Unexpected Facts You Might Not Be Aware of About The Little House On The Prairie

First Kiss Under The Public Eye For Melissa

All girls yearn for their initial kiss to be memorable. However, for those in the entertainment industry, the situation may not be ideal. Melissa Gilbert, who was a young actress during the shooting of a TV show, had her inaugural kiss at the tender age of fifteen. Ideally, she would have wanted to share this moment with someone special instead of making it a spectacle for others, but she was powerless in the circumstances.

Melissa was required to share an on-screen kiss with her co-star, Dean Butler, as part of their on-screen love story. The fact that Butler was considerably older than she was made her exceedingly anxious. Additionally, her inexperience contributed significantly to her feelings of unease.

Michael Landon Came Under Duress For Leaving His Wife For A Makeup Artist On Set

Michael Landon’s life was laced with controversy. Evidence surfaced of his closeness with a makeup artist on set while still married. By 1982, he sparked an uproar when he ended his marriage and swiftly began dating the makeup artist, Cindy Clerico.

Not only the fans but also co-star, Melissa Gilbert, were upset by this. Gilbert was taken aback and became very unhappy. She only reached out to him when he was diagnosed with cancer, which added to the fans’ displeasure.

Alison Arngrim Was A Little Too Interested In Her Co-Star

It’s only natural that a bit of romance and drama ensue behind the curtains of any show. This was the same for Alison Arngrim. Her affection for her fellow actor, Radames Pera, grew beyond professional boundaries. However, when she expressed her emotions to him, she faced a kindly rejection as Pera did not reciprocate her feelings.

Radames Pera, also known as John Sanderson, rationalized that she was too aged for him. This might not be the most appropriate excuse given their minor age gap of just two years. Nevertheless, he conveyed his sentiments distinctly.

Arngrim Auditioned For More Than One Role

One could assume that an actor only auditions for the part they eventually get. However, this wasn’t the situation for Arngrim. The actress went to great lengths, auditioning for three separate roles before she was cast in the show. So, what roles did she audition for?

She auditioned for the roles of Laura and Mary before stepping into the shoes of Nellie, the character detested by all. Unfortunately, she wasn’t successful in securing these two parts. Rather, she considerably excelled in the role of Nellie, impressing everyone with her remarkable talent in making the character universally despised.

The Show Was A Stepping Stone For Jason Bateman

That name definitely rings a bell! Indeed, Jason Bateman marked his acting debut with the show Little House on the Prairie. From those humble beginnings, he has arisen to become one of the highly acclaimed actors of his era. But, what character did Jason Bateman portray?

In the television series, Bateman portrayed the character of a young parentless child, James Ingalls. Upon revisiting this series, your perspective of him will undoubtedly change and you’ll notice him more than in prior viewings. This role was his first foray into professional acting.

Landon Was Known To Be The Silly One

Do you perceive Pa Ingalls as the perfect embodiment of elegance and honor? If so, you would have been delighted to meet Michael Landon, the actor behind this compelling role. Off-screen, Landon managed to maintain an environment of enthusiasm and entertainment. He was renowned for his constant array of amusing antics and prankish humor.

Additionally, he would often participate in different games with the young actors behind the scenes. On one occasion, his prankster personality influenced Alison and Melissa. They pranked one of the crew members by covering their toilet with plastic wrap.

Linwood Boomer Switched From On-Camera To Behind The Camera

Everyone is familiar with Linwood Boomer for his role as the well-known character, Adam Kendall, also Mary’s spouse. He portrayed this role seamlessly on the show. In the course of time, he found his interests shifting. Rather than pursuing further acting roles, he opted to switch lanes to production, taking up a position behind the scenes.

His transition to behind-the-camera work has resulted in a string of successful and much-loved television series. Malcolm in the Middle stands out as one of the more notable ones. His commendable accomplishments are truly impressive and his shift to production has definitely been beneficial. His exceptional knack for creating humor-filled shows has left the entertainment industry spellbound.

