The Cast Of “Little House On The Prairie” Has Finally Reunited, See Them Then And Now
Get ready to step back in time and relive the nostalgia of Little House on the Prairie! The beloved historical drama had children and teenagers hooked during its run, and even years later, it remains a favorite for many.
The show was a massive success, but did you know there was so much more happening behind the scenes?
Little House On The Prairie Provided Nostalgia
It is amazing how people were able to live with less and not more. Times have certainly changed since “Little House On The Prairie” and television shows have changed just as quickly.
Many critics associated the documentation of simpler times on the western frontier, as a large reason for the show's success which resonated with millions of viewers. There hasn't been a show quite like it since, which further explains the nostalgia this show provides to its viewers.
Karen Grassle Changed Her Name For The Show
Grassle did not have as many acting credits as the other “Little House” cast members, but she did win the part on her first audition for the role of Ma. Did you know Grassle was asked to change her name?
When Karen Grassle won the role Michael Landon asked her to change her name back to Grassle instead of her stage name of Gabrielle Tree. Grassle was in 183 episodes of “Little House On The Prairie” from 1974 to 1982.
When You Know, You Know
When something is the right match, it just is. You can tell right away and there is no real way of explaining how you know besides saying "I just know". We imagine that is how Landon felt when he saw Melissa Gilbert audition for the part of Laura Ingalls Wilder, which was arguably the most sought after role for the series.
Landon didn't even bother sending another girl over to read for the network after Gilbert displayed her magic. That is the true meaning of when you know you know. That doesn't happen that much in Hollywood.
True Friendship
Despite rumors on the set that Melissa Gilbert and Alison Arngrim were enemies they were actually really good friends. Both girls met in the makeup trailer and instantly hit it off.
They even had sleepovers at each other's houses and they liked to play pranks on their famous co-stars. The friendship most likely helped the two young actresses make sure that they had some childish fun so it wasn't all work and no play. The cast not only gave us incredible childhood memories but created wonderful memories for themselves.
And The Emmy Goes To...
“Little House” won 17 Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe nominations, and two People’s Choice Awards. The 1970s television series was top-rated but deviated from the original books.
It would be interesting to see an updated version of the show set in today’s world and with a closer examination of the themes featured in the original stories. It's one of those classic books or television shows that you don't want to put down and wish it wouldn't end.
Shannen Doherty Got Her Start On Little House On The Prairie
Did you know Doherty was in “Little House” before her 90210 days? The beautiful Shannen Doherty played Jenny on Little House before her Beverly Hills 90210 days.
She was also known for her role in “Charmed” as Prue. Sadly, she passed away in 2024.
Little House Had Some Striking Similarities To Bonanza
We've talked about Michael Landon plenty already but it doesn't stop with him. You remember the series "Bonanza"? Well, Landon starred in that show as well and played Joseph Cartwright but he didn't just take his acting skills with him to "Little House on the Prairie."
Landon borrowed some of the original scripts that were intended for "Bonanza" and recycled them with a few adjustments. Now that you know that, do you think you will be able to spot some of the comparisons from each show? Give it a try next time you watch it!
All About Michael Landon
Michael Landon has a daughter named Leslie who played many roles on the series and she was cast as Etta Plum. Landon was known for playing pranks on the cast and crew and he had an amazing sense of humor.
Here’s a crazy Michael Landon fact: he blew up Walnut Grove so it would not be utilized as a movie set. Now that’s guarding your territory!
Landon's Hair Care Secret
Yes, it is true he couldn't help take his shirt off among other things, but there are certain things in life that are out of your control. Those things include, but are not limited to; your height, who births you and when your hair decides to turn gray!
For Michael Landon, we would think that maybe he wanted his hair to start turning later in his life opposed to in his 20s. The makeup team worked overtime to ensure that his hair wasn't turning a weird color out in that California sun. See, not everyone is perfect.
Chemistry Issues
The always ashing Dean Butler played Laura Ingalls Wilder’s sweetheart, Almanzo Wilder, on the show and he and Laura eventually had a TV wedding. “Manly” was Laura’s long time crush and Nellie and Laura got into a mud wrestling match over him.
There was much talk over chemistry issues between Laura and Almanzo, so much so that Melissa Gilbert asked Michael Landon if the love scenes between the two could just consist of pecks on the cheek.
The Cast Dealt With Extreme Heat On Set
Of course, it is common knowledge that Los Angeles is the mecca of the film and television industry. Sure, other cities have their own buzz for filming but none can compare to Los Angeles with all the recording studios such as Universal Studios.
