With the recent news of the passing of Melody Patterson, I took some time to search through my video archives to try to find a clip to post here at Television Vanguard that would provide a nice tribute to her.
I found an old clip from Entertainment Tonight/The Hart File from May 8, 1991. It provides a nice look at Melody, how she was hired to join F-Troop, and her life back in the early 90's working with her husband on a small business venture and with hopes of perhaps someday returned to acting.
She was an amazing lady, and a very fond memory for me in my earliest days of watching television. She always brightened the room when she entered a scene, and I always felt the success of F Troop was as much a function of that great cast (Ken Berry, Forrest Tucker, Larry Storch, Melody Patterson, Frank de Kova, Don Diamond and James Hampton) in comparison to anything else about the series. It was a fun show to watch and I still get that warm, fuzzy feeling anytime I recall that show or see it on cable TV or my DVD player. It was one of the 'must viewing' shows in early TV syndication that my brother and I would watch without fail each afternoon after elementary school.
RIP Melody - we will remember you always for the sunshine you brought to life and to the happy memories you brought to all of those around you. At the end of this interview for 'The Hart File', Melody mentioned she'd like to perhaps return to acting, but notes that it is difficult for Hollywood execs to recognize her back in the early 1990s - they'd say 'Melody who?' The irony of course, is that Melody Patterson and F Troop are now iconic - she will be recognized and remembered for all of eternity. That's the magic of television and the magic that was, and always will be, Melody Patterson.
This clip is shown here for informational and tribute purposes only. No copyright infringement is intended.
