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Whatever Happened To: The Little House on the Prairie?

Posted: Friday, May 18, 2007 1:00 PM by Robert Ciridon

(From Anthony Galloway, Burbank Bureau Producer)

 

I've just returned from the set of "Little House on the Prairie."  I know what you're thinking - the television show went off the air more than 20 years ago (and in the final episode the people of Walnut Grove blew up the entire town.)  Granted, the buildings are gone, but the prairie is still there. 

 

Today, many of the show's cast members were there, too.  They traveled back to the prairie from cities far and close for an interview with Lester Holt. (Read Lester's Blog) Many of them hadn't seen each other or been back to the prairie since the show ended.  As the interview went on, I could see in their eyes how much the prairie meant to them.  It wasn't just a piece of land or a temporary set built for television.  To them, this was Walnut Grove - a place where some of them grew up and others grew older.  As they walked around the property with Lester, certain trees, roads and obscure landmarks would bring back memories.  Like the famous hillside at the beginning of each episode where the Ingalls daughters are running downhill.  Rachel Lindsay Greenbush, one of the twins who played Carrie Ingalls, told us part of that "show open" was actually an accident but was left in the show because it was so genuine.  There were lots of memories like these. 

 

The actors are now involved in various endeavors.  Some are still acting, others have moved away from the industry, one has become a doctor and another, a comedienne! A few have married and started families.  Today the actors came together just like a family.  Despite the absence of that little house, for one afternoon, they were home.

 

Do you have any special memories of Walnut Grove and the Ingalls family? Let us know, and don't miss Lester's visit with some of the "Little House on the Prairie" cast when it airs this Sunday on TODAY.

 

(Photo by Jeffery Scribner -- From L-R: Leslie Landon, Charlotte Stewart, Alison Arngrim, Dean Butler, Richard Bull, Lester Holt, Katherine MacGregor, Karen Grassle, Katlynn and Rachel Lindsay Greenbush) More Photos

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I was so excited to hear the Today show talk about Little House. I grew up seeing this show and purchased the videos years ago. I still watch the show today and hope my 1 yr. old enjoys it as much as I do when she gets older. Good old wholesome TV!

Elisabeth Perez, Wesley Chapel, FL (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 10:46 PM)

What a great way to kick off What ever happened to...! I grew up watching LHOP and I have often wondered what happened to some of the cast members. It was a great show, teaching family values, something I feel is missing from today's tv programs.

Paula King (Sent Friday, May 18, 2007 11:13 PM)

Back in the late 80s, when "Highway To Heaven" was still running original episodes on NBC, my mom was a waitress at Heidi's restaurant in the Lake Arrowhead Village, Lake Arrowhead, California (Heidi's, like TV's Walnut Grove, is no longer in business). Lake Arrowhead is a mountain resort town in the San Bernardino mountains that has seen a lot of celebrites visit, buy weekend homes, and shoot movies in the area (most recently the movie "Next" with Nicolas Cage which was shot in the nearby town of Crestline). Anyway, back to the story. One day, ironically a day that I was supposed to pick her up from work, she was up front when somebody said, "Landon. Party of four." Of course it was Michael Landon, his wife Cindy and their two kids. My mom was just as much a fan of "Little House" and "Highway To Heaven" as I was and still am. She said that Mr. Landon was a gentleman, and Cindy and the kids were nice as well. Unfortunately they left by the time I came to pick her up. It would have been great to meet a man who worked on countless TV programs that continue to bring joy to millions of people everywhere even sixteen years after his death. I think he will end up being like Lucille Ball. Her first "I Love Lucy" show aired on October 15, 1951 and that show is still being rerun even though it ceased production fifty years ago this year (and Lucy herself has been gone nearly 18 years). I can see people still watching "Little House on the Prairie" in the year 2024 (fifty years after Little House originally aired). It is a classic.

Allen, Lake Arrowhead, California (Sent Saturday, May 19, 2007 3:42 AM)

In the early 1970's, my third grade teacher read the class a chapter from the Little House book series each afternoon. We were totally absorbed in the stories, and pleaded with her daily to read more than time would allow. One day, she ended the afternoon with the news that the books were coming to television...OOOOOO!This was the greatest thing she could have told us! I remember floating home on a cloud of joy to tell my mother all about it. I cherish that time in my childhood, and I still love the books and show...they're a comforting retreat to a simple, kinder place and time.

Susan Belvidere New Jersey (Sent Saturday, May 19, 2007 9:35 AM)

I am beyond excited to see this reunion. I loved Little House as a little girl, I now watch it w/ my 6 yr. old son. He enjoys it as well!!! It's a wonderful show that teaches such important values, all should watch.

