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Forbes
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘Little House On The Prairie': Where Are Stars Of Classic Series Now?
The cast of the television series 'Little House on the Prairie' with a dog on the set of the show, ... More mid 1970s. Clockwise from left: American actors Melissa Gilbert, Michael Landon (1936 - 1991), Karen Grassle, who holds an unidentified baby, Melissa Sue Anderson, and Lindsay or Sidney Greenbush. (Photo by) More than 50 years after the premiere of 'Little House on the Prairie,' Netflix is rebooting the series. Where are the original cast members from the classic TV show? Little House on the Prairie, of course, is the family drama based on based on famed author Laura Ingalls Wilder's book series about her life growing up in the Midwest. The series Little House on the Prairie — which is based on Wilder's third book of the same name — is set on her family's farm in Walnut Grove, Minn. The series kicked off in March of 1974 with the airing of the pilot episode on NBC and began its official run in September of 1974. In total, the original Little House on the Prairie ran for nine seasons consisting of 204 episodes, from 1974 to 1983. Little House on the Prairie stars Melissa Gilbert as Laura Ingalls and Michael Landon and Karen Grassle as her parents, Charles and Caroline Ingalls, while Melissa Sue Anderson plays the oldest daughter in the Ingalls family, Mary. In addition, twin siblings Sidney Greenbush and Rachel Lindsay Greenbush share the role of the second-youngest daughter, Carrie, and twins Wendi Turnbaugh and Brenda Turnbaugh play the Ingalls' youngest daughter, Grace. Other prominent cast members in Little House on the Prairie include Allison Arngrim as Nellie Oleson, the antagonistic daughter of general store owners Harriet (Katherine MacGregor) and Nels (Richard Bull). Matthew Labyorteaux also starred in the series as Albert Quinn Ingalls, who was adopted by the Ingalls family, as did Dean Butler as Laura Ingalls' future husband, Almonzo Wilder. On Friday, Netflix announced the core cast of the streamer's Little House on the Prairie reboot, with Alice Halsey starring as Laura Ingalls. In addition, Luke Bracey and Crosby Fitzgerald have been cast as Charles and Caroline Ingalls, while Skywalker Hughes will play Mary Ingalls. Here's a look at where some of the core cast members of Little House on the Prairie are now. LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE — "Troublemaker" Episode 17 — Aired 02/25/1976 — Pictured: Melissa ... More Gilbert as Laura Elizabeth Ingalls Wilder — Photo by: NBCU Photo Bank After the Little House on the Prairie series ended in 1983, Melissa Gilbert reunited with several of her castmates for three TV movies: Little House: Look Back to Yesterday in 1983 and Little House: The Last Farewell and Little House: Bless All the Dear Children in 1984. Gilbert also appeared in several guest roles after Little House on the Prairie, including Fairie Tale Theatre (1985), Babylon 5 (1996), The Outer Limits (1998), Touched by an Angel (1998) and Nip/Tuck (2006), and starred in the series Sweet Justice (1994-1995) and had a recurring role in the Secrets & Lies (2015). More recently, Gilbert starred in the TV movie Hometown Christmas (2018) and the feature film When We Last Spoke (2019). This year, Gilbert had a guest role in the series When Calls the Heart. In addition to her screenwork, Gilbert has appeared in several stage productions, including a musical version of Little House on the Prairie. Gilbert played 'Ma' Caroline in the production, which was previewed in 2008 in Minneapolis and toured the U.S. from 2009-2010. In February, Gilbert joined fellow actor Mark Moses for the Off-Broadway production of Still in New York City. Gilbert also served two two-year terms as president of Screen Actors Guild from 2001 to 2005. In 2010, Gilbert published her autobiography Prairie Tale: A Memoir. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Melissa Gilbert is seen during a segment of "Good Day New York" on ... More February 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by) LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE — "Pilot" — Aired 03/30/1974 — Pictured: Karen Grassle as Caroline ... More Quiner Holbrook Ingalls — Photo by: NBCU Photo Bank Following the Little House on the Prairie series, Karen Grassle reprised her role as Caroline Ingalls in Little House: The Last Farewell in 1984. Grassle also appeared in guest roles in the TV series Hotel (1983) and Murder, She Wrote (1987 and 1988), and also starred in such films as Wyatt Earp (1994), Tales of Everyday Magie (2012) and Not to Forget (2021). Like Melissa Gilbert, Grassle has appeared in several stage productions, appearing in plays in Santa Fe, N.M., San