The Food You Saw Did Not Belong To That Time

One might assume that the food displayed on the table would accurately represent the era. The show clearly portrays traditional cooking methods and distinct tableware, suggesting that the family would typically consume meals just like anyone else during that period.

In truth, the cast was not provided with genuine period-accurate meals for the era depicted in the TV series. Frequently, they were seen consuming chicken from Colonel Sanders. It’s somewhat unsettling, but there isn’t much that can be done about it.

Lack Of Chemistry Can Be A Major Trouble

The rapport shared by on-screen pairs is crucial. As an audience, we love to support them when viewing a show. However, things can get tricky when the spark isn’t there between the actors, just like in the case of Mary Ingalls and John Sanderson. The script initially dictated a love story between these characters, yet the actors’ chemistry failed to mirror this idea.

The plot took a different turn. Rather than Mary falling for John, a new love interest captured her heart. Following her contraction of scarlet fever, Mary fell for someone she encountered at blind school.

The Little Girl In The TV Show Took On The Role Of Ma

As TV series progress, the actors age significantly, often to the point where a once young star may not even be recognizable due to their transformations. This phenomenon was evident in Melissa Gilbert’s case, but she had an interesting twist. There was a time when she assumed the role of her on-screen mom – but this was not within the TV series. Gilbert portrayed the character of Ma from the television show during a Minneapolis production in the 2000s.

Though this was a novel experience for her, she ensured she put forth her best effort to portray Ma. The show was booked to capacity, with audience members offering high praise for it as a whole.

Landon Was Known To Have A Girlish Laugh

Based on reports, it’s been said that Michael Landon possessed a laugh that was surprisingly feminine. Despite his typically macho portrayals on the small screen, Landon was actually quite cheerful and playful in real life. He was constantly filled with laughter and amusement, often engaging in practical jokes with his fellow actors during their professional tenure together.

Alison Arngrim illustrated that Michael Landon’s laughter echoed for miles around. He displayed different characteristics off-set, proving to be very jolly and cheerful in reality. However, the character of Pa Ingalls, portrayed by Landon, does not match this lively description.

Landon Know How To Get The Young Actors Cry

Performing a crying scene is challenging, especially for actors. They need to possess the ability to cry convinciengly when required. However, this task becomes even more difficult when dealing with young actors due to their lack of experience or expertise. In such situations, Michael Landon provided considerable support to the child actors.

He would approach the children and inquire, “Are you aware of the depth of my love for you?” His own eyes would be brimming with tears as he posed this question. This was the only trigger required for the budding actors to begin shedding tears or even sobbing.

Politicians Took A Liking To The Show As Well

Undoubtedly, this show was adored by a large number of people. You might not be aware, but this large fan base also consisted of prominent figures like Ronald Reagan. He once expressed that this show was one of his all-time favorites. Fascinating, right? However, that’s not the end of the story.

Interestingly enough, the lead actor, Michael Landon, also expressed favorable opinions about Ronald Reagan. He was a staunch Republican supporter and consistently backed Reagan during electoral campaigns. Essentially, it can be said that there was a strong mutual admiration between Michael Landon and Ronald Reagan.

Katherine McGregor Had A Bossy Attitude On-Set

During production, it’s unpredictable how someone might behave due to a multitude of personalities involved. It’s essential to steer clear of individuals who may cause disturbances. However, for the cast, evading such disruptions proved to be challenging due to the presence of one individual – Katherine McGregor.

The actress who portrayed Harriet Oleson was one of the most domineering women on set, often attempting to take on the director’s role more than the proper directors. This behavior led to production issues as McGregor consistently found something to contribute to everything. Her conduct almost cost her the job.

The Finale Was Explosive And Based Out Of A Petty Reason

You might presume there’s a significant logic for the dramatic and explosive end of the show. Regrettably, a lot of the justification is rooted in the producer and Landon’s trivial disputes. The climax involved the destruction of Walnut Grove. This was done primarily because the creators thought it’d simplify the restoration of the scenes to their original form.

