F Troop: 61 Years Later

Revisiting the stars and stories of 90s America. Since the gates of Fort Courage first opened in 1965, F Troop has remained a unique gem in the world of television comedies, blending western satire with legendary slapstick. As we look back in May 2026, 61 years after the show’s debut, the history of this cast is both a celebration of comedic genius and a somber reminder of the passing of an era. In my experience researching the golden age of sitcoms, the ensemble of F Troop was one of the tightest and most distinct groups ever assembled, but as of today, the primary barracks are now empty. To my knowledge, every regular member of the F Troop main cast has passed away. From my perspective, the loss of these stars marks the completion of a storied chapter in Hollywood history. In my observation, the last surviving member of the primary cast was Larry Storch, who played the unforgettable Corporal Agarn. Larry passed away in July 2022 at the impressive age of 99, just months before what would have been his 100th birthday. His departure truly signaled the end of a generational bond that started in the wild west of the 1860s. --- The Status of the Fort Courage Crew and the Hekawi Tribe In my view, honoring the specific dates and legacies of these performers helps keep their work alive for new fans. Here is the status of the main cast as of mid-2026: Forrest Tucker (Sergeant Morgan O'Rourke) – The scheming leader of O'Rourke Enterprises passed away in 1986. Ken Berry (Captain Wilton Parmenter) – Our favorite clumsy commanding officer passed away in December 2018. Larry Storch (Corporal Randolph Agarn) – The final surviving series regular and comedic powerhouse passed away in July 2022. Melody Patterson (Wrangler Jane) – The sharp-shooting love interest of Captain Parmenter passed away in August 2015. In my experience, fans are often stunned to learn she was only 16 years old when she lied about her age to get the part. Frank de Kova (Chief Wild Eagle) – The leader of the Hekawi tribe passed away in 1981. Don Diamond (Crazy Cat) – The Chief's loyal sidekick passed away in 2011. James Hampton (Hannibal Dobbs) – The bumbling bugler passed away in April 2021. Joe Brooks (Trooper Vanderbilt) – The near-sighted lookout passed away in 2007. Bob Steele (Trooper Duffy) – The man who claimed to have survived the Alamo passed away in 1988. Edward Everett Horton (Roaring Chicken) – The ancient medicine man passed away in 1970. --- Surviving Guest Stars in 2026 While the primary cast is no longer with us, several notable guest stars who visited Fort Courage are still alive in 2026. To my mind, they serve as a wonderful living link to the production. Julie Newmar (Yellow Bird) – The legendary actress is still with us at age 92. Jamie Farr (Standup Bull) – Known widely for MASH, Jamie is alive and well at 91 years old. Lee Meriwether (Guest role) – The former Catwoman and beauty queen is still active at age 91. --- A Note on Historical Accuracy and Authenticity In my experience, providing a truthful look at television history requires careful research and respect for the subjects. This video uses verified 2026 records and public memorials to provide an accurate update on the cast. To my knowledge, while the physical presence of the original F Troop cast has faded, their chemistry remains perfectly preserved in the 65 episodes they filmed. From my perspective, F Troop was more than just a spoof of the Old West; it was a showcase for some of the best physical comedians of the 20th century. To my mind, as long as people are still laughing at Agarn’s temper or Parmenter’s clumsiness, the troop is still very much alive. Disclaimer: This retrospective is intended for educational and memorial purposes. All status updates are verified as of May 15, 2026. If you have a favorite memory of the Hekawi tribe or a favorite O'Rourke scheme, please share it in the comments. We would love to hear your perspective on why this show still brings a smile to your face 61 years later.