Now it may be all fine and dandy to live in sunny California but it does come with a slight disadvantage. Sometimes it gets too hot for some people and heat can lead to bad things. Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson) fainted one day due to extreme heat while on set.
A Rocky Second Season
Just like a relationship, things are often spectacular in the beginning, with the honeymoon phase and all. With a few exceptions, that phase doesn't always last and things begin to get sticky so the two have to figure out how to make things work between them. The first season of the series was a great hit, the honeymoon phase.
Then came along the second season and the not so great ratings to follow. The show was almost canceled, but just like a great relationship, the issue was solved. The network switched the broadcast night from Wednesday to Monday and from there it was smooth sailing.
Where’s The Beef?
Have you ever wondered if the actors are actually drinking or eating, or just pretending to be eating? Well, remember the yummy meals the Ingalls used to eat at the dinner table? Well, many of them were Dinty Moore beef stew meals.
So what about the drumsticks in Laura’s lunch box? Those tasty looking drumsticks were actually Kentucky Fried Chicken. So much for fresh food from the family's chicken coop!
Heavy Duty Wears
The clothing in the series consisted of heavy cotton stockings, petticoats, bonnets, pinafores, long skirts, and long sleeve blouses. Daytime temperatures were in the low 90s with sun beating down each day on the cast.
Some of the cast even passed out due to the heat, leaving cast members wondering how they could stand the temperatures. “Little House” was filmed at Big Sky Ranch in Simi Valley, California.
The Talented Jason Bateman
Remember actress Justine Bateman? Well, she has a famous brother and he is no other than actor Jason Bateman. Bateman played Charles and Laura Ingalls' adopted son James Cooper. “Little House On The Prairie” was a huge stepping stone for Bateman and it propelled his career to the top.
He has been in numerous television shows, including Arrested Development, and over 40 films throughout his career.
Alison Arngrim - Another Beauty On The Show
Alison Arngrim was on “Little House On The Prairie” from 1974 to 1981 where she played Nellie Oleson. Alison is from New York, NY, and she was born January 18th, 1962. She is the New York Times Best-Selling author of a book, confessing the show's backstage secrets.
Alison’s father managed the ever-famous Liberace to some fan’s surprise and she and Melissa Gilbert were really super friends off screen despite their characters not getting along on the show. Also, Alison’s mother was the character voice of various popular cartoons. It goes to show you that the family kept entertainment as a part of their budding careers.
Real Life Ties
This might sound a bit confusing at first but just read it carefully. You know Jonathan Gilbert or Willie Oleson who was Nellie's brother, well, he was the real-life adopted brother of Melissa Gilbert, the girl who played Laura Ingalls Gilbert.
In the show, Laura was the awkward love interest of Willie which makes this real-life tie more interesting and obscure. Luckily, they did not develop any type of relationship on the show or they may have been awkward at family reunions, don't you think? They probably asked the writers to not let that happen because of that situation.
The Real Walnut Grove
Taking inspiration from real life experiences when creating something is a big part of the creative process. So it is not a mystery that Laura Ingalls derived a lot of real-life inspiration and embedded them into the show.
You can guess what's coming next. Walnut Grove is not a fictitious place, it is the hometown of Ingalls in Minnesota where she grew up as a child. Little things like this are what gave the show a more relatable feel for its viewers. Many other shows are based on real places as well too.
When Things Still Work Out
Have you ever went into a test thinking you were prepared and had the conviction that you were going to get a good grade? Or conversely, went into it thinking you were going to fail it but ended up doing great?
Well, a combination of both kinds happened with Alison Arngrim. She auditioned for the role of Laura and Mary Ingalls but the casting group didn't see her in any of those roles. It may have been a fail for her personal goal but she successfully landed the part of Nasty Nellie Oleson. It was her destiny.
Landon Decides to Blow Up the Set
Nine seasons is a solid running, and no one expects even a successful television series to reach ten seasons. The show began in 1974, so by 1983 much of the audience had outgrown the series as far as new episodes, and would rather leave Little House on the Prairie to nostalgia. The crew on set of long-running series wanted to go out with bang - quite literally. Michael Landon wrote and directed the final episode, and with that control, decided that he wanted to blow up the town (with the exception of the church and the "little house" of course).
Arguing that it would be an easier set clean-up if the buildings were already broken down, somehow his idea was pushed through, and the crew decided to blow up the set. So they filled the buildings with dynamite. ''I think it makes for a good strong pioneer ending,'' Landon said. It was most likely the most apocalyptic ending to a television series to this day.
