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

First Kiss Under The Public Eye For Melissa

Every young lady dreams of her first kiss being memorable. However, when you’re involved in the entertainment industry, the situation might not be ideal. Melissa Gilbert, who was then merely a teenager during the filming of the TV show, experienced her first kiss at the tender age of fifteen. Despite her preference for sharing this moment with someone of her choosing instead of making it a spectacle for the audience, she found herself powerless to change it.

Melissa was supposed to share an on-screen kiss with her co-star, Dean Butler, which made her extremely anxious. The age difference between them, with Butler being significantly older, heightened her unease. Her novice status in such matters also contributed to her nervousness.

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

Michael Landon’s life was marked by a significant amount of controversy. Notably, while still married, he was observed getting intimately close to a makeup artist on his set. This consequently led to criticism in 1982 when he ended his marriage and promptly commenced a relationship with that same makeup artist, Cindy Clerico.

This did not sit well with the fans entirely. But, the dissatisfaction was not limited to the fans. Even co-star Melissa Gilbert was also caught off guard and felt very upset about it. She only reached out to him when he was diagnosed with cancer.

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

It’s expected that there would be some romantic and dramatic interactions involving the cast members behind the scenes of the show. This is typically the case, as it was with Alison Arngrim. She found herself developing strong feelings for her colleague, Radames Pera. However, when she revealed her emotions to him, he kindly rejected her since he did not share the same romantic sentiments.

Radames Pera, who is also identified as John Sanderson, explained that he found her too aged for his preference. Despite the age gap between them only being a couple of years, his reasoning may not stand strong. Nevertheless, he did communicate his desires noticeably.

Arngrim Auditioned For More Than One Role

You may assume that an actor only auditions for the role they eventually play. However, this wasn’t the case for Arngrim. The actress was quite bold and tried out for three separate roles before she was finally selected for the show’s cast. So, which roles did she audition for?

Prior to embracing the role of Nellie, a character detested by all, she initially attempted to seize the roles of Laura and Mary. However, these two parts slipped out of her grasp. Eventually, she discovered that the part of Nellie was a fit like a glove for her theatrical abilities, which she showcased by brilliantly making everyone despise her character, a feat that won her much admiration.

The Show Was A Stepping Stone For Jason Bateman

That name definitely rings a bell! Indeed, Jason Bateman took on his debut role in Little House on the Prairie. He has definitely made significant strides since then, establishing himself as one of the greatest actors of all time. But who exactly was Jason Bateman’s character?

In the television series, Bateman portrayed a youthful orphan named James Ingalls. If you get a chance to revisit this show, you’ll undoubtedly view his character with a fresh lens, paying him more attention. Prior to this role, he hadn’t had any professional assignments.

Landon Was Known To Be The Silly One

Do you perceive Pa Ingalls as the embodiment of elegance and decency? Then, you would have been delighted to meet Michael Landon, the performer who brought this role to life. Landon had a knack for keeping things lively even when the cameras stopped rolling. He consistently had a variety of amusing pranks and jests up his sleeve.

In addition to this, he would also partake in a variety of games with the juvenile actors behind the scenes. There was an instance where his prankster nature influenced Alison and Melissa. They played a prank on one of the crew members where they covered their toilet with cling film.

Linwood Boomer Switched From On-Camera To Behind The Camera

Linwood Boomer is well-recognized for his role as Adam Kendall, the husband of Mary, which he portrayed seamlessly on the show. As time progressed, he discovered his desire for change. Rather than persisting with acting, he shifted his position to work behind the scenes as a producer.

He has proceeded to produce a number of successful and well-loved television series, notably including Malcolm in the Middle. His accomplishments are truly remarkable and his transition to behind-the-scenes roles has certainly paid off. His exceptional comedy productions have also left a remarkable impression on the industry.

The Food You Saw Did Not Belong To That Time

One might expect the meal presented on the table would accurately reflect the era. The series depicts historically accurate food and tableware, suggesting that the family would consume typical meals just like anyone else during that time period.

