‘McHale’s Navy’ Actor and Country Singer, Dies at 84

John ‘Bobby’ Wright, ‘McHale’s Navy’ Actor and Country Singer, Dies at 84

John “Bobby” Wright, the actor and country singer who played radio operator Willy Moss on McHale’s Navy and followed his parents, Kitty Wells and Johnnie Wright, into music, has died. He was 84.

Wright died on October 27 at his home in Madison, Tennessee, according to an obituary published by Austin & Bell Funeral Home. His family said he was surrounded by loved ones. No cause of death was disclosed.

For television audiences, Wright was best remembered as a member of the crew aboard the fictional PT-73 in McHale’s Navy. He appeared throughout the ABC comedy’s four-season run from 1962 to 1966, sharing the screen with Ernest Borgnine, Tim Conway and Bob Hastings. His family identified him as the show’s last surviving cast member.

Born John Robert Wright Jr. on March 30, 1942, in Charleston, West Virginia, he grew up in a family whose life revolved around country music. His mother, Kitty Wells, became one of the genre’s pioneering female stars, while his father enjoyed success as part of the duo Johnnie & Jack.

Wright’s own performing career began early. At eight, he joined his parents on Louisiana Hayride, singing and playing guitar. He later attended Madison High School, where he participated in baseball, basketball and football, before heading to Los Angeles after graduation.

After his television work, which also included an appearance in Pistols ’n’ Petticoats, Wright returned to Tennessee and performed with his parents and sisters on their syndicated family variety show.