Sue Bayside, NY (Sent Saturday, May 19, 2007 12:58 PM)

The stories of Laura Ingalls Wilder are still alive and well, being told at each one of the eightMuseum's that bear her name. They are located in Burr Oak, Iowa; Spring Valley, Minnesota; Pepin, Wisconsin; Walnut Grove, Minnesota; DeSmet, South Dakota; Independence, Kansas; Mansfield, Missouri and Malone, New York. Visit soon and often!!! These Museums receive absolutely NO FUNDING from HarperCollins Publishers (the publishers of Laura's books) or the person who owns the copyrights to Laura's books (which generates millions of dollars each year). You can help by contacting HarperCollins publishers in New York and encouraging them to start a fund for these Museums (however small) and contribute to the great legacy of this phenomenal author. Her books have never been out of print since the early 1930's!!!! She is still one of the highest selling children's authors HarperCollins publishes. Help keep her legacy alive. Thanks for your help.

Ferneva Brimacomb, Decorah, Iowa (Sent Saturday, May 19, 2007 12:58 PM)

This is a fabulous idea! I have always wondered what happened to characters of old TV shows. Thank you so very much for doing this!

Linda Hawkins, Madison, VA (Sent Saturday, May 19, 2007 10:18 PM)

I grew up in the 70's watching little house after school. I have children of my own now and they are watching the episodes on DVD. I love the family values that are being taught in each episode. Me and my wife enjoy watching them as well.

Erron Kelly, Indianapolis, Indiana (Sent Saturday, May 19, 2007 10:44 PM)

I was first introduced to "Little House on the Prairie" by my 5th grade teacher (Mrs. Wilmont) who would also read us a chapter of the books every day. I watched the shows faithfully when they were originally on the air and my daughter (who is now 25) loved them as well. The show taught basic human values and is still a national treasure!

Chris McAtee Des Moines, Iowa (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 8:54 AM)

You totally teased us Lester! We want more from the LHOP reunion! How sad that there aren't any of the buildings left from the show. The family cabin should have been transported to the Smithsonian! Thanks for giving us a brief glimpse of the cast, it was very well done.

James, Indianapolis, Indiana (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 8:54 AM)

Michael Landon was a creative genius having produced one of the most heartwarming shows ever. I will never tire of watching Little House. Katherine MacGregor and Alison Arngrim played their characters brilliantly. (Don't we all have to deal with ugly people like that in our own lives!) Kudos for a great piece on the Today Show! God Bless:)))))

Alison Perry, Naples, FL (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 8:54 AM)

What ever happen to Willie Oleson and Albert Ingalls? Where are they now?

Kris Fontaine Va. Beach, Va. (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 8:54 AM)

I used to watch Little House whenever I could,and now I am watching it on reruns, sometimes with my grandchildren. They also enjoy it, and ask all kinds of questions. Whatever happened to Matt Laborteaux, who played Albert and also Patrick Laborteaux?.. Is Patrick the actor who plays the young Lieutenant on JAG? There should be more shows on television like Little House.

Jacqueline Tracy, Chicopee, MA (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 8:55 AM)

i loved watching little house it was a family show it taught you so much about every subject of life the good ,bad and ugly it also gave something else what it was like to live in those days where people really loved each other and feared god it seems the good shows are taken off the the air for some reason i would love to see the reunion my kids and i watch the dvd set that we have and they love it and so do i

stacey baltimore md (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 8:59 AM)

This was by far the best show on television in the 70's, unfortunately todays shows can't compare with Little House.I bought my daughter the books, she still has them and has passed them down to her daughters. Thank you Lester for the update.

Diane Barnes Avon Lake Ohio (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 9:00 AM)

Little House on the Prairie is the best show ever, grew up like them on the farm, if only the children knew what it be like with no bathrooms, electrictiy, water, as now have everything, the children didn't know what a outhouse was. It will be a wholesome show for the future generations to come. Pearl Thunn

Pearl Thunn, Omaha, Nebraska (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 9:02 AM)

What a shot of joy I received this morning when I turned on Lester to see my old friends from LHOP! When the show aired originally, I was too busy taking care of my four babies for much tv watching, but I find that today, I look for the reruns almost daily - practically the only wholesome television to be found today. Good job! Great way to start my day!

Janelle Avery, Tuscaloosa, Alabama (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 9:04 AM)

i lived for monday nights when little house came on. and i watch the reruns everyday. i also own the dvds. the stories were so wonderful. it was good to see where some of the cast is at now. i am happy to know that my grandchildren will be able to enjoy these shows just like i have for so many years

pmayberry, palmersville, tn (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 9:04 AM)

Wow what a show.My favs. are the christmas ones.

Tami Reading,Pa. (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 9:10 AM)

PLEASE!, put this on your sight as a video. Many of us who wanted to watch this interview were unable to.

