Remembering the Stars of Little House on the Prairie We’ve Lost
Little House on the Prairie transformed Laura Ingalls Wilder’s literary works into a beloved television series from 1974 to 1983. The production featured iconic performers like Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert, while also introducing future stars including Shannen Doherty through guest appearances.
Though decades have passed since the final episode aired, numerous cast members’ contributions remain cherished despite their passing. From Landon’s enduring influence on his co-stars to Patty Maloney’s March 2025 death, we honor the legacies of these performers who shaped television history.
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Shannen Doherty
The entertainment world mourned Shannen Doherty’s passing on July 13, 2024, following her prolonged battle with cancer.
Leslie Sloane, Doherty’s representative for over two decades, shared with PEOPLE: “With profound sadness, we announce Shannen’s passing after her courageous fight against cancer. Surrounded by family and her beloved dog Bowie, she left us peacefully. We respectfully request privacy during this difficult time.” The actress first received her breast cancer diagnosis in 2015.
Before achieving fame through Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed, Doherty launched her career portraying Jenny Wilder during the concluding season of Little House.
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Michael Landon
Michael Landon, beloved for his portrayal of Charles Ingalls, succumbed to pancreatic cancer on July 1, 1991, mere months after disclosing his diagnosis. The father of nine left behind a profound professional and personal legacy.
Melissa Gilbert later reflected on Landon’s egalitarian approach: “He taught us that every crew member held equal importance. We all shared modest dressing rooms – even Michael himself. No hierarchy existed in our working environment.”
On the 31st anniversary of his death, Gilbert expressed enduring grief, describing Landon as “my guiding light, scene partner, preferred director, paternal figure, confidant, and leader.”
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Patty Maloney
Patty Maloney, known for her role as Alice Bates, passed away at 89 on March 31, 2025, following multiple strokes. Her brother Dave Myrabo celebrated her life to The Hollywood Reporter: “Despite physical challenges, she achieved remarkable success in a world not designed for people of her stature.”
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Billy Barty
Barty, Maloney’s onscreen spouse, died from heart complications in December 2000. Beyond acting, the advocate for little people established influential organizations including Little People of America, leaving an indelible mark on disability representation.
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Dabbs Greer
Dabbs Greer, portraying Reverend Robert Alden in Little House, passed away in May 2007 at age 90. Multiple sources reported his prolonged struggle with renal and cardiac conditions preceding his death.
The series’ Instagram account later highlighted how Greer’s character, absent from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s original novels, symbolized the collective religious figures influencing Wilder’s frontier experiences.
A commemorative post noted: “While Reverend Alden never existed in Laura’s writings, he perfectly embodied the compassionate clergy who supported pioneer families through hardships.”
Victor French
Victor French not only starred as Isaiah Edwards across 50+ episodes and three films but also directed 18 installments including Little House: Look Back to Yesterday and Little House: Bless All the Dear Children.
Diagnosed with lung cancer, the 54-year-old actor concluded his career portraying Mark Gordon alongside Michael Landon in Highway to Heaven, passing in June 1989.
Ernest Borgnine
Screen legend Ernest Borgnine guest-starred on Little House during a career spanning six decades, celebrated for films like Marty and From Here to Eternity. The Oscar winner succumbed to kidney failure in July 2012 at 95.
Hersha Parady
Hersha Parady, known for her fourth-season role as Alice Garvey, died peacefully at her son’s residence in August 2023. The 78-year-old actress had battled a cranial tumor prior to her passing.
Katherine MacGregor
Katherine “Scottie” MacGregor, beloved for her recurring role as the scheming Harriet Oleson, died peacefully at 93 in 2018. Originally slated for minor appearances, her dynamic performance secured her permanent status.
Co-star Melissa Gilbert fondly recalled: “Beyond her on-screen persona, Katherine radiated warmth, serving as a maternal figure to younger cast members.”
Richard Bull
NFL Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen transitioned to acting as Jonathan Garvey in 1977. The former Rams tackle died at 69 in 2010 following a mesothelioma diagnosis linked to asbestos exposure.
Jack Lilley
Former co-star Melissa Gilbert announced Jack Lilley’s March 2025 passing at 91, commemorating the actor/horseman who mentored her childhood self: “He patiently taught me equestrian skills, always indulging my eager requests for rides.”
Lilley, remembered for multiple Little House roles and his appearance in Blazing Saddles, “lived an extraordinary life,” Gilbert added. “I cherished our friendship deeply.”
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