Vale: Melody Patterson

US actress Melody Patterson, best known for F Troop, has died, aged 66.

She died in a nursing home after multiple organ failure, according to reports.

Patterson played Wrangler Jane on the sitcom from 1965-1967, as the love interest for Capt. Wilton Parmenter (Ken Berry).

She won the role when she was 16, lying about her age to producers. By the time the truth came out, the character had already clicked with viewers and she was kept on.

She also appeared on The Monkees, Adam-12, Green Acres and Hawaii Five-O plus the films The Angry Breed, The Cycle Savages and Blood and Lace.

F Troop co-star Larry Storch announced her death via Facebook post, saying, “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.”

Source: Variety