Francisco, Fredricksburg, Va., and Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Grassle published her memoir Bright Lights, Prairie Dust: Reflections on Life, Loss, and Love from Little House's Ma in 2021. MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - JUNE 15: Karen Grassle attends the "Little House On The Prairie" Photocall ... More during the 63rd Monte-Carlo Television Festival on June 15, 2024 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Arnold Jerocki/WireImage) LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE — Season 1 — Pictured: Melissa Sue Anderson as Mary Ingalls (Photo by ... More NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images) During her time on Little House on the Prairie, Melissa Sue Anderson also starred in the 1976 television movie The Loneliest Runner, Michael Landon's semi-autobiographical tale written and directed by her fellow Little House star. After Little House on the Prairie, Anderson appeared in several guest roles in such series as Hotel (1984 and 1985), Murder, She Wrote (1984), The Equalizer (1987), X-Men: The Animated Series (1993 and 1994) and Burke's Law (1994). Additionally, Anderson starred in several films, including Far North (1988) and Dead Me Don't Die (1990). Anderson's latest film appearance came in 2018's The Con is On. In 2010, Anderson published her autobiography The Way I See It: A Look Back at My Life on Little House. MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - JUNE 15: Melissa Sue Anderson attends the "Little House On The Prairie" ... More Photocall during the 63rd Monte-Carlo Television Festival on June 15, 2024 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Pascal) Michael Landon (1936-1991), US actor, poses with his arms crossed and resting on his knee with a log ... More cabin the background in a portrait issued as publicity for the US television series, 'Little House on the Prairie', circa 1974. The drama, adapted from the novels by Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867-1957), starred Landon as 'Charles Ingalls'. (Photo by Silver) Less than a decade after wrapping up the Little House on the Prairie series, Michael Landon died of pancreatic cancer on July 1, 1991, at age 54. Prior to Little House on the Prairie, Landon played guest roles on more than two dozen series and starred in a handful of films including the 1957 horror classic I Was a Teenage Werewolf. Landon landed his breakthrough role as 'Little Joe' Cartwright on the legendary series Bonanza, appearing in all 14 seasons and 430 episodes of the TV Western through 1973. In addition to Little House on the Prairie, Landon also starred in the television films Little House: Look Back to Yesterday in 1983 and Little House: The Last Farewell and Little House: Bless All the Dear Children in 1984. Following Little House on the Prairie, Landon starred as Jonathan Smith in the hit TV fantasy series Highway to Heaven for five seasons from 1984-89. The series also starred the late Victor French, who starred as Isaiah Edwards in a recurring role on Little House on the Prairie from 1974-1983. In addition to writing and directing his semi-autobiographical TV movie The Loneliest Runner in 1976, Landon directed 89 episodes of Little House on the Prairie and 94 episodes of Highway to Heaven. Landon's last screen appearance came in the 1991 TV movie Us, which he also wrote and directed. American actor Michael Landon (1936 - 1991), Hollywood, California, circa 1990. (Photo by ...) LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE — Pictured: Alison Arngrim as Nellie Oleson (Photo by NBCU Photo ... More Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images) Following her work on Little House on the Prairie, Allison Arngrim starred in such TV projects as I Married Wyatt Earp (1983) and the feature films The Last Place on Earth (2002) and Make the Yuletide Gay (2007). In 2018, Arngrin appeared in the comedic short film Livin' on a Praire, as a counselor dealing with a woman obsessed with the Little House on a Prairie TV series. In 2010, Arngrin published an autobiography about playing the spiteful Little House on the Prairie character called, Confessions of a Prairie Bitch: How I Survived Nellie Oleson and Learned to Love Being Hated. MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - JUNE 14: Alison Arngrim attends the Opening Ceremony during the 63rd ... More Monte-Carlo Television Festival on June 14, 2024 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Arnold Jerocki/WireImage) LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE — "Men Will Be Boys" Episode 10 — Aired 11/13/78 — Pictured: (l-r) ... More Matthew Laborteaux as Albert Quinn Ingalls. Photo by: Ted Shepherd/NBCU Photo Bank Matthew Labyorteaux joined Little House on the Prairie during