melody In F Troop
Melody’s former co-star Larry Storch announced her passing on Facebook and expressed his love for her. Ken Berry, who played her love interest on F Troop, also shared his condolences and praised her talent and personality. Other actors and celebrities who had known her or been influenced by her also posted their own personal thoughts and memories on social media. Some of them included Bruce Dern, who co-starred with her in The Cycle Savages, James MacArthur’s son Jamie, who called her a “wonderful stepmother”, and Casey Kasem’s daughter Kerri, who thanked her for being a part of her father’s life. Melody Patterson was respected and cherished by many in the entertainment industry.
Melody Patterson’s legacy will be remembered through her iconic role as Wrangler Jane on F Troop, where she showcased her talent, charm, and strong presence. She left an unerasable mark on the entertainment industry as an actress who broke stereotypes and portrayed empowered female characters. Her work in television, film, and theater will continue to inspire many future generations of actors and artists.
Unfortunately, we’re just about out of time for this video, but before you move on to watching another one of our facts-packed videos, we’d love to hear from you! Were you a fan of F Troop? If so, what did you think about Melody Patterson’s character Calamity Jane? Did you know that Melody was only 16 when she was cast in her role and that she lied about her age in order to land the part? Let us know in the comments down below. And as always, thanks for watching!
