One of my all time favorite shows is “Little House on the Prairie.” I know its not as vintage as some of my other posts, but I wanted to write about it anyway. Of course, I read the books as a child by Laura Ingalls Wilder, but the show was just amazing. How could you not love Pa?
There were many successful actors on the series, including Michael Landon, and Melissa Gilbert. What became of them after their stint on the series from 1974-1983?
Melissa Gilbert–played Laura. Went on to star in many t.v. movies. She did a total of 192 episodes and was one of 500 girls who auditioned for the role of Laura. She has since directed and became President of SAG (Screen Actors Guild).
Michael Landon–played Pa Ingalls. Michael was in 183 episodes, after being cast following his Bonanza role as Little Joe. He went on to act in “Highway to Heaven” with fellow “Little House” actor Victor French. He died in 1991 of cancer.
Karen Grassle–played Ma Ingalls. Karen was in 170 episodes. Karen went on to do quite a bit of t.v. work including series such as “Murder, She Wrote.” “Little House” was probably her most famous role.
Katherine MacGregor (also known as Scottie)–played Harriet Oleson. Katherine was in 153 episodes and was often the favorite because of her nasty, gossiping character. She also went on to do other minor t.v. roles.
Richard Bull–played Nels Oleson. Richard was in 148 episodes. He was a likable character, and no one could understand how he could be married to Harriet. He also continued to do minor character work.
Melissa Sue Anderson–played Mary Ingalls. Melissa was the only character from the show to receive an Emmy nomination. She also turned down the lead in the film “The Blue Lagoon.” She continues to do acting work.
Alison Arngrim–played Nellie Oleson. She was the one we loved to hate! Alison has a traveling comedy show, does tons of charity/foundation work, and even conducts a Hollywood tour you can go see!
There are many other characters, but these were the main. Hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane today. Have a great Wednesday friends!
another set of books I need to buy for my girls! You make me want to make lists!
Oh! And Jason Bateman! I know he wasn’t a big part but he’s doing really well now.
iamemmamusic.blogspot.com
Thanks for all the feedback friends! I looked up the link info and was very interested! Have a great day! Kori xoxo
What a great post! I loved it! I too loved the show.
Interested in Almanzo Wilder? Go to:
http://www.americanpopularculture.com/archive/bestsellers/almanzo.htm
I was the absolute biggest Little House on the Prairie fan ever when I was growing up. Interestingly though, it was the books (Laura’s originals much more than the spin-offs that were published decades later) that drew me into the world of the Ingalls. When I was growing up my headboard had a shelve built into it and there lived my collection of Little House books, always at the ready to keep me up, reading by moon light, well into the wee hours of the night 😀
Thank you for the wonderful trip down memory lane, Kori honey!
♥ Jessica
One of my all time favorites, and Michal Landon…sooooo cute!
Rosie, that was one of my favorite episodes, but I couldn’t stand to watch it again – too tragic, as were so many of the Little House episodes.
I have an ironic story about Little House here:
http://ethelmaepotterweneverforgother.blogspot.com/2009/09/september-11-2001.html
Oh, I just loved this show. Michael Landon what a man. 🙂 I can remember watching reruns as a kid. BTW hope you are having a fabulous week.
What about Matthew Laborteaux? He was adopted by the Ingalls. I fell in love when at 14, he wanted to marry the girl that was pregnant.
LOVE Little House!!! People used to tell me I looked like Laura Ingalls…without the huge overbite 🙂 I used to call the show Little House Frairies when I was a wee one! I was watching a marathon of it when I got the call that I was pregnant! Thanks for posting this!
Luuuuuhve Little House and I secretly want to be Ma Ingalls. 🙂
Did you know that those sausage curls of Nellie’s were actually a wig? Great post today!
Great show! Thanks for the info!!
I love that show, and in fact I’ll watch it once or twice a week on TVland. Geez, Michael Landon was somewhat of a hottie, wasn’t he?!
Such a great blast from the past!
And love the song!
Oh, these photos bring back memories…..I loved that show!!!
Michael Landon was so handsome wasn’t he, sad that he died so young.
I wonder what happened to Albert….remember him and his lovely smiley eyes!
Great post 🙂