Michael Minor

1940 - 2016

1940 - 2016
Michael Minor, Actor and Singer, passed away January 28, 2016

On Thursday, January 28, 2016, Michael Minor, actor and singer, best known for his roles on Petticoat Junction and All my Children, and numerous other successful shows, passed away peacefully at his residence in New York City. He was 75.

Michael Minor was the eldest son of the famous television producer, Don Fedderson and Tido (Minor) Fedderson.

Michael was born in San Francisco and began voice lessons in 1953 at the age of 13. His first singing job was at Ye Little Club in Beverly Hills where he was engaged for two weeks and held over for 10 weeks. He attended University High School in Los Angeles and Brown Military Academy in San Diego. His singing career continued with engagements at Bimbo's in San Francisco, The Rat Fink Room in New York, The Elegante in Brooklyn and the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. He also appeared numerous times singing on the Johnny Carson Show.

Michael continued his music career and in 1966 made two successful albums, "The Sensational Mike Minor" and "This is Mike Minor". Additional single hits included "Silver Dollar", "Ace in the Hole" as well as "One Day at a Time".

Michael also sang the theme song for Henry Fonda's "The Smith Family" one of Michael's fathers TV shows.

In 1968, Michael made his stage debut, playing the romantic lead in The Impossible Years with Ozzie and Harriet Nelson. Other stage performances included Neil Simon's play, "Rumors" as well as "The Perfect Crime" where he retired from in 2004.

Michael was best known for his role as, "Steve Elliott" on Petticoat Junction (1966-1970) where eventually married "Betty Jo," Linda Kaye Henning, both on and off the series. They were married for five years. Among his other credits were The Donald O'Conner Show, The Beverly Hillbillies, My Three Sons, Chips, Vegas and LA Law. In the 70's and 80's Michael took on daytime television with Edge of Night, As the World Turns, Another World and All my Children.

Michael was an avid golfer and was a true athlete in his youth. He was a member of the Hollywood Hackers, an organization of show-biz golfers who traveled around the country playing at choice golf courses and entertaining the spectators.

Michael is survived by his son John (from his former marriage with Monyeen Martini) and daughter in law Lisa Minor of Ashland, Oregon, three grandchildren, Shane Minor, Morgan Minor, Taylor Minor and one great grandchild Krew Minor; brother, Dana Fedderson and sister in law Marlene Fedderson of Huntington Beach, Ca; brother Brian Schmidt of Dana Point, CA; his sisters Monya Clenard of North Hollywood, CA; Dionne Fedderson Najafi of Paradise Valley, AZ.

Michael lived his passion both on and off stage. He had an amazing career and a life full of friendships, family and love. He truly left his mark by touching the hearts and souls of so many. He will be missed by all!