Contrarily, the cast was not fed with historically accurate meals, as depicted by the show’s era. Rather, it was usual to see them munching on Colonel Sander’s chicken. This inconsistency may seem disconcerting, yet there isn’t much that can be done about it.

Lack Of Chemistry Can Be A Major Trouble

The rapport between on-screen partners can make or break a show; the audience wants to support them and anticipates their scenes. However, what if there is a lack of spark between the actors? This was the case for Mary Ingalls and John Sanderson. Despite the intent for these characters to develop a romantic relationship, the performers’ connection didn’t align with this narrative direction.

The storyline underwent a transformation. Mary’s affection was initially for John, but now it has shifted towards another character. After contracting scarlet fever, Mary became attracted to an individual she encountered at her blind school.

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

As TV series unfold, characters steadily age. Eventually, the youthful actors transform so significantly that they become unrecognizable. This was the case for Melissa Gilbert, who at one point played the part of her on-screen mother. However, this change of role did not occur on the television show, but rather during a 2000s Minneapolis production where she portrayed Ma from the same TV series.

Though this was a fresh experience for her, she gave it her all in the portrayal of Ma. The performance was fully booked and received glowing feedback from the audience about the whole show.

Landon Was Known To Have A Girlish Laugh

Based on information we’ve received, it appears that Michael Landon had a rather feminine giggle. Despite being portrayed as a figure of masculinity in his TV series, in reality, Landon had a jovial and amusing demeanor. His time on-set involved a lot of laughter, innocent teasing, and playful trickery on his fellow actors.

Aliso Arngrim describes Michael Landon’s laugh as so loud that it could be heard from far away. Contrary to his character, Pa Ingalls, in reality, Landon was an exceptionally cheerful and jovial personality. His off-screen persona did not match with the character he portrayed.

Landon Know How To Get The Young Actors Cry

Displaying emotions like crying in front of a camera is a challenging task. For an actor, it’s necessary to possess the capability to shed tears on cue. But for young performers, acquiring such a skill or experience can be tough. In such instances, Michael Landon lent a helping hand to these child actors.

He would approach the children, with his own eyes welling up, and ask “Are you aware of how deeply I care for you?” That alone was enough to trigger a tearful response from the young performers.

Politicians Took A Liking To The Show As Well

Undoubtedly, this show garnered immense popularity, beloved not only by many but by notable figures like Ronald Reagan. Reportedly, Reagan considered it as one of his all-time favorite shows. Fascinating, right? However, that’s not the end of the story.

Interestingly, the star actor, Michael Landon, also expressed favorable views about Ronald Reagan. He confidently backed up the Republican party and was a constant supporter of Reagan throughout his campaigns and electoral periods. Essentially, there was a mutual admiration shared between these two figures, Michael Landon and Ronald Reagan.

Katherine McGregor Had A Bossy Attitude On-Set

On a film set, predicting individual behaviors can be tricky due to the variety of personalities present. It’s important to steer clear of anyone who could potentially disrupt the process. However, for the cast, this proved to be a challenging task due to one individual – Katherine McGregor.

The actress who played Harriet Oleson was known to be quite domineering on the set. Self-appointed as a Director, she constantly sought to overshadow the actual Directors, which often led to production difficulties. McGregor, as she was known, was always keen to offer input, no matter the topic. Her conduct nearly led to her dismissal from the show.

The Finale Was Explosive And Based Out Of A Petty Reason

One could imagine that there must be a significant reason for the show’s dramatic and explosive conclusion. However, it appears that much of the decision stemmed from the pettiness of the producer and Landon. They opted to detonate the Walnut Grove in the last episode. The rationale behind such an unusual choice was the producers’ belief that this approach would simplify the process of restoring the set to its initial state.

Apart from everything else, there was also a great deal of trivial dispute. Both actors and producers were unwilling to have their sets utilized by other productions. By tearing down everything, they could guarantee that no one else could use it.