Brenda Roanoke VA (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 9:12 AM)

My two daughters, when they were small, used to watch Little House with me. We still watch the reruns on TVLand and on HallMark TV chennels. I just love the show and was so happy to see most of the cast there with Lester Holt, filmed for the Today Show today. Only thing - I missed seeing the main star, Melissa Gilbert and her TV sister, Mary, played by Melissa Sue Anderson! Of course, we miss Michael, Victor and Dabs!!!!

Susan Wyatt (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 9:13 AM)

Our family grew up with Little house and are still watching reruns. No matter how you try. there will never be a better show.

Connie Hardy,Summitville,Indiana (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 9:20 AM)

I never watched the series when it first aired because I thought it would be boring; however, I had back surgery last year and during the six weeks I was recovering I figured I couldn't be any more bored than I already was so I started watching the show in the mornings. They would run the early shows in the morning and the later-in-years shows in the afternoon so I caught up on the series quickly. It was addicting to me and I loved every minute of them, in fact, I still watch reruns when they are on. I never caught the final show but hope it is aired some day so I can see how it ends.

Ray Oliver, Plano Texas (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 9:29 AM)

i enjoyed watching your reuion show and only wished more of the "family" members could have participated. i watch little house almost each evening (although it's on 4 times a day in my area!). i have told my 8 year-old niece elizabeth about laura ingalls wilder and have started her w/ the little house on the prairie series as well. thanks

kathleen ,somerset,MA (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 9:32 AM)

More! Please do more on this wonderful show and its characters! This is not old news, it's as fresh as it was the day the shows were on the air. We still watch these shows when they air in reruns, and on DVD.

Sheila, Fort Worth, TX (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 9:44 AM)

I have watched this show so many times, that I can tell you what episode it is within seconds of turning to the channel. I love that show.

Cheryl SLC, Utah (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 9:57 AM)

Thanks for watching the segment. You can see more photos here on the Today show site by clicking: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/18740245/pg=6#tdy_wknd_prarie

A. Galloway, Burbank, CA. (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 10:15 AM)

This is great. I only wish I would have seen the report. Please post it as a video. As a child books were my escape and I loved the books as well as the show. My 11 year old now enjoys watching the reruns as well. I agree that we now need a family series such as this. It would make it...

Brenda, Kingwood, TX (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 10:26 AM)

I've always loved Little House, I never get tired of watching to this day. This is the type of shows that we should still have on TV today. Thanks for doing this reunion show, the only thing with it was it was way to short! Also it would have been great to have seen Half Pint, Mary, Albert and Willy!! I love all the show's, but will agree with Tami from Reading PA., the Christmas shows are my all time fav's. Thanks again, if there is a next time, please make it longer so we can hear more from all these great actors.

Sharon, Columbia, PA. (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 10:28 AM)

I grew up watching and loving Little House on the Prairie. I still watch the re-runs now. My daughter is 7 and loves watching with me. I've just purchased her the Little House book series~ and can't wait to read them with her. I wish today's television viewing was pure and enjoyable to watch.

Darla Huber, White Oak, Pa (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 10:31 AM)

LHOP is one of my fav shows. Both my daughter(17)and I enjoy watching it together. It has become "our" show. No matter where we are or what we are doing, we stop for LHOP time. It is "our special prairie time".

Debbie Mahoney, Villas, New Jersey (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 10:37 AM)

Thank you so much for airing the segment on Little House. The 10 years I spent as costumer on the show was a true privilege. It was long hours and hard work (I still hate doing laundry) but a joy none-the-less to work with the great group of people who made up the cast and crew of this very special show. Though I have lost touch with them, I think of them often and they will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

Richalene Kelsay, Alva, Florida (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 10:50 AM)

As so many others I grew up watching LHOP, and as a 37 yr old mom of 2 I still have to get my LHOP fix almost daily. My 6 year old daughter loves it as well. I was so suprised to see your reunion this morning, especially Richard Bull and Katherine McGregor! What a treat! Please post the video on your website- so I can see the reunion interview from the beginning.... thanks so much for this wonderful treat.

Theresa Roman, Blaine MN (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 11:26 AM)

How cool Richalene Kelsay that you were a costumer on the show! :) It must be wonderful for you to see your 'family' again. Me and my mom love Little House. It's our all time favorite show! It's great to see the cast again :)

Daisy de Vries, Bodegraven, The Netherlands (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 12:03 PM)

Hi, I also loved LHOP but I would like to know where is Melissa Sue Anderson now? If possible, do another episode on LHOP.

Elaine Mayville, Wyandotte, MI (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 1:09 PM)

Since I first watched "Little House" with my family growing up in the 70's we have all been big fans of this wonderful show. We are all history buffs and it has inspired us through the years to explore the history of the real Ingalls family. My parents even had the opportunity to visit "Ma and Pa's" house in DeSmet, in South Dakota, and Laura and Almanzo's house in Mansfield, Missouri! I often read the books that they brought back for me and I still watch the show at least once a day. I own all 9 seasons and I plan to show them to my new son as he grows! Thank you for the opportunity to revisit with the very special people that made this show so great! Miss you, Michael Landon!!!