Season 3 in 1976 and appeared in 88 episodes through the show's final season in 1983. After Little House on the Prairie, Labyorteaux appeared in the TV movie Little House: Look Back to Yesterday in 1983 and starred in the adventure series Whiz Kids from 1983-84). Matthew Labyorteaux's brother, Patrick Labyorteaux, also had a recurring role on Little House on the Prairie, appearing in 44 episodes throughout the show's run as Andrew 'Andy' Garvey. Matthew Labyorteaux also appeared in several guest roles after Little House on the Prairie, including such series as Simon & Simon (1983), Highway to Heaven (1985), Amazing Stories (1985), Hotel (1988) and Night Court (1989). In addition, Labyorteaux had voice roles for Pokemon the Movie: Destiny Deoxys (2004) and GI: Sigma 6 (2005-06) and a regular voice role in the series Yu-Gi-Oh! GX (2004-08). Labyorteaux has also done voices for Yu-Gi-Oh! and Star Wars: The Old Republic video games. US actor Matthew Labyorteaux poses during a photocall for the series "Little house on the prairie" ... More as part of the 63nd Monte-Carlo Television Festival in the Principality of Monaco on June 15, 2024. June 14 to 18, major studios, broadcast networks, digital platforms and renowned talent gather together to promote their programs to the press and public and compete for the prestigious Golden Nymph Awards. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP) (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images) LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE — Season 9 — Pictured: (l-r) Dean Butler as Almanzo James Wilder, ... More Melissa Gilbert as Laura Elizabeth Ingalls Wilder (Photo by Herb Ball/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images) Dean Butler joined Little House on the Prairie in Season 6 in 1979 to play Almanzo Wilder, the future husband of Laura Ingalls. After Little House on the Prairie, Butler reprised Almanzo for the TV movies Little House: Look Back to Yesterday in 1983 and Little House: The Last Farewell and Little House: Bless All the Dear Children in 1984. In addition, Butler appeared in guest roles in such series as Fantasy Island (1983 and 1984), Who's the Boss? (1984), Hotel (1985 and 1986) and starred in the comedy series The New Gidget (1986-88) opposite Caryn Richman (both pictured below in 2021). Also, Butler had a recurring role on Buffy the Vampire Slayer from 1997-2002. Butler has also worked on documentary content on Little House on the Prairie, including 2015's Little House on the Prairie: The Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder, which he directed and narrated. In 2024, Butler published his memoir Prairie Man: My Little House Life & Beyond. LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 28: Dean Butler (L) and Caryn Richman attend the 2021 Festival Of ... More Arts Benefit Night Concert And Pageant on August 28, 2021 in Laguna Beach, California. (Photo by)
Fox News
15-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Michael Landon didn't allow ‘any a--holes' on ‘Little House on the Prairie' set: actress
Before Melora Hardin starred in "The Office," she headed to the prairie. The actress, who got her start in Hollywood as a child, auditioned for "Little House on the Prairie" when she was 9 years old. She was later cast in an episode to play Belinda, one of Albert Ingalls' (Matthew Labyorteaux) classmates. The 57-year-old, who has recently launched a collage-style wallpaper line, Storyboards by Melora Hardin, has fond memories of helping to bring the hit series to life. She told Fox News Digital that Michael Landon, who starred as beloved patriarch Charles Ingalls and directed the series, was revered on set by the fellow "Prairie" kids. "Michael Landon made everyone feel safe," she recalled. "He trusted in us, and we trusted in him. He was protective of us. And I think that was one of the most important lessons I learned early on [in Hollywood] – surround yourself with the people who make you feel safe." "I've always said that acting and making movies and TV are one of the greatest team sports around," she shared. "And I believe Michael Landon was my first example of that. I learned from him right away. And it just felt amazing to be around people who made you feel safe to be a fool in front of, to fail in front of. As a performer, especially that young, it felt good to not feel constantly judged or challenged." WATCH: LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE CHILD STAR SAYS SET WAS LIKE 'MAD MEN' "It's about working with great collaborators and not tolerating a--holes," she said. "He didn't have any a--holes on set. And I think that's super important. If you feel safe, then you can do great work." Hardin had already been working "for a long time already" in showbusiness when she joined "Little