Dear Editor: I’m sure I’m not the only one that remembers that in Downey, attending Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in the ‘60s, was Melody Patterson, who played Wrangler Jane in “F Troop.”

I wonder if we can’t somehow fit her into that “Downey Doodle-icious” mural or at least the mention of “F Troop.”

Melody Patterson was born on April 16, 1949 in Inglewood, California. She started performing at the age of four, appearing in “Mrs. McThing” at the Downey Community Theatre. She attended the Hollywood Professional School and later studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. The television series “F Troop” (1965) launched her career, and the world will always affectionately remember the character Wrangler Jane, who had a thing for stray critters and Captain Wilton Parmenter.

Her career as a television and movie actress was far too short, but her love for acting and the theatre has kept her involved. From acting to directing productions, Melody has always shown the natural talent to create a spectacular performance.

Marie Augimeri

Downey

**********

Published: March 12, 2015 - Volume 13 - Issue 48