Reliving Nostalgia: ‘Little House on the Prairie’ Cast Reunites and Shares Behind-the-Scenes Secrets
As the iconic television series “Little House on the Prairie” gears up to celebrate its 50th anniversary this September, the cast members came together for a heartwarming reunion at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival in Monaco on June 15. This nostalgic gathering brought Karen Grassle, Alison Arngrim, Melissa Sue Anderson, Matthew Labyorteaux, Leslie Landon, and Wendi Lou Lee back into the spotlight, offering fans a rare glimpse into their cherished memories and experiences from their time on the beloved show.
A Journey Back to the 1970s Set Culture
During the Little House on the Prairie panel, the cast members reminisced about the unique culture of TV sets in the 1970s, which was markedly different from today’s standards. Grassle, who portrayed the matriarch Caroline Ingalls, shared candid details about the casual atmosphere on set. “Michael [Landon] was smoking. We were smoking around the kids,” Grassle revealed, referring to her late co-star who played Charles Ingalls. Alison Arngrim, known for her role as the mischievous Nellie Oleson, added, “No one thought that was strange then, at all.”
The casual approach to smoking on set was a stark contrast to today’s more health-conscious environments. “We were putting out our cigarettes in the dirt of the Little House on the Prairie. Can you imagine?” Grassle said, reflecting on how such behavior would be considered sacrilegious by today’s standards.
The Party Atmosphere and Changing Times
Arngrim further elaborated on the 1970s set culture, noting how commonplace smoking and drinking were. “It was the 1970s. You go to a set now, and the craft services where they have the snacks and the food, there’s organic food, there’s gluten-free options. We had donuts and coffee, big sugary donuts, and lots of strong coffee,” she explained. The actress humorously compared their experiences to the set of “Mad Men,” emphasizing how different things were back then.
Grassle pointed out that much of this party-like atmosphere carried over from the culture on sets like the cowboy-Western series “Bonanza.” However, despite the casual environment, there was a strong sense of respect and protection for the numerous child actors on set. “I must say that, from my point of view, it was after 4:00 when the kids went home that there was a much looser atmosphere on the set,” she recalled. “There was a real respect for the fact that we had children all around us.”
A Protective and Nurturing Environment
Alison Arngrim emphasized that despite the laid-back 1970s set culture, the cast and crew of “Little House on the Prairie” were very protective of the child actors. “I always felt our crew was very protective of us children,” she said. Matthew Labyorteaux, who played a young Charles Ingalls, echoed these sentiments, comparing his positive experience on the show to other sets he had worked on.
“Little House was unlike any set I’d ever been on,” Labyorteaux said, recalling his work on John Cassavetes’ 1974 movie “Woman Under the Influence.” He praised the “Little House” set for being protective, caring, and nurturing, which he described as incredibly unusual in the industry. “It’s like a young athlete, or a young actor, you just can’t do it on call every time,” he explained. “And they would be quiet and reverent and respectful and help you do your best.”
A Safe Haven for Child Actors
Acknowledging that not all child actors were fortunate enough to have such positive experiences, Arngrim noted the protective nature of their set. She humorously suggested that if anyone had tried to harm the children, the crew would have taken drastic measures. “You’ve seen so much press now that some of the terrible, terrible things that have gone on on sets,” said the former child star, who now advocates for the National Association to Protect Children. “I always said on ‘Little House,’ if someone had actually bothered me or the girls and the crew found out, you wouldn’t find the body.”
Reflecting on the Legacy of ‘Little House on the Prairie’
As “Little House on the Prairie” approaches its golden anniversary, the cast’s reflections highlight the show’s enduring legacy and the profound impact it had on their lives. The series, which aired on NBC from 1974 to 1983, continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, thanks to its timeless themes of family, perseverance, and community.
Karen Grassle fondly remembered the respect and camaraderie among the cast and crew, which created a positive environment for everyone involved. “There wasn’t cursing. There was a real respect for the fact that we had children all around us,” she said. This nurturing atmosphere allowed the young actors to thrive and deliver memorable performances that have stood the test of time.
The Impact of ‘Little House on the Prairie’
The show’s impact extends beyond its original run, as it continues to be celebrated in syndication and through various cultural events. The reunion at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival is a testament to the show’s lasting appeal and the strong bond shared by its cast members. As they reminisced about their experiences, it became clear that “Little House on the Prairie” was more than just a TV show; it was a formative experience that shaped their lives and careers.
Looking Forward to the 50th Anniversary
As the 50th anniversary of “Little House on the Prairie” approaches, fans can look forward to more celebrations and reflections on the show’s legacy. The cast’s reunion and candid discussions about their time on set offer a glimpse into the unique and protective environment that made “Little House on the Prairie” a beloved classic. The series’ timeless appeal and the strong bond among its cast members ensure that it will continue to be cherished by generations to come.
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