Every Major ‘Little House on the Prairie’ Star Who Passed Away

The beloved television series ‘Little House on the Prairie’ captivated audiences for years with its heartwarming portrayal of life in the late 1800s. Many talented actors brought the citizens of Walnut Grove to life and created characters that remain etched in television history. While the show continues to find new fans across generations, the cast has suffered significant losses over the decades. This article remembers the distinguished actors from the series who have sadly passed away and honors their lasting contributions to the entertainment industry.

Michael Landon

Michael Landon was the heart of the series as the rugged and loving patriarch Charles Ingalls. He served as the executive producer and director for many episodes and shaped the creative direction of the show until it ended. Landon passed away on July 1, 1991, at the age of 54 after a public battle with pancreatic cancer. His career also included iconic roles in ‘Bonanza’ and ‘Highway to Heaven’ where he continued to touch the hearts of viewers.

Katherine MacGregor

Katherine MacGregor gave a memorable performance as the gossiping and snobbish Harriet Oleson. She appeared in every season of the show and became one of the most famous television villains of the 1970s. MacGregor died on November 13, 2018, at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Los Angeles. She lived to the age of 93 and had spent her later years dedicated to the Hindu faith and local theater productions.

Victor French

Victor French played the rough but lovable Isaiah Edwards and shared a close real-life friendship with Michael Landon. He left the series for a short time to star in his own sitcom but eventually returned to his popular role. French died from lung cancer on June 15, 1989, at the age of 54 just two years before Landon passed away. He is also well remembered for co-starring with Landon in the drama ‘Highway to Heaven’ during the 1980s.

Richard Bull

Richard Bull portrayed the patient and long-suffering Nels Oleson who often served as the moral compass for his family. The actor passed away on February 3, 2014, at the age of 89 due to complications from pneumonia. He died only months before his wife of 65 years passed away and they were known for their incredibly strong marriage. Bull enjoyed a long career in television and film that included a role in the classic show ‘Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea’.

Kevin Hagen

Kevin Hagen played the town’s dedicated physician Dr. Hiram Baker who cared for the physical and emotional health of the community. He died on July 9, 2005, at his home in Oregon after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer the previous year. The actor was 77 years old at the time of his death and had moved away from Hollywood to perform in local theater. Hagen was a staple of the western genre and appeared in numerous other shows and films throughout his career.

Dabbs Greer

Dabbs Greer brought warmth and spiritual guidance to Walnut Grove as the Reverend Robert Alden. He passed away on April 28, 2007, at the age of 90 after suffering from kidney and heart disease. Greer had an incredibly prolific career that spanned over half a century and included a memorable role in the film ‘The Green Mile’. His recognizable face appeared in hundreds of television episodes and movies across various genres.

Merlin Olsen

Merlin Olsen joined the cast as the gentle giant Jonathan Garvey and became a close friend to the Ingalls family. He was a Hall of Fame football player for the Los Angeles Rams before he successfully transitioned into acting. Olsen died on March 11, 2010, at the age of 69 after battling mesothelioma. He devoted much of his later life to charitable works and sports broadcasting after his acting career concluded.

Hersha Parady

Hersha Parady played the role of Alice Garvey and is best remembered for her character’s tragic death in a schoolhouse fire. She passed away on August 23, 2023, at the age of 78 in the home of her son. The actress had suffered from a brain tumor known as a meningioma which impacted her health significantly in her final years. Her career included guest spots on other popular television programs like ‘The Waltons’ and ‘Mannix’.

Karl Swenson

Karl Swenson played the town founder Lars Hanson who owned the mill where Charles Ingalls often worked. The actor died of a heart attack on October 8, 1978, at the age of 70 shortly after filming the episode where his character passed away. This coincidence added a poignant layer to his final appearance on the series. Swenson had a long history in radio and voice acting before he became a familiar face on television westerns.

Steve Tracy

Steve Tracy played Percival Dalton who married Nellie Oleson and famously helped her become a kinder person. He died on November 27, 1986, at the age of 34 due to complications related to AIDS. His close friendship with co-star Alison Arngrim inspired her to become a dedicated activist for HIV and AIDS awareness. Tracy continued to work in theater and television until his health declined in the mid-1980s.

Moses Gunn

Moses Gunn appeared as Joe Kagan who was a former boxer and a quiet leader within the community. He was a highly respected stage actor and a co-founder of the Negro Ensemble Company in New York City. Gunn passed away on December 16, 1993, at the age of 64 from complications caused by asthma. His impressive body of work included roles in major films like ‘Shaft’ and ‘The NeverEnding Story’.

Shannen Doherty

Shannen Doherty played Jenny Wilder in the final season of the show and was the niece of Laura Ingalls Wilder. She went on to become a massive international star with lead roles in ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ and ‘Charmed’. Doherty died on July 13, 2024, at the age of 53 after a long and public battle with breast cancer. She remained active in the entertainment industry and shared her health journey openly with her fans until the end.

Please leave a comment below to tell us which of these talented actors was your favorite character on the show.