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

One might assume that the on-screen chemistry between Pa and Ma Ingalls would carry over into real life, but unfortunately, this wasn’t the case. Michael Landon and Karen Grassle, who portrayed Pa and Ma Ingalls respectively, didn’t enjoy the most harmonious dynamic throughout the shooting of the TV series.

Though their screen rapport was impressive, it remained uncertain if they shared a friendly bond off-screen. However, the reality was, they did not. Karen Grassle disagreed with the overly submissive nature of her character, Ma, to the patriarch. She felt insecure and envious due to the substantial authority that the lead actor’s character held.

Melissa Gilbert Went On To Date Many Famous People

It’s inevitable for stars to mingle among themselves, and that’s been true for Melissa Gilbert. She has had romantic involvements with several high-profile actors. Among her past paramours are famous personalities like Tom Cruise and Rob Lowe. These are just a couple of names from Gilbert’s extensive dating history.

The young girl you once observed in the show has matured now and is dominating the dating scene. The assortment of individuals she has been with is varied. You could have even spotted her in the company of the vivacious rock icon, Billy Idol, at some point.

Do you hold the notion that an actor is limited to playing only one character in a show? That’s not always the case. Consider E.J. Andre in Little House on the Prairie. This talented actor played an impressive five different roles in the series. Regardless of the significance of each part, it’s remarkable to take on five different characters in the same program.

Inquiring about the characters he portrayed? The accomplished and multifaceted actor took on the roles of Jed Cooper, Matthew Simms, St. Peter, Zachariah, and Amos Thoms. It’s strong evidence of his dedication. He personified these distinct characters over the span of seven episodes.

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

Every television show invariably entails some wonderfully entertaining gossip, the absence of which feels unimaginable. The Little House on the Prairie was no exception to this rule. As revealed in Melissa Gilbert’s autobiography, Prairie Tale, she didn’t shy away from discussing Shannen Doherty.

Shannen Doherty joined the series in its ninth season and promptly became involved with Melissa’s spouse. Eventually, Melissa faced her about it, and she responded by confessing her longstanding desire to be with her. This revelation is both puzzling and amazing.

A Couple Of Episodes Had Identical Plotlines

Ever pondered the idea that authors might exhaust their creative resources and feel utterly drained? This can indeed be the case at times. Consequently, they may resort to recycling old plots due to their inability to conceive something fresh and thrilling. The Little House on the Prairie is an instance where this scenario can be clearly seen.

At a certain stage, the show’s team started reusing their episodes. This can be seen in the striking similarities between the seventeenth episode of the first season and the tenth episode of the ninth season. The main storyline in both installations involves an elderly man developing romantic feelings for a younger woman.

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

Previously, we discussed the rocky relationship between Michael Landon and Karen Grassle. Their relationship faced another hurdle when Grassle’s stage alias, Gabriel Tree, did not sit well with Landon as he considered it overly bohemian. Recall that Grassle had initially adopted this name in her early acting days.

He advised her to adopt a new moniker for her stage career, suggesting it would be more advantageous. Despite securing the role of Ma Ingalls with no trouble, she decided to follow through with the name change and became known as Karen Grassle.

The Dresses Were Harmful

It’s certainly delightful to see the girls moving around in their flawlessly tailored dresses and bonnets. However, can we actually consider them comfortable in those? Absolutely not. The clothes, specifically the dresses and bonnets they were obliged to wear, were tremendously uncomfortable. They were excessively weighty, exerting a considerable amount of pressure on their bodies.

The actress who portrayed Nellie Oleson fell unconscious at one point. This occurred because she had a heatstroke due to her heavy costumes. Hence, these attire may not have been entirely safe for continuous wear by women without any rest.

Possibility Of Contamination On Set

As the Little House on the Prairie’s cast matured, various issues surfaced. Cancer impacted approximately five individuals associated with the show. Tragically, four of these cast members succumbed to this illness. Amongst the deceased was Michael Landon, the actor who portrayed Pa Ingalls in the series.