Yvonne Roumanis, Trinity, FL (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 1:36 PM)

HEY RICHALENE!!! It's Alison - yeah Nellie! CALL ME!! Or you know, go to my website www.hgd.com/alison and e-mail me or something!! We were soooo talking about you the other day! I miss you.

Alison Arngrim (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 2:47 PM)

Please post the video segment online for viewing. Thanks!

Kittie McGuire, Sylvania, Ga (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 3:16 PM)

I loved the show this morning! What movies/shows are filmed on that land now? Is it the "Love Comes Softly" series of movies? Thanks again for an awesome skip down memory lane!

Becky, Wetumpka, Alabama (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 4:31 PM)

I was soo happy to see that Lester visited with the LOHP cast. I can remember that monday night was always LOHP night and that we would pop popcorn.To this day I cannot help but get hungry for popcorn whenever I catch a rerun.

jame brooks, kent city michigan (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 4:41 PM)

I am so glad you put together this segment. I heard the advertisement for it, however, I missed it. Will you be re-airing the interview or putting it on this website for future viewing. Thanks

Brian G., Chicago,IL (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 5:36 PM)

I had to tape the segment this morning because I am a pastor and had to preach; thanks so much for a great segment! The books and show are such a gift to the world! The Little House sites are well worth visiting; our family has been to the real Walnut Grove and played in Plum Creek as well as spent time in DeSmet, SD where the real Laura met and married Almanzo Wilder and a pageant is held every summer. It's also so great to go to Mansfield, MO, to visit Rocky Ridge Farm where Laura wrote all of the Little House books.Wonderful visits! The Ingalls-Wilder families still come alive at these sites. Keep reading these wonderful books to your children; they instill tolerance, joy in simplicity and above all the strength of young women!!

Rev. Betsy Bruaw, Hershey, PA (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 5:57 PM)

I love Little House On the Prarie, but I missed the interview Lester did. Can you put the video on the Today Show website? I own all the DVD's and watch it all the time. I would love to see a reunion show or better yet a live reunion with the cast member and all the fans!

Brain C. Mehlenbacher (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 6:04 PM)

I'm Peruvian and I grew up seeing The little House but in spanish version named La familia Ingalls, my hole family enjoyed the show every Sunday and now that I moved to Texas I'm watching the show in english version, I love this show and I think this is the best show ever. It was amazing to see all these people together, remind me all the good times I had with my parents and sister watching this show together. My favorite ones Harriet and Nellie Oleson, love u girls.

Cecilia,Lake Jackson, Texas (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 7:39 PM)

I so much enjoyed your segment about LHOP. As I read through the other comments I realize just how many people out there really love the show. I own almost the entire collection of dvd's. I watch them quite frequently as do my 2 youngest boy's. I still cry when I watch the shows, even though I have seen everyone of them over and over. If only we could have good clean wholesome family shows on t.v. today.

Melinda Lovell, Martinsville, IL (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 9:10 PM)

I've enjoyed watching Bananza, Little House On The Praire and Highway to Heaven for years. It wouls be awesome to see every Member of the cast on Little House that are still with us today. Wish today's Good Morning America Show would have had all of the cast. It would have been nice to see Albert and Nellie's brother today. Also, the man who owned the logging mill that Mr. Ingles worked at.

Jesse Bottome, North Carolina (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 9:46 PM)

I am confident that if you did a one or two hour evening special on Little House and the ENTIRE cash of actors/characters, it would be well received. There are more fans than you think. Thank you for doing this reunion, but I MISSED IT!! Please please re-run this or put the video on the internet. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!

Vicki Leonard, Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City, CA (Sent Sunday, May 20, 2007 9:53 PM)

What ever happened to Mary? I myself, visited the home of the Ingels when I was very young. Saw their personal items. Really miss those days of sitting around the TV with the family watching a real feel good show. One you could laugh and cry with.

Theresa Conway, PA (Sent Monday, May 21, 2007 8:59 AM)

Little House on the Prairie was long popular by the time I started watching, being only 27. I was always so captivated by this show....but even more so once I found out that my mother named me after a character on the show. Alyssa was an imaginary friend of Carrie in an episode (one of the few episodes I HAVEN'T seen).

Alyssa Lowe, Warsaw, IN (Sent Monday, May 21, 2007 9:04 AM)

LHOP has made more positive impact in raising our children than any other show ever in history. True character development gave us an opportunity to relate their experiences. We truly laughed and cried WITH them. We are so grateful to have the DVDs.

Louise Hebbeler, Knoxville, TN (Sent Monday, May 21, 2007 9:54 AM)



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