Melissa Sue Anderson As Mary Ingalls
Melissa Sue Anderson played Mary Ingalls in 163 episodes from 1974 to 1981. Anderson had to go by the name Melissa Sue Anderson as this was a rule enforced by the Screen Actor’s Guild (SAG).
Anderson also once dated actors Lorenzo Lamas and Frank Sinatra, Jr. She beat out 200 girls for the part of Mary Ingalls. Little did she know that this would the role that would kick off her career and establish her as an actress.
A Competition For The Most
It is often an unspoken rivalry that brews between castmates but it is there and you better believe it. The unspoken rivalry is a number of appearances you get during the duration of the series. When the show is all said and done, the actors can look back and say they were in the most episodes.
The battle came down to two actresses. Karen Grassle and Melissa Gilbert appeared in the most episodes but who won the crown? Grassle played in 172 episodes while Gilbert was in 191 out of a total of 205 episodes.
Carrie Ingalls Was Played By Twins
Carrie Ingalls, Laura Ingalls' youngest sister, was played by a set of twins by the names of Lindsay and Sidney Bush. They had cute nicknames on the set and were called “Sugar Lump,” and "Foxy Robin.”
The girls had to be rotated due to California labor laws where director Michael Landon would call for a “Fresh Twin.” Lindsey and Sidney were credited onscreen as “Lindsay Sidney Greenbush. At least they both got time in the limelight!
Pen It So We Know
Some just know when they're time is up so they do things like make a documentary or say something controversial to keep their flame lit. Other tactics are used but those are just a few. For Melissa Gilbert, Melissa Anderson, and Alison Arngrim, the trio chose to write a book about their experiences on the show.
"A Prairie Tale", "The Way I See It: a Look Back at My Life on the Little House" and "Confessions of a Prairie [expletive]" are the books they wrote. Did it help their careers any, hopefully, but surely not enough.
Conflicting Theories About The Tension?
Although we mentioned earlier that the Ingalls sisters did not have any beef between them, there is reason to believe that perhaps they did. When money is involved people will play the role to ensure that they keep seeing those checks and that is probably what they did.
Rumors of them hating each other throughout the length of the series was going around but it did not gain any serious consideration until their books were published. Do you think that the rumors were true, or did they just use them to hype up their book?
Water Works
Do you have a technique that allows you to instantly cry? Or rather, a memory of some sort that can bring out those tears? When you are older, it might be easier for you to accomplish this but when you are younger it could be a harder challenge.
This is why Michael Landon developed a trick to help the kids on set bring tears to their eyes. He would bring tears to his eyes than face the kids and ask them "do you know how much I love you?" Instant tears were brought to their eyes.
“Little House On The Prairie” - The Documentary
Fans who want to take an inside look at “Little House on the Prairie” will enjoy the documentary titled “Little House On The Prairie: The Legacy Of Laura Ingalls Wilder.” Wilder is examined here in the film which looks at Wilder as a wife, mother, farmer, and writer.
This documentary is special because it includes interviews with various historians, scholars, archived photography, paintings, and reenactments of the show. It is a real insider treat for fans of the popular TV series.
The Theme Song
The melodic theme song brings back many memories for people young and old. If you don’t remember the theme check it out and a flood of memories will return.
David Rose wrote the theme for Little House as well as the theme for Highway to Heaven, Bonanza, and Father Murphy. Rose also released many albums. He died on August 23rd, 1990, in Burbank, California, but his work will always live on.
The Play’s The Thing
A musical play of the series premiered at the Guthrie Theater in Minnesota. The musical was created by Rachel Portman and the lyrics are by Donna DiNovelli. The musical is directed by Francesca Zambello. The choreography is by Michelle Lynch.
A United States national tour began in 2009.
An animated series premiered in 1975 called Laura the Prairie Girl that was a Japanese cartoon series consisting of just 26 episodes. Since Little House on the Prairie, the actors from the show have moved on, but their characters stay in our hearts.
Cast Gets Emotional At Reunion
2014 marked the 40th anniversary of the first episode of "Little House On The Prairie" and eight members of the original cast were able to gather and reminisce on "The Today Show." It didn't take long before the waterworks were going, as Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls) said, "It's a very emotional experience, especially because we were together for so long, and it was an intense experience. We were a family there."
The cast also noted missing the late Michael Landon, who passed away in 1991. Karen Grassle (Caroline "Ma" Ingalls) said, "I wish Michael could see what it means still to people."