It’s highly likely that the set used for the TV show production could have been contaminated. This suspicion stems from the fact that the site was in close proximity to the infamous Santa Susana nuclear disaster, thereby heightening the chances of radioactive waste contamination. Hence, the probability of the production set being polluted is considerably high.

Melissa Sue Anderson Didn’t Get Along With Others

The close-knit environment and lengthy time spent together on set often leads to strong bonds forming between cast members. Many individuals on the show fondly remember the friendships they cultivated during this period. However, this isn’t universally true; there are always some cast members who may not be as well-liked as others.

Regarding the Little House on the Prairie, Melissa Sue Anderson may not be the individual that everyone recollects with affection. Alison Arngrim has subsequently labeled her as a “frenemy.” Their disagreements are the reason why she hasn’t only addressed her as a friend.

Mrs. Oleson And Pa Did Not Have A Great Relationship

If you’ve watched the series, you might not be particularly keen on this female character, Mrs. Oleson, notorious for her annoying demeanor. She is not a popular character among the television audience, and this sentiment extends to her off-screen persona as well.

Katherine MacGregor has had disputes with her co-star who depicted her on-screen spouse, Nels. But that’s not it. She has also managed to upset Michael Landon. It’s unclear why she isn’t widely liked. However, what’s notable is that she might have been the perfect pick for the role she played.

The Meals For The Cast Came From A Can

Observing the meal being served to the family on the prairie is bound to get your taste buds tingling. Witnessing the hot food being thoroughly enjoyed before you can certainly get you wondering about the taste. While you could imagine all sorts of delectable fare, allow us to describe what they truly had.

The cast was usually provided with canned meals while they waited for their food. Specifically, the can often contained Dinty Moore beef stew.

Pa Dyed His Hair

Not everyone is blessed with thick and dark hair. There are cases where some people’s hair loses its pigmentation and turns white faster than others. This was also the case for Pa Ingalls. Although his hair always seemed perfectly maintained, he had to color it to maintain his desired look.

Pa Ingalls’ hair became grey prematurely, necessitating him to dye it regularly to suit his character accurately. To maintain his youthful appearance, the actor relied on Clairol Dye in medium ash brown. This product was his go-to for many years to retain his youthful facade.

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

You can draw several links here. Melissa Gilbert’s actual sister portrayed Laura Ingalls Wilder in the Little House on the Prairie. The sister, Sara Gilbert, is also famously known as Darelene. Her popularity makes it immediately obvious that she’s Melissa’s sibling. But Sara isn’t the only one of Melissa’s siblings to appear on the show.

Jonathan Gilbert, who happens to be Laura’s brother, also participated in Little House on the Prairie. Although his part was quite minor, he nonetheless secured a spot in the cast. He took on the role of Willi Oleson, excellently portraying the ill-behaved character.

Pa Wore Platform Shoes To Achieve His Height

Should you be a viewer of the show, you’re undoubtedly aware of the height of Pa Ingalls – he certainly stands out as a towering, robust character on screen. Yet, what might catch you off guard is that his lofty stature is achieved with the help of platform shoes. Not that he’s generally considered short, but in contrast to his fellow stars in the industry, he stands at a modest 5’9″, which is comparatively lesser than many.

Therefore, to compensate for his lack of height, he consistently wore platform shoes during the run of the show. It provided him with an additional boost, making him seem taller.

The Youngest Ingalls Girls Were Played By Twins

While on the show, Carrie Ingalls is seen having fun, what you might not realize is that there were two child actors portraying Carrie Ingalls. This is primarily due to regulations restricting long working hours for child actors. Thus, the twins shared the role.

The twins, known as Lindsay and Sidney Greenbush, were cast in the delightful character of Carrie Ingalls. The task became significantly simpler because they alternated their turns in playing the role. Their appearance on the set was scheduled at different times to avoid any confusion.