Besides, a significant amount of triviality was also involved. Performers and producers were not keen on having their sets utilized by other productions. By tearing it down completely, they could ensure that their set remained exclusive to them.

Michael Landon And Karen Grassle Didn’t Have The Best Relationship

One might assume that Michael Landon and Karen Grassle, better known as Pa Ingalls and Ma, would have a solid off-screen relationship. However, this wasn’t the case. Throughout the filming of the TV show, the two actors didn’t share the most harmonious relationship.

Despite the strong chemistry portrayed on-screen, there were doubts about whether they shared a cordial relationship off-set. Unfortunately, the answer to this question is negative. Karen Grassle disapproved of Ma’s character being excessively subservient to the patriarch. The dominant character portrayed by the main actor made her feel insecure and envious of his power.

Melissa Gilbert Went On To Date Many Famous People

It’s typical for celebrities to form romantic relationships with their peers, and Melissa Gilbert is no exception to this rule. She has been romantically involved with a host of top-tier actors, including such notable names as Tom Cruise and Rob Lowe. Over her lifetime, her dating roster boasts numerous other such acclaimed personalities.

The young girl you remember from the show has matured and is now a sensation in the dating scene. She has an extensive range of individuals she’s been involved with. There was even a time when she was spotted with the rebellious rock icon, Billy Idol.

Do you hold the assumption that an actor is restricted to a single role in a series? You may want to reconsider. Using Little House on the Prairie’s E.J. Andre’s scenario as an illustration, he astonishingly portrayed a total of five characters on the show. While each character may not have been at the forefront, the idea of carrying out five unique roles in a series is indeed noteworthy.

Which roles did he undertake? The esteemed and multifaceted performer embodied the characters of Jed Cooper, Matthew Simms, St. Peter, Zachariah, and Amos Thoms. This showcases his dedication. He took on these varied personas over the course of seven episodes.

Shannen Doherty Went On To Sleep With Melissa Gilbert’s Husband

Every TV series invariably involves some tantalizing rumors or tales to spice things up. They wouldn’t hold the same appeal without such exhilarating gossip. “The Little House on the Prairie” was certainly no exception to this. In her memoir, Prairie Tale, Melissa Gilbert shared some interesting details about Shannen Doherty.

Shannen Doherty joined the series in the ninth season and swiftly became involved with Melissa’s husband. Melissa eventually confronted her, to which Shannen admitted her longstanding desire to be with her. This situation is truly jaw-dropping and surprising.

A Couple Of Episodes Had Identical Plotlines

Ever wondered if authors just run out of inspiration and creativity? This can happen. As a result, they may resort to reusing the same plotlines because they can’t develop unique and riveting narratives. The Little House on the Prairie has also experienced such an issue.

The production team of the show seemed to reuse their content at some stage. This is evident in the resemblance between the seventeenth episode of the first season and the tenth episode of the ninth season. Both episodes focus on the storyline of an elderly man falling for a younger woman.

Landon Tried To Persuade On-Screen Wife Change Her Stage Name

We’ve previously discussed the strained relationship between Michael Landon and Karen Grassle. The tension escalated when Landon expressed disapproval over Grassle’s chosen stage name. Originally, she was recognized as Gabriel Tree, a name Landon felt had a somewhat strong bohemian vibe.

He advised her to adopt a different stage name, suggesting it might be more advantageous for her. Despite not facing any difficulties in securing the role of Ma Ingalls, she complied and changed her name to Karen Grassle.

The Dresses Were Harmful

Observing the ladies gracefully navigate in their exquisite dresses and bonnets is truly a delightful sight. But have you ever pondered about their comfort? Definitely not. The attire, including the dresses and bonnets that these women needed to put on were steeply uncomfortable. They were weighty and exerted significant strain on their frames.

The actress portraying Nellie Oleson succumbed at a moment, primarily due to a heatstroke triggered by her continuous wear of heavy costumes. This suggests that these outfits may not have provided safety for the women if worn without any pause.

