‘Patty Duke Show’ Star Eddie Applegate Dies at 81

Eddie Applegate, who played young Patty Lane’s love interest Richard Harrison on 1963-66 sitcom “The Patty Duke Show,” died on Monday. He was 81 and was living in a nursing home after a stroke in 2013. Applegate is now the third cast member of the beloved comedy to pass away within the last year following Patty Duke on March 29 at age 69 and William Schallert (Martin) on May 8 at 91.

Born on Oct. 4, 1935 in Wyncote, Pennsylvania, Applegate guest starred in numerous series prior to “The Patty Duke Show,” including “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis,” “The Lucy Show” and “Mr. Novak.” In CBS’ 1999 reunion telefilm, “The Patty Duke Show: Still Rockin’ in Brooklyn Heights,” Applegate reprised his role as Harrison; now Patty Lane’s ex-husband.

Applegate’s other screen credits include two episodes of “Gunsmoke,” and the films “Easy A” and “A Ticklish Affair.” His survivors include three children, a sister, and six grandchildren.