 Pa Ingalls Was A Smoker

Pa Ingalls conjures up thoughts of a rugged individual, a description that suits Michael Landon, the actor portraying him, perfectly. Not only was Landon known for his grit, but also for his smoking habit. He wasn’t known for chain smoking, but rather for indulging in an intermittent smoke between shoots. As shooting often required multiple takes, Landon could frequently be seen grabbing a swift smoking break whenever the opportunity presented itself.

It was definitely unexpected to see Pa Ingalls partaking in a smoke. One would typically envision him entirely against such a habit. But it’s true, Pa Ingalls would sneakily enjoy a few cigarettes on the set to get him through the day.

Nellie’s Hair Was Not Real

There’s no question that the character costumes weren’t as comfortable as they appeared. They were typically more uncomfortable than comfy. Consider, for instance, Nellie’s hair, which was not her own. Throughout the show’s run, she had to wear a wig. And it wasn’t just any wig; this one was painstakingly created to suit her character.

However, the issue was that it was incredibly unpleasant for her. Her scalp would start bleeding as a result of this. Think about how agonizing it must be to have to endure such discomfort for an extended period of time.

 Remember Carries Tumble? It Was Real

One might assume that little Carrie’s tumble in the introductory sequence was entirely staged. However, that’s not the case. In reality, the fall occurred by accident. It was so appealing to the directors that they decided not to remove it from the beginning sequence. Therefore, it’s now common knowledge that little Carrie had the sweetest fall down the field.

The minor tumble was primarily due to the selected twin being drowsy for the scene as she was roused from sleep to perform. Consequently, a mishap was bound to happen. When the small girl was instructed to sprint down the slope, it inevitably resulted in her falling adorably.

A Mix Of Religion; Pa Was Jewish

Throughout the course of the show, it would be easy to assume that Pa Ingalls adhered to Christianity. The numerous discourses on Christian teachings, principles, and morality undeniably suggested that Pa Ingalls practiced this faith. However, it would come as a surprise that Michael Landon, the actor portraying him, did not subscribe to Christianity.

Michael Landon was deeply entrenched in his Jewish roots, despite portraying a Christian character. Born as Eugene Maurice Orowitz, he was by birth a Jew. His career path led him to adopt a different persona for the screen. Despite the outward appearances suggesting a Christian identity, his true religious affiliation was Judaism.

Things Were Different For Nellie And Laura In Real

At first glance, while viewing the show, one might infer that Nellie and Laura are age-old foes. However, a detailed observation reveals that they are actually quite close friends in their real lives. Thus, what is portrayed on the show might not always reflect reality.

Contrary to their on-screen show of animosity, in reality, the duo shares an intense bond of friendship. Viewers have grown fond of their seemingly contentious relationship on-screen, which is entirely opposite to their real-life rapport. They regard each other as the best friends, indicating the depth of their camaraderie. There is absolutely no trace of hostility between them.

Can You Imagine Sean Penn On The Show?

Chances are you’ve heard of the renowned actor, screenwriter, and producer, Sean Penn. He’s made a few headlines thanks to his former marriage to Madonna. Additionally, he’s an Oscar winner for his remarkable role in the film, Milk. It’s evident to see how far he’s journeyed in his career.

Surprisingly, his career began with the show Little House on the Prairie. Although a lead role wasn’t on the cards for him due to youth and lack of experience, he advanced in his career subsequently, amassing an incredible wealth.

There Were Some Recycled Scripts From Bonanza

Before embarking on his journey with “Little House on the Prairie”, Michael Landon served as an actor and writer for the series “Bonanza”. Thus, his preceding experience greatly molded his subsequent works. You can identify several parallels in the storylines of both series, which can be attributed to Landon’s consistent influence. But how did this occur?

When embarking on the project of “Little House on the Prairie,” Michael Landon sometimes encountered a creative impasse, commonly known as writer’s block. His solution was to draw inspiration from the storylines of his former show, “Bonanza.” As a result, several similarities can be noticed between the two series.