Possibility Of Contamination On Set

As the actors from Little House on the Prairie aged, various issues started to emerge. Approximately five of the cast members were diagnosed with cancer. Sadly, four of them succumbed to the illness. This includes Michael Landon, known for his role as Pa Ingalls in the series.

It’s highly plausible that the set where they filmed the TV show may have been polluted. This could be due to the fact that the site was potentially exposed to radioactive waste. The infamous Santa Susana nuclear disaster occurred in close proximity. Hence, there’s a significant chance that the production area was tainted by this contamination.

Melissa Sue Anderson Didn’t Get Along With Others

Due to the amount of time they spend together, it’s natural for cast members to develop a fondness for each other. Many show participants can remember the friendships they formed on set. However, this isn’t always the case; not everyone is equally well-liked.

Melissa Sue Anderson of Little House on the Prairie may not be the most cherished figure to some, including Alison Arngrim who labeled her as her “frenemy”. Their complex relationship is not just defined by friendship but also by the disputes they’ve had.

Mrs. Oleson And Pa Did Not Have A Great Relationship

If you’ve watched the series, it’s likely you aren’t entirely enthusiastic about this character, Mrs. Oleson, who is infamous for her irritating qualities. In the context of the show, she isn’t widely liked. This perception extends to her outside of the fictional world as well.

Katherine MacGregor was known to have disagreements with her fellow actor who portrayed her spouse, Nels. Moreover, she has succeeded in upsetting Michael Landon too. The reason behind her lack of popularity among others remains unknown. It could be argued, however, that she was the perfect fit for the character she embodied.

The Meals For The Cast Came From A Can

The sight of the food served to the family in the prairie is bound to make your mouth water. The sight of hot food being consumed at close range can make one wonder about its taste. Although your mind wonders about the possible delicious foods, we’re here to tell you exactly what they had.

The cast was often given preserved food in tins, which they would consume while awaiting meal times. For those curious about the actual brand of the canned food, it was Dinty Moore’s canned beef stew.

Pa Dyed His Hair

It’s not a universal trait to possess rich, dark hair. Some people experience their hair losing its color more quickly than others, turning white prematurely. Such was the case for Pa Ingalls. Even though it seemed like he constantly had perfectly colored hair, he resorted to using dye to maintain his particular look.

Pa Ingalls started greying prematurely, so he had to resort to hair coloration to maintain his character’s vitality. The actor used Clairol Dye in medium ash brown to appear younger. For many years, he relied on this to sustain his youthful appearance.

Laura’s Real-Life Brother Acted In The Show As Well

Here, you will find a number of interconnections. Melissa Gilbert, who personified Laura Ingalls Wilder in Little House on the Prairie, has a sister in real life who also acted in the show. Her sister, Sara Gilbert, has gained fame as the outstanding Darlene. One glance at her and you’d immediately recognize her as Melissa’s sibling. Interesting to note, she wasn’t the only sibling who participated in the series.

Jonathan Gilbert, Laura’s brother, also participated in the Little House on the Prairie. Though his role was relatively minor, he was a member of the cast, portraying the character of Willi Oleson. His performance effectively captured the character’s bratty personality.

Pa Wore Platform Shoes To Achieve His Height

If you’ve watched the show, you’d easily observe that Pa Ingalls is a towering figure. His height and robustness are quite noticeable. However, it might come as a surprise that he relied on elevated shoes to achieve that noticeable stature. In relative terms, he isn’t a short person. Yet, when juxtaposed with his peers in the show business, he isn’t that tall, standing at only 5’9″, which is below the average height.

Thus, to compensate for his stature, he consistently sported platform shoes during the show’s run. The added height from the shoes gave him an extra boost and made him look taller.

The Youngest Ingalls Girls Were Played By Twins

Viewers of the show would often see Carrie Ingalls having fun, blissfully unaware that the character was portrayed by two separate child actors, not just one. The main reason behind this decision was due to legal limitations on the length of time child actors are allowed to work on set. Hence, the responsibilities of playing Carrie were split between the twins.

