Hank Patterson

Biography

Hank Patterson, born Elmer Calvin Patterson on October 9, 1888, was a notable American actor and musician who made a significant impact on television and film until his passing on August 23, 1975. He is perhaps best remembered for his roles as Hank Miller, the stableman in the iconic series Gunsmoke, and as farmer Fred Ziffel in the beloved comedies Petticoat Junction and Green Acres.

Throughout his career, Patterson appeared in numerous films, often embodying grumpy characters, blacksmiths, hotel clerks, and various town figures, primarily in Republic Pictures westerns. His talent extended to popular TV westerns, where he featured in shows like The Cisco Kid, The Lone Ranger, and Annie Oakley.

Patterson's television career flourished with roles in various family and adult westerns, including 33 episodes of Gunsmoke from 1962 to 1972. He also made guest appearances in notable series such as Have Gun-Will Travel, Maverick, and Bonanza, among many others.

In 1963, Patterson began portraying Fred Ziffel on Petticoat Junction, a character that gained even more fame when he continued to appear in the parallel series Green Acres. His character's unique bond with Arnold, a pet pig who acted more like a child than a farm animal, helped solidify Patterson's place in television history. Remarkably, despite being nearly deaf in his late 70s, Patterson’s charm and comedic timing endeared him to audiences, leading producers to creatively accommodate his hearing challenges during filming.