 Melissa Had To Keep Things Under Wraps

The development of women’s busts varies from one person to another. This difference was noticeable among the actresses on the television show, with some maturing earlier than their peers, thus attracting more scrutiny. Melissa Gilbert was one such actress who matured faster than her sister, Laura Gilbert.

To ensure that her appearance didn’t change drastically, Melissa had to cover her chest with multiple layers of clothing. She had the responsibility of concealing herself so that it wasn’t apparent to others that there was any difference.

Pa Really Liked Showing His Body

It was clear that Pa Ingalls possessed the physical appearance and physique to be constantly featured on screen. Consequently, the actor was often seen flaunting his body. Fully conscious of his good looks, he never missed an opportunity to showcase his attractiveness to others.

It was quite a common sight for him to remove his shirt even for the most minor reasons, consequently revealing more of his skin while on set. This also makes you question if this was the reason why his father consistently took off his shirt whenever he got hurt in any way.

There Was A Lot Of Drinking On Set

It was evident that the production of the show was a challenging task. The preparation process would demand considerable time to ensure everything functions perfectly. That’s the reason why the cast and crew of the show were regularly found inebriated on set. This helped them escape the stress induced by their on-set lifestyle.

A notable person who indulged on set was Pa Ingalls, portrayed by Michael Landon. He gained some notoriety because of his substantial drinking habits and it was common knowledge that he often started sipping on whiskey barely after the day had begun.

 Walnut Grove Is The Real Deal

Would you consider Walnut Grove a thoroughly designed set? In fact, it’s not. It’s the actual hometown of Laura Ingalls, the author who inspired the development of the show, Little House on the Prairie, with her novel. Despite any preconceived notion you might have of Walnut Grove being a wholly fictional setting from Little House on the Prairie, this isn’t the factual truth.

This tiny town in Minnesota, with a population nearing 900, offers you a glimpse into what Laura Ingalls’ life might have been like. You have the opportunity to visit and see its current state for yourself.

The Show Only Got One Emmy For Acting

Given the widespread acclaim this show has garnered, it’s reasonable to anticipate a slew of awards coming its way. However, there’s a slight mismatch when you look at the actual awards collected. Having enjoyed a nine-year run, the show has been honored with some 16 Emmy nominations. Intriguingly, only one of these nominations was for acting.

The show was notable for other significant aspects as well. It received nominations at the Emmy’s for its cinematography and musical score, nominations which were truly deserved. Melissa Sue Anderson was singled out for an acting nomination, an honor which she absolutely merited.

 There Was An Injury On Set With A Horse

While viewing the show, you may struggle to distinguish between the performances of the supporting actor and the lead actor. During the filming of a scene for the show, Scottie MacGregor found herself in a challenging predicament. She had a severe accident by falling off the horse she was on, resulting in serious injuries.

The likelihood of her returning to complete the scene is nonexistent, hence a stand-in needs to be engaged to conclude the scene. You’ll observe that the stand-in is fully adorned in costume as they attempt to wrap up the scene. Thankfully, she recovered in no time and returned for the rest of the episodes.

 Kevin Hagen Stood For Actor’s Rights

In present times, actors, particularly those well-known in the industry, earn considerably more than they did in the past. The era of filming “Little House on the Prairie” was characterized by challenging circumstances for the actors. As a result, Kevin Hagen can be found standing up and advocating for actors’ rights similar to his own.

Kevin Hagen attempted to convince BBC to increase their payment for each episode they produced. Despite his best efforts to communicate this request, his appeal went unnoticed by the majority.

 Michael Landon Practiced Nepotism

It’s a well-known fact that favoritism due to family connections, or nepotism, is prevalent in the entertainment sector. Many famous personalities have achieved their statuses and salaries due to family support. This trend is not alien to the industry and as a result, it’s not shocking to witness it in the case of Little House on the Prairie. Michael Landon, also recognized as Pa Ingalls, was known to engage in this practice while the show was being filmed.