The twins, Lindsay and Sidney Greenbush, alternately played the charming character of Carrie Ingalls making the task much more manageable. They were at the filming location at different times, which prevented any confusion.

 Pa Ingalls Was A Smoker

Pa Ingalls, as portrayed by Michael Landon, is often pictured as a resilient figure. Landon, who embodied this character, undeniably shared this toughness but was also known for his smoking habits. He may not have chain smoked, but it wasn’t unusual to catch him savoring an infrequent smoke between shots. Given the number of retakes, Landon could often be spotted taking a brief recess to enjoy his smoke.

It came as a shock to find Pa Ingalls partaking in smoking, a habit you wouldn’t typically associate with him. You’d rather picture him as someone totally against it. So, it’s indeed true that Pa Ingalls would discreetly savor a few cigarettes on set to make it through the day.

Nellie’s Hair Was Not Real

Regarding the character’s outfits, there’s no question that they were far from being as cozy as they appeared. In spite of their appearance, they were more discomforting. For instance, Nellie’s hair was not her own; she was in a wig during the entire series. This was not just any wig, it was a customized one, created specifically for her role.

The issue, however, was that it caused her extreme discomfort. She would even experience bleeding from her scalp because of it. Just visualize the agony of having to endure such discomfort for an extended period of time.

 Remember Carries Tumble? It Was Real

Contrary to what you may believe, little Carrie’s tumble in the opening scene was not part of the script but was in fact genuine. The directors found it irresistibly charming and decided not to eliminate it from the opening sequence. And so, we are all aware of the incident where little Carrie charmingly tripped over in the field.

The slight tumble was primarily due to the fact that the chosen twin for this scene was drowsy. The director had just roused one of the twins from sleep for this shot. Hence, there was an inherent possibility of a mishap. Upon being instructed to sprint down the slope, the little girl ended up taking a charming spill.

A Mix Of Religion; Pa Was Jewish

As you watched the show, it may have led you to conclude that Pa Ingalls was indeed a Christian. His many conversations centered on Christian values, issues, and morality, leaving no doubt about his faith. However, it might come as a surprise to learn that Michael Landon, the actor who portrayed him, did not actually practice Christianity.

Despite portraying a Christian character, Michael Landon was staunchly Jewish. Born as Eugene Maurice Orowitz, he adopted a different professional name to succeed in the entertainment business. His Jewish roots might come as a surprise to some, as his public life suggested an affiliation with Christianity.

Things Were Different For Nellie And Laura In Real

At first glance at the show, it may seem as though Nellie and Laura are perpetual adversaries. Nevertheless, upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that they are actually quite good friends outside of their TV roles. Therefore, it’s crucial not to take everything portrayed on the screen at face value.

The duo are famous for their on-screen antagonistic bond, which has won the hearts of many viewers. Still, in actuality, their off-screen dynamic is entirely different. They regard each other as best buddies, illustrating the profound depth of their true friendship. There’s no animosity between them whatsoever.

Can You Imagine Sean Penn On The Show?

Chances are, the name Sean Penn, an extraordinary actor, screenplay writer, and producer, has crossed your path at some point. The media often buzzed about him due to his previous marriage to Madonna. Moreover, his impressive resume includes an Oscar win for the film Milk, showing the extensive journey he has traveled.

You may be surprised to learn that he began his career on Little House on the Prairie. Even though he didn’t play a main character since he was young and inexperienced, he certainly amassed notable wealth as he progressed in his profession.

There Were Some Recycled Scripts From Bonanza

Before beginning his work on Little House on the Prairie, Michael Landon was deeply involved in the series Bonanza as an actor and writer. His experiences and influence from that series were evidently carried over into his work on Little House on the Prairie, as demonstrated by the comparable plot lines. This was achieved through drawing parallels in narrative structure and thematic elements from his previous work. Could you explain further how this occurred?

Occasionally, Michael Landon faced struggles with writer’s block while working on Little House on the Prairie. However, he derived inspiration from the narratives of his earlier show, Bonanza, to counter this issue. Thus, you may notice notable similarities between several plotlines of both shows.

