She Made Us Laugh, She Made Us Wonder: Patty Maloney Dies at 89

Patty Maloney, a veteran actress and voice performer best known for her roles in Far Out Space Nuts and the Star Wars Holiday Special, died on March 31, 2025. She was 89 years old. Her family confirmed her passing but did not release the cause of death.

Maloney had a long and varied career in entertainment. Standing under four feet tall, she often played characters that required a combination of physical expression and comedic timing. She became a familiar face on television during the 1970s and 1980s, especially in children’s programming and sci-fi productions.

She gained early recognition for her role as Honk, a furry alien creature in Sid and Marty Krofft’s 1975 children’s series Far Out Space Nuts, where she starred alongside Bob Denver and Chuck McCann. Her performance added humor and heart to the show, which became a cult favorite.

In 1978, Maloney played the role of Lumpy, Chewbacca’s son, in the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special. Though the special received mixed reviews and was never rebroadcast, it became a piece of pop culture history. Maloney’s performance contributed to the show’s surreal, memorable tone and kept her connected to the Star Wars fan base for decades.

In addition to her live-action work, Maloney was a skilled voice actress. She lent her voice to various animated shows and films, including uncredited work in fantasy, sci-fi, and children’s genres. Her expressive vocal range allowed her to play both light-hearted and mysterious characters.

Maloney also appeared in episodes of The Twilight Zone, Mork & Mindy, Donny & Marie, and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. Her unique physical presence made her a go-to performer for costumed or masked roles that required stamina, movement, and character.

Born in Perkinsville, New York, in 1935, Maloney was diagnosed at birth with dwarfism. She faced many barriers in the entertainment industry but pursued acting with determination. Her perseverance opened doors for performers with disabilities and helped change perceptions about casting and representation in Hollywood.

She often spoke about the challenges of finding roles that didn’t rely on stereotypes. Still, she approached each opportunity with professionalism and energy. Those who worked with her described her as kind, funny, and deeply committed to her craft.

In later years, Maloney attended fan conventions and Star Wars-related events, where she was warmly received by long-time fans. She enjoyed meeting people who remembered her work and often signed photos and memorabilia with a smile and a joke.

Patty Maloney is survived by extended family and longtime friends. A private memorial service will be held in California, with fans expected to share tributes online.

Though many of her roles were behind masks or makeup, Patty Maloney’s personality always came through. She brought joy and character to every performance, leaving a lasting mark on science fiction and children’s television.

She will be remembered for her humor, her talent, and the heart she brought to every role.