He appeared unconcerned about nepotism, making every effort to involve his daughters in the shows to the greatest extent possible. His daughters gave life to characters like Pam, Eta Plum, and Marge.

 Surgeries In Place for Melissa Gilbert

Issues are not always as straightforward as they may appear. Consider the case of Melissa Gilbert, who had to endure significant surgeries, specifically more than four instances of spinal fusion surgery. Each occasion was a formidable undertaking that necessitated a lengthy recovery period to heal.

The initial surgery occurred in 2001, and subsequent ones took place in 2010, 2016, and 2020. It’s safe to say she is resilient and hasn’t let these surgical procedures interfere with her acting career.

 It Somehow Predicted COVID

It may surprise you to learn this, but it is factual. By closely examining the details of this show, you’ll grasp how it vividly portrayed the potential of COVID or any other viral outbreak. You would be taken aback to discover that there are two episodes titled “Plague” and “Quarantine.”

This certainly leaves us perplexed. It could possibly be a glimpse into history, as dangerous illnesses have globally proliferated in the past. Yet, there are numerous parallels between the show and COVID, leading us to ponder if it could have been a prophecy.

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

Albert, the foster son, made his appearance in the fifth season of the TV series. Portrayed by Matthew Labyorteaux, he swiftly won the hearts of many. Furthermore, his tender age at that period made him a beloved figure among the cast and crew.

It’s Michael Landon who should be given credit for the creation of Albert. He was of the view that the family needed more male perspective. Thus, he introduced Albert to create a more balanced dynamic. Albert’s presence undoubtedly spiced things up as his character brought new happenings into the storyline.

 Karen Grassle Used Her Mom As Inspiration

Karen Grassle effortlessly slipped into the character of Caroline, with a lot of deliberation going into understanding the nuances of her role. Rather than drawing inspiration from external personalities and figures, she found the motivation for her character within her own family. She aimed to model the character of Caroline after her own mother.

Caroline is depicted as remarkably resilient and strong. Grassle mentioned that these traits were also present in her mother, making it easier for her to emulate them. It’s said that her mother was so tough, she would ride horses without wearing any shoes.

The Cast Had Eight Oscar Winners

Despite achieving substantial ratings during its broadcast period, the show didn’t receive the corresponding acclaim in the form of awards, especially when pertaining to acting accolades at the Oscars. Nonetheless, it was recognized in numerous other Oscar categories centered primarily on various components like music.

At the time, the ensemble was not as aged, and had fewer individuals who had won Oscars. Yet, many of them continued with their professions and subsequently won Oscars. These included figures such as Sean Penn, Burl Ives, and Eileen Heckart, who were recognized with Oscars both prior to and after this point.

MacGregor Missed Out On The Finale

Endings form a significant aspect of any series, typically featuring all the key characters. Despite this, Mrs. Oleson’s absence from the Little House on the Prairie’s cast in the final episode is conspicuous. Why this anomaly? It appears that the actress Scottie MacGregor had alternate obligations at the time.

Her struggle with alcohol abuse had reached a critical point, which prompted her to seek solace in Hinduism. During the recording of the final episode, she found herself at a spiritual refuge. Despite her reluctance to miss the climax, she was convinced that the purifying of her spirit took precedence.

 Victor French Went On To Try Something New

Victor French portrayed the character of Isaiah Edwards, a farmer, for roughly three successive seasons. Yet, he grew weary of the repetitiveness and decided to explore his options. Consequently, he resigned from the series and ventured into new areas. He took up a role in a small-town comedy series named the Carter Country.

Regrettably, his luck took a turn for the worse when the sitcom wasn’t renewed for a third season after the second one ended. Left without many options, French returned to the set of Little House on the Prairie. Fortunately, Landon and the rest of the crew welcomed him back without any complications.

