Remembering ‘Little House on the Prairie’ Stars We’ve Lost: Michael Landon, Patty Maloney and More
Over the years, the world has lost a number of the actors who appeared on ‘Little House on the Prairie’
As one of the most popular Western drama series, Little House on the Prairie drew in audiences not only for its wholesome yet thrilling storylines, but also for its star-studded cast and impressive list of guest stars. But all good things must come to an end and since the end of Little House in 1983, the world has lost a number of the cast’s stars.
Little House launched the careers of guest stars like Shannen Doherty, who went on to be featured in shows like Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed, while adding to the success of Michael Landon that began with the long-running Bonanza. From the loss of him to the deaths of guest stars like Dabbs Greer, these are all of the stars from Little House the world has said goodbye to.
Michael Landon
Background: Michael Landon first broke into the entertainment industry as Little Joe Cartwright on Bonanza, a series in which he starred from 1959 until 1973. Prior to this long-standing role, Landon had guest appearances on shows such as The Adventures of Jim Bowie (1956), Crusader (1956) and Crossroads (1956-57). In 1957, he became Tony Rivers in I Was A Teenage Werewolf, which was a smash hit. Soon after, Landon led the cast of Little House from 1974-1983.
Character: Landon portrayed Charles “Pa” Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie. Charles was the father of Laura Ingalls (Melissa Gilbert), the star of the Western series; Mary (Melissa Sue Anderson) and Carrie (Sidney/Lindsay Greenbush). Charles was also married to Caroline “Ma” Ingalls (Karen Grassle).
The character was more soft-spoken than most, often avoiding violence. He was also very generous, frequently taking those less fortunate into his home.
Life after Little House: After nine years on Little House, Landon quickly began starring in his own series, Highway to Heaven, as angel–returned–to-earth, Jonathan Smith. The show ran from 1984 to 1989. He also starred in the movies Sam’s Son (1984), Where Pigeons Go to Die (1990) and Us (1991).
Personal: Landon was married three times during his life: Dodie Levy-Fraser from 1956-1962, Lynn Noe from 1963 to 1982 and, finally, Cindy Landon from 1983 until he died in 1991. The actor was also a father to nine children: Mark, Cheryl, Josh, Leslie, Michael Jr., Shawna, Christopher, Jennifer and Sean.
Death: Landon passed away on July 1, 1991, of pancreatic cancer. He was 54 years old.
Katherine MacGregor
Background: Before her starring role on Little House, MacGregor had smaller parts in Love of Life (1951), The Student Nurses (1970) and Mannix (1970-71).
Character: MacGregor portrayed Harriet Oleson, mother to Nellie (Alison Arngrim) and Willie (Jonathan Gilbert) and wife to Nels (Richard Bull). Harriet is often considered the town gossip, as well as a very stubborn, snooty person.
Life after Little House: Following the nine years she spent on Little House, MacGregor retired from screen acting and began to focus on children’s local theater.
Personal: MacGregor was married twice — first to actor Bert Remsen from 1949-1950 and later to Edward G. Kaye-Martin from 1969-1970.
Death: MacGregor died on November 13, 2018, of congestive heart failure. She was 93 years old.
Richard Bull
Background: Prior to his role on Little House, Richard Bull was known for his roles in The Thomas Crown Affair (1968) and The Andromeda Strain (1971). He also appeared in episodes of Highway Patrol (1957-1959), Bewitched (1967), and Hawaii Five-O (1969).
Character: Bull was cast as Nels Oleson, father to Nellie and Willie and husband to Harriet. Nels was the complete opposite of his stubborn wife, as he was kind, patient and a good man. The couple often bickered with one another, but Nels always remained devoted to her and his family.
Life after Little House: Following his role on Little House, Bull held smaller roles on series such as Knots Landing (1985), Hill Street Blues (1985-86), Highway to Heaven (1985-88) and ER (1999).
Personal: Bull was married for 66 years to his wife, Barbara Collentine.