 Melissa Had To Keep Things Under Wraps

The development of the female physique varies considerably. It was clear among the show’s stars that some girls matured faster than others, putting additional pressure on them. Melissa Gilbert was one such girl, who matured physically faster than her sister, Laura Gilbert.

Melissa had to ensure her appearance didn’t alter significantly, so she kept her chest tightly layered with clothes. She had to bind herself to prevent others from noticing any conspicuous differences.

Pa Really Liked Showing His Body

It was clear that Pa Ingalls had the physical appeal and physique suitable for constant on-screen display. Hence, the actor would often make an effort to flaunt his body. He understood his allure and was not shy about demonstrating it before others.

He would frequently remove his shirt at the smallest provocations, so you’d often see a fair bit of his skin on set. This might make you question if this is why Pa always disrobed whenever he sustained an injury.

There Was A Lot Of Drinking On Set

It was evident that putting together the show was a significant challenge. Preparations and setup would demand extensive time. As a result, the cast and crew were often seen indulging in alcohol on set, a method to escape the pressures and strains induced by their demanding careers.

A key figure who partook in indulgence on set was none other than Pa Ingalls, portrayed by Michael Landon. It’s recognized that he was a substantial consumer of alcohol, often beginning his whiskey consumption even before the onset of the day.

 Walnut Grove Is The Real Deal

Could Walnut Grove be considered a sophisticated set? Quite the opposite. In fact, it’s the very town where Laura Ingalls, the real-life author, spent her childhood. Her novel, which served as the foundational inspiration for the creation of the show “Little House on the Prairie”, draws heavily from the town. Thus, despite popular belief that the setting of “Little House on the Prairie” in Walnut Grove is purely fictional, that isn’t exactly the case in reality.

This small town in Minnesota, with a population of approximately 900, is a place you can explore to get a feel for what Laura Ingalls’ life might have been like.

The Show Only Got One Emmy For Acting

Considering the immense popularity and acclaim of this show, one would naturally assume it would be a giant in the awards scene. Despite this, a disparity exists in its awards recognition. To illustrate, the show bagged approximately 16 Emmy nominations throughout its nine-year run. Intriguingly, only one of these accolades was associated with acting.

Several significant achievements were highlighted by it. Emmy nominations for cinematography and music were received by the show, underscoring its worthiness. The acting award nomination for Melissa Sue Anderson is another testament to this, and it was indeed a well-deserved recognition.

 There Was An Injury On Set With A Horse

When viewing the show, it may be challenging to distinguish between the foundational performance of the actor and that of the leading actor. Scottie MacGregor faced a tough circumstance while filming a scene for the show. She suffered a severe injury after falling off the horse she was riding.

When it became evident that she couldn’t return to the scene, it was necessary to appoint a stand-in to carry on with the scene. Hence, you’ll notice the stand-in fully dressed in costume as they endeavor to wrap up the scene. Fortunately, she recuperated quickly and returned for the subsequent episodes.

 Kevin Hagen Stood For Actor’s Rights

At present, actors, particularly those who have made a name for themselves in the industry, earn significantly more than they did in the past. The period during which the Little House on the Prairie was filmed was fraught with difficulties for the cast members. This is the reason why Kevin Hagen is known for advocating and battling for the rights of actors like him.

Kevin Hagen once attempted to persuade the BBC to increase their payment for the episodes they produce. Despite his earnest efforts to make his request clear, his appeal largely went unnoticed by the public.

 Michael Landon Practiced Nepotism

It’s common knowledge that the showbiz industry is rife with favoritism, with stars often securing their status and salaries due to family connections. This is a prevalent trend within the industry, so it’s hardly shocking that we see it manifested in shows like Little House on the Prairie. The character of Pa Ingalls, played by Michael Landon, was a notable enabler of this trend during the filming period of the show.

It appeared he had no qualms about practicing nepotism. He made every effort to integrate his daughters into the shows as much as he could. Her performances spanned characters like Pam, Eta Plum, and Marge.