House." But Landon was different, she shared. "I worked with people who weren't quite as nice as he was," said Hardin. "We had school on the set, and it was just so much fun to have other kids in school with you, working with you." "A lot of times I would be doing a movie or something, and I'd be the only [kid] in the room," Hardin continued. "I'd be the only one in the classroom with the set teacher. And it was such a joy to have other kids when you got to be in class with them and then work with them. That was joyful. We would also play games. It was a really fun way to be a child, to be a child actor. It was certainly a highlight." Hardin revealed that from the moment she walked on set, Landon was "so warm." "He worked great with kids," she gushed. "He really knew how to make us feel comfortable. He would let us do our thing. He wasn't a meddling director. He was very joyful. "He had a longtime relationship with his crew and he surrounded people he really trusted. So it was seamless. He was just joyful. I never felt he was stressed. Maybe he was [working behind the scenes], but I never felt it as a kid. He just seemed to be having a great time… Everybody seemed to be smiling in my world as a young kid." Hardin also instantly bonded with Labyorteaux, 58. "I remember during my first audition, we had to do this flashback sequence of us dancing together," she recalled. "I was a dancer. I started dancing at 5. I was very serious about ballet. He was not yet cast as Albert, but he was cast as a young Charles [Ingalls]. We danced together, and he later told me he really wanted me to get the part because I didn't step on his toes like the other girls did." Hardin returned for the 1983 TV movie "Little House: Look Back to Yesterday." She played a new character, Michele, who was Albert's love interest. They shared their first on-screen kiss. "We both had a crush on each other," she said. "It was an incredibly sweet moment. I think it was something that we were both nervous about and we both enjoyed it. That's a forever memory for me. And we became best friends. He's my youngest daughter's godfather. It was a wonderful, fortuitous moment in our lives." "Little House on the Prairie" concluded after nine seasons in 1983. Landon passed away in 1991 at age 54 from pancreatic cancer. It was a somber time for the cast. WATCH: 'LITTLE HOUSE' STAR MICHAEL LANDON WAS STUBBORN ABOUT HIS HEALTH: DAUGHTER "I was still so young when he died, but I remember we were all sad," she said. "… But I was just so happy that I had that time with him, that time we shared on set and the creative experience we shared. I got to witness what a lovely person he was. I will always remember him like that." Today, Harden has been keeping busy with her wallpaper line. "My interest in art started really young," she explained. "My dad's an actor and an artist. And I think I learned very young from him that, yes, you can be an actor, but it's also really important to have other things you're passionate about. And I've been passionate about art, and I've always been passionate about collage. I don't think I was ever a great artist. I tried painting. But it didn't spark me in the way that collage does." "When I made my first film, I realized that collaging is sort of what you did in the editing room," she shared. "It all goes together. I'm a songwriter and that's like collaging, too, because you're putting together words and melodies in a way that belong together somehow. I think it's always been who I am." In January, Netflix confirmed that a reboot of the classic show had been given the green light. The streaming giant described it as "a transformed adaptation." It will feature Rebecca Sonnenshine of "The Boys" and "The Vampire Diaries" as showrunner and executive producer. Hardin feels it should be given a chance. "There's certainly a place for some sweet, feel-good content," said Hardin. "I remember when a new 'Hawaii Five-0' was announced. I thought, 'I remember when that was on when I was a kid,' and I loved it. Can they do it justice?' "I think it's the same feeling here [for fans]. When you lived during the time of the original and got to experience it, of course you're going to feel like, 'There's no way they will be able to do it just as well.' But that's not trust." "I think now is a great time for feel-good content," she said. "We need some sweetness. We need some entertainment. I do think there's a need for warmth and stories that celebrate commitment to family. I think that's important." "I think those good values of the olden days would be a nice thing to have on TV today for young people," she continued. "So much stuff these days is jaded and so dark. And yet, 'Little House' was just filled with so much love, heart and good values. Who wouldn't want to experience that today?"