Death: Bull died on February 3, 2014, of pneumonia. He was 89 years old.
Victor French
Background: Before he became Isaiah Edwards, French had multiple smaller roles on series like The Donna Reed Show (1962), Lassie (1965-66) and Bonanza (1962-1971).
Character: Victor French starred as Isaiah Edwards. He became a close friend of the Ingalls family during the series and was a good man, but often dealt with alcoholism and depression as a result of to personal tragedies. He remained close to the family and Laura’s family as she grew up.
Life after Little House: In the aftermath of Little House, French joined the cast of Highway to Heaven with Michael Landon, who became a close friend off-screen.
Personal: French was married twice: first to Judith Schenz from 1959 to 1975 and then to Julie Cobb from 1976 to 1978. The actor had three children: Tracy, Kelly and Victor Jr.
Death: French died on June 15, 1989, due to lung cancer. He was 54 years old.
Kevin Hagen
Background: Kevin Hagen had dozens of smaller roles on shows such as Maverick (1962), The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (1965-67), Bonanza (1961-67) and Gunsmoke (1958-1968).
Character: Hagen starred as Dr. Hiram Baker, often referred to as Doc Baker, was the town doctor and veterinarian. He was very kind to his patients and friends and often worked alone.
Life after Little House: After his role on Little House, Hagen starred in General Hospital (1986), Matlock (1987) and The Ambulance (1990).
Personal: Hagen was married three times: to Susanne Cramer from 1967-1969; Dorali Dossantos from 1969-1980 and Jan Hagen from 1993-2005. He was also a father to son Kristopher.
Death: Hagen died on July 9, 2005, from laryngeal cancer, at age 77.
Dabbs Greer
Background: Before his time on Little House, Dabbs Greer starred in dozens of movies and TV series. He had roles in Father Knows Best (1955), Adventures of Superman (1952-58), The Twilight Zone (1962-63) and Lassie (1954-65).
Character: Greer portrayed Reverend Robert Alden for the duration of Little House. The Reverend was always a loving and caring man and maintained a close relationship with the Ingalls family.
Life after Little House: Beyond Little House, Greer starred in Little Giants (1994), Con Air (1997) and The Green Mile (1999).
Personal: Dabbs Greer was never married and never had any children.
Death: Greer died on April 28, 2007, from cardiovascular disease at age 90.
Shannen Doherty
Background: Doherty had very few roles prior to her stint on Little House, but did appear on Night Shift (1982) and Voyagers! (1982).
Character: Doherty starred as Jenny Wilder on Little House, the niece of Laura and Almanzo. The character had a rough time on the show, dealing with grief and bullying.
Life after Little House: Following her short time on the series, Doherty rose to fame in roles such as Heathers (1988), Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990-1994) and Charmed (1998-2001).
Personal: Doherty was married a total of three times, to husbands Ashley Hamilton (1993-94), Rick Salomon (2002-03) and Kurt Iswarienko (2011-2024).
Death: Doherty died on July 13, 2024, due to a long battle with breast cancer. She was 53 years old.
Patty Maloney
Background: Before she made her appearance on Little House, Patty Maloney had a few smaller roles in projects such as The Brady Bunch Variety Hour (1976-77), Charlie’s Angels (1977) and The Love Boat (1978).
Character: Maloney portrayed Alice Bates in one episode of Little House, Season 9 Episode 5 titled “Little Lou.” She was the wife of the character Lou Bates (Billy Barty) and died during childbirth, leaving Lou on his own. Although her role is small, Maloney is remembered for her part in the episode.
Life after Little House: After briefly appearing on Little House, Maloney had roles in The Little Rascals (1982-83) TV series as Darla, Dumbo’s Circus (1985-86) and A.J.’s Time Travelers (1995).
Personal: Maloney was married to Joseph Vitek from 1961 until he died in 1968.
Death: Maloney recently died on March 31, 2025, after experiencing multiple health issues.
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