 Surgeries In Place for Melissa Gilbert

Matters aren’t always as straightforward as they appear. Take Melissa Gilbert’s case, for example: she underwent surgery multiple times, each time for spinal fusion. This was far from an easy ordeal and necessitated lengthy recovery periods to heal fully.

The initial surgical operation took place in 2001 and was followed by more procedures in 2010, 2016, and 2020. It’s safe to say she embodies resilience, ensuring her acting career was not hindered by these surgeries.

 It Somehow Predicted COVID

You could find it surprising, but the fact is, when you closely watch the details of this show, you’ll see how it accurately portrays the potential for COVID or any other virus. You’ll be incredibly astonished to discover that there are two episodes titled “Plague” and “Quarantine.”

This certainly leaves us perplexed. However, it may also serve as a glimpse into history, given that deadly diseases have globally circulated in the past. Yet, the numerous parallels between the show and COVID compel us to ponder if this was a forecast.

Adding A Son To The Mix Was All Pa’s Doing

It was in the show’s fifth season that Albert, the adopted child, emerged as a significant character. Played by Matthew Labyorteaux, the young actor gained rapid popularity and was adored by all. His tender age made him particularly endearing to everyone on the set, quickly making him a favorite.

Michael Landon deserves all the credit for bringing the character of Albert into existence. He thought that having more male members in the family was important. So, he added Albert to the ensemble, which for him, seemed to bring a sense of equilibrium. Introducing Albert brought an exciting twist as his character added a fresh dynamic to the story.

 Karen Grassle Used Her Mom As Inspiration

Karen Grassle adeptly assumed the role of Caroline, infusing it with a natural ease and fluency. A great amount of thoughtful deliberation went into shaping her character. Instead of drawing from others outside her personal sphere or popular figures as sources of influence, she found the inspiration for her performance within her own family. Her portrayal of Caroline was rooted in her real-life mother.

It’s apparent that Caroline is incredibly resilient and robust. Grassle reveals that her mother also possessed such qualities, making it less challenging for her to replicate them. Interestingly, her mother was known to ride horses without any footwear.

The Cast Had Eight Oscar Winners

Despite the program achieving good ratings during its broadcast, it did not garner as many accolades as it merited, particularly concerning acting honors at the Oscars. Nevertheless, it did secure numerous other Oscar recognitions, which were primarily focused on elements like music.

Although the cast was relatively youthful, there weren’t many Oscar recipients amongst them at that point. Nonetheless, a number of them continued with their acting career and eventually won Oscars. Among those who had won an Oscar prior to and post this period are Sean Penn, Burl Ives, and Eileen Heckart.

MacGregor Missed Out On The Finale

Endings are integral to any series and usually feature nearly all cast members. However, a notable absence in the finale of Little House on the Prairie is Mrs. Oleson. What could be the reason for this? It turns out, Scottie MacGregor had different commitments at the time.

Her addiction to alcohol has gone beyond control, thus she sought solace in Hinduism. In pursuit of spiritual cleansing, she embarked on a religious retreat during the filming of the finale. Despite her unwillingness to miss the finale, she felt it was a necessity to purify her spirit first.

 Victor French Went On To Try Something New

For approximately three continuous seasons, Victor French portrayed the character of farmer Isaiah Edwards. Eventually, yearning for change and variety, he decided to step away from the series. He made a move to try his hand at something new and took on a role in a small-town sitcom known as Carter Country.

Unfortunately, his fortunes took a downturn when the sitcom wasn’t renewed beyond its second season. Left without options, French decided to return to the Little House on the Prairie set. Much to his relief, Landon and the rest of the crew welcomed him back into the fold without any conflict.

Grassle Did Not Get Paid Well

When involved in a TV show production, inevitable problems related to remuneration might occur. This is due to the fact that producers are constantly seeking to cut down on expenses, often affecting the actors negatively. A similar situation took place on the set of Little House on the Prairie. The actress Karen Grassle, who portrayed Caroline, expressed some level of unease regarding the monetary compensation she was given.

