Patti Deutsch

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, it was clear early on that Patti Deutsch would be a unique force to be reckoned with. After graduating from high school, Deutsch attended four colleges in four years: Bennington College, Carnegie Mellon, University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Southern California. After some time on the stage, and some with Sid Caesar at the Rainbow Grill in New York, she became part of the improv group Ace Trucking Company and performed a number of times on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" (NBC, 1962-1992). Her big break came in 1972, when she debuted as part of the ensemble on the final season of "Rowan & Martin's Laugh In" (NBC, 1968-1972), followed by the role she was perhaps best known for, as one of the most memorable occupants of the "daffy girl" seat on daytime television staple "Match Game" (CBS 1973-79). Her dark red hair, distinctly raspy voice and dry comic timing made her a fan favorite over the course of the series. She was a series regular on the show "Grandpa Goes to Washington" (NBC, 1978-79), then, in 1984 began working as a voice artist. Her first work was on "The Smurfs" (NBC, 1981-89), and that led to nearly continuous work for the rest of her career. Deutsch voiced roles in "Capitol Critters" (ABC, 1992), "The Wild Thornberrys" (Nickelodeon, 1998-2004), and "The Emperor's New School" (Disney Channel, 2006-08) among many others. She passed away in 2017 at the age of 73.