Grassle Did Not Get Paid Well

Working on a TV show inevitably leads to problems regarding remuneration. Producers aim to reduce expenses, often leaving actors in a difficult situation. This occurred on the set of Little House on the Prairie. Karen Grassle, who portrayed Caroline, had some concerns about her compensation.

In an interview with Closer Weekly, she implied that Michael compensated her poorly and expressed a desire to revisit her contracts with him. As the executive producer, Landon had significant influence over such decisions.

The Team Got To Film On The Wizard Of Oz Set

Everyone is familiar with The Wizard of Oz. Now, picture yourself stepping foot on the very stage where it was filmed. Wouldn’t that be exhilarating? This is just what the crew of Little House on the Prairie experienced when they had the chance to shoot on the Wizard of Oz’s set. It was very evident that the cast couldn’t keep their excitement under wraps.

Melissa and Nellie Oleson spent all their time there dancing, singing, and indulging in pretend-play. The entire cast undoubtedly will cherish this time as there was an abundance of activities and sights to experience simultaneously.

There Was More Than Just One Try At Exploding The House

The climax of the show generated considerable buzz as it was set to feature a substantial explosion for audience intrigue. The detonation of the Ingalls’ residence at that juncture significantly intensified the finale. The explosion was meticulously orchestrated to execute flawlessly, although it demanded several trial runs before a successful final take was achieved.

In essence, the team experimented with detonating various items to understand how it could potentially affect the Ingalls house. Fortunately, everything carried out during this process was seamless with no accidents or injuries, which was a big relief.

One Actors Was Adamant On Keeps His Homestead

It’s not unusual for actors to take a keepsake from the set as a memento of their work on a show. However, it’s quite unthinkable for someone to take an entire set piece, such as a homestead. Yet Stan Ivar did exactly that because he was so smitten with it.

During the production of the final season, Stan Ivar, portraying John Carter, found himself compelled to claim the homestead. He meticulously disassembled the set in its entirety, a move uncommon amongst actors, with plans to incorporate it into his own residence. This intriguing act was followed by him reassembling it at his place, with potential intentions to eventually resell it.

You Will Find A Book On Faith By Baby Grace

Typically, actors share their experiences from their shows in interviews. But Wendi Turnbaugh, who played the role of baby Grace, chose a different route. Even though she was just a baby during her time on set, she managed to quickly comprehend quite a bit.

She began penning down her book which discloses her faith journey and how her time on the film set swayed her life. The book, titled A Prairie Devotional, was penned during her recovery phase from a brain tumor. It certainly makes for an engaging read and is sure to grip your attention for extended periods. The book presents a refreshing perspective on life.

Nellie Has Become A Major Gay Icon

It’s crucial for those in the acting world to stand with the LGBTQ community in their pursuit of securing their rights. This is something Alison Arngrim has openly demonstrated. Her character Nellie, from the Little House on the Prairie, has now become a significant symbol in the gay community.

Arngrim has displayed her commitment to the cause by appearing at DargCon, presenting her solo performance at a gay resort in Orlando, and serving as a dedicated advocate for AIDS awareness. The actress continues to illuminate a path of service, illuminating invaluable lessons for many as she strives to help people in the most effective ways possible.

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 provides a blend of Laura Ingalls’ novel and its television adaptation. It presents an entertaining and engaging atmosphere that could keep you engrossed for hours. Hence, do not miss out on experiencing all it has to offer.

Grassle Was Broke Before Starting The Show

Actors often face significant challenges at the beginning of their career, and Karen Grassle was no exception. She was financially struggling when she secured her role as Caroline. This role came along at a critical time and provided Grassle with a way out of her unfavorable situation. Although her pay from Landon was not as high as she hoped, especially considering the contract terms, it nonetheless improved her circumstances dramatically.

The actress stated that she was utterly penniless when she initiated her career. She exhausted all of her savings on traveling to England for her studies and then returning to the US, leaving her with zero funds at the beginning.