In a conversation with Closer Weekly, she hinted that Michael’s compensation to her was insufficient and that she would like to revisit her contract terms with him. As the executive producer, Landon had considerable influence over these decisions.

The Team Got To Film On The Wizard Of Oz Set

We’re all familiar with The Wizard of Oz. Picture experiencing the site where it was all filmed in person. Wouldn’t that be exhilarating? That’s precisely how the crew of Little House on the Prairie reacted when they had the chance to shoot on the Wizard of Oz’s set. The cast’s exhilaration was palpable, and they found it challenging to curb their enthusiasm.

Melissa and Nellie Oleson spent their entire visit dancing, singing, and engaging in make-believe. The whole cast would without a doubt recall this moment, given the plethora of activities and sights present in that moment.

There Was More Than Just One Try At Exploding The House

The show’s closing episode was the subject of extensive conversation, as a significant explosion was intended to enthrall the audience. The finale was made even more thrilling by the detonation of the Ingalls’ residence. Despite ensuring the explosion went smoothly, it necessitated several trials before the final shot could be taken.

The team experimented with exploding various things to assess its impact on the Ingalls house. Fortunately, everything went according to plan. It was an impressively smooth operation and thankfully, no one was harmed in the process.

One Actors Was Adamant On Keeps His Homestead

It’s commonplace for actors to keep souvenirs from the sets they’ve worked on as a memento of their time there. Yet, it’s unfathomable to imagine someone wanting a whole homestead. That, however, was the case for Stan Ivar, who was so enamored with the homestead that he decided to take it all.

During the final season, Stan Ivar, known for his role as John Carter, intriguingly insisted on acquiring the homestead. He went as far as disassembling it entirely for the purpose of incorporating it into his own residence. This was a fascinating act, as it’s not typical for actors. He subsequently reassembled it in his house before eventually selling it off.

You Will Find A Book On Faith By Baby Grace

Typically, actors share their experiences from their shows during interviews. Yet, Wendi Turnbaugh, known for her role as baby Grace, has a unique perspective. Despite being just a baby during her time on set, she rapidly picked up on many aspects of the experience.

She began penning her book, which focuses on her beliefs and the impact her on-set life had on her personal existence. The book, titled “A Prairie Devotional”, was scribed during her recuperation from a brain tumor. It’s an engaging read that promises to hold your attention for a considerable duration. The book provides a novel perspective on life.

Nellie Has Become A Major Gay Icon

It’s essential for actors to show their support and advocate for the LGBTQ community’s rights. Alison Arngrim demonstrated this perfectly by making her endorsement crystal clear. It’s interesting to note that her character Nellie from Little House on the Prairie has now become a significant symbol in the gay community.

Arngrim is committed to the cause, demonstrated by her presence at DargCon, exhibiting her solo performance at a gay resort in Orlando, and being a proactive participant in AIDS awareness. This actress continues to dedicate her efforts towards helping people in remarkable ways, offering valuable lessons to be learned from her actions.

There’s A Museum Version Of Little House On The Prairie

You will be shocked to know that you can actually visit a museum that is all about the show, Little House on the Prairie. Transport back to the 19^th century and see everything from first hand. You will be able to see how the real Ingalls lived like in this museum.

Located in Walnut Creek, the museum presents a unique blend of Laura Ingalls’ original writings and their televised adaptation to its visitors. Its engaging, entertaining features could easily keep visitors occupied for hours. Therefore, it’s an opportunity not to be missed.

Grassle Was Broke Before Starting The Show

Beginning a career in acting can be extremely challenging, and Karen Grassle was no exception. She was unmistakably impoverished when she scored the role of Caroline, which fortuitously came when she most needed it, helping her escape her dire circumstances. Even though her remuneration from Landon wasn’t substantial under the contract terms, it still considerably improved her situation compared to the past.

The actress claims that she was utterly penniless at the beginning of her career. After spending all her money on her studies in England and returning to the US, she was left with absolutely nothing.