Fox News
16-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
‘Little House on the Prairie' star Alison Arngrim says Netflix reboot can't recreate Michael Landon's 'magic'
Alison Arngrim knows you can't recreate the original when it comes to "Little House on the Prairie." The actress, who famously starred as mean girl Nellie Oleson, told Fox News Digital that fans shouldn't be worried about Netflix rebooting the classic series, which concluded after nine seasons in 1983. Arngrim has been keeping busy attending events and reconnecting with viewers globally to celebrate "Little House" and its legacy. "Yes, there is a deal at Netflix," the star shared. "Even the people making it have said, 'Oh God, don't call it a reboot.' They're not trying to remake the '70s show. Everyone has said, 'Obviously, we can't recreate that. We don't want to recreate that. That's been done. Michael Landon did it, he achieved it and, boom, it's good. We're leaving that alone." In January, the streaming giant confirmed that it had given a reboot of the series the green light. The original show was based on the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder about growing up in the American West during the late 1800s. They were written during the Great Depression and published in the 1930s. Netflix has called the reboot "a transformed adaptation" that will feature Rebecca Sonnenshine of "The Boys" and "The Vampire Diaries" as showrunner and executive producer. Arngrim stressed that it will be different from the original. "They're going back to the books – they're going back to the beginning," said the 63-year-old. "They're still hiring directors and everything. It's still very, very early, but they're looking into the first books when Laura is a very tiny girl. They're going back to their roots." "And here's the thing, how many times have we made Dracula?" she chuckled. "How many times have we done Frankenstein? Or 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens? These are fantastic literary properties that were remade many times, and everyone had a different take on them. Some were brilliant. Some were terrible. And yet, we still watch them." WATCH: LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE CHILD STAR SAYS SET WAS LIKE 'MAD MEN' "So, what will this be like? We don't know yet," said Arngrim. "But they're not trying to steal or recreate the thing. There are some characters in our show that were made up, a Michael Landon invention. Like Albert Ingalls. There was no Albert Ingalls in the books. . . . I know Nellie is based on three different girls. Timelines were changed." "The books were novels," Arngrim continued. "And then Michael Landon said it would be a good idea if he added stuff and changed things for the show. But this time, they're going back to the books. So, it will be extraordinarily different from our show." Before news of the reboot went public, Arngrim said the original cast members were given a call. None of the cast are expected to make a cameo appearance as of now. Arngrim admitted it won't be easy for the new show to live up to its predecessor. "Little House on the Prairie" first premiered on NBC in 1974. "Everyone involved agrees there was a certain lightning in a bottle that happened with Michael Landon, Melissa Gilbert, me, Katherine MacGregor and everyone else. It was its own thing. Michael Landon's vision was magic. But again, how many 'Star Treks' are there now? I've watched all of them, and I lost count. Just because we don't have Captain Kirk doesn't mean we can't enjoy them." "I do know that the folks involved are absolute sticklers for protecting the legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder," Arngrim added. "They are the guardians of the gates… They're not going to do anything bad or something that is insulting to Laura Ingalls Wilder. But it will be really interesting to see what kind of mood it's going to be. Is it going to be fast-paced, like a TV show? Is it going to be slower like a feature film? Or is it going to look like an old Western? That I don't know." Arngrim does have some advice for whoever will take on the role of Oleson, one she's still recognized for today. "Everyone involved agrees there was a certain lightning in a bottle that happened with Michael Landon, Melissa Gilbert, me, Katherine MacGregor and everyone else. It was its own thing. Michael Landon's vision was magic. "If they don't like you, you're doing your job," she said. "Do not be liked. Don't hold back on playing a villain or worry about people liking you. Your job is not to be liked. Did Anthony Hopkins pull back when he was playing Hannibal Lecter? Did you ever see a moment in 'Silence of the Lambs' where he said, 'That's a little much'? No – and that's it." "If you think, 'Wow, that's pretty terrible,' – go there," she shared. "You need to have a strong sense of who you are and understand this is the character. Because if you do it right, somebody will hate you, preferably everybody." "Yes, I did get hit in the face with an orange soda during a Christmas parade," Arngrim continued. "So, for God's sake, if you do it right, there will be people who will get emotionally involved, freak out and say they hate you. But you have to remember, they're talking about the character, not you. You need to know who you are first and have a sense of self." The surviving cast has maintained a close bond over the years. During the coronavirus pandemic, Arngrim also hosted live readings of "Little House" books for fans. "The 'Little House' books came at the height of the Great Depression, and the series premiered when we were having a terrible recession, and people couldn't afford things," Arngrim previously told Fox News Digital. "And when times got hard in 2020, people turned to 'Little House' for comfort. People started making their own bread, and all of a sudden, everyone was an Ingalls." "There's a deep connection people have to the show, and it's truly amazing," she noted. "It really has stood the test of time, just as Michael Landon predicted. When times get hard, there's always 'Little House on the Prairie.'"
