When Melissa Gilbert took to Instagram to honor her dear friend and former co-star Jack Lilley, it wasn’t just a simple announcement—it was a heartfelt farewell to a man who meant so much to her and the "Little House on the Prairie" family. Jack Lilley, who passed away at the age of 91, wasn’t just an actor; he was a mentor, a friend, and a cowboy through and through.
A Lifetime of Memories: Melissa Reflects on Jack Lilley
On March 21, Melissa Gilbert penned a deeply personal tribute to Jack Lilley, sharing her cherished memories of him with her followers. She wrote, “The Little House family has lost one of our own. Jack Lilley has passed away. He was 91 years old.” But Melissa didn’t stop there. She went on to describe how Jack wasn’t just a co-star—he was one of her favorite people in the world. “He taught me how to ride a horse when I was just a wee little thing,” she reminisced. “He was so patient with me, never once saying no when I would bound up to him squealing, 'Can we go ride? Please, please, please?'”
Jack Lilley: A Man of Many Talents
Jack Lilley wasn’t just known for his role as Victor French’s photo double on "Little House on the Prairie." He had a long and storied career in Hollywood, appearing in iconic shows like "Gunsmoke," "Bonanza," "Dallas," and "The Virginian." But perhaps one of his most memorable roles was in Mel Brooks’ classic film "Blazing Saddles," where his comedic timing and rugged charm shone brightly. Melissa also shared a personal anecdote about working with Jack on a Western pilot for ABC called "Then Came Jones" in the early 2000s. Despite the pilot not being picked up, Melissa called it a joy to shoot and cherished the experience.
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Melissa’s Journey Back to Little House
Melissa, now 60, fondly recalled her time on "Little House on the Prairie," where she played Laura Ingalls throughout the show’s entire run. Jack Lilley had several roles on the series over the years, including a stage driver, wagon driver, and townsman. Melissa described the surreal feeling of stepping back into the world of Little House years later. “Our first read-through was at Paramount Studios, where we had shot Little House the first four years,” she wrote. “It was also on Halloween, which is Michael Landon’s birthday. That day, I found out we would be shooting at Big Sky Ranch, where we had shot Little House.”
She continued, “My first day on set was surreal, getting my hair and makeup done, laced into my corset, boots, and all. Such a strange déjà vu. Then I walked to the set itself, and before I could even focus, I heard a familiar voice holler, ‘Hey Halfpint, you old rat-ass!!!’ It was Jack. He was our wrangler for that pilot, and by his side was Denny Allen, who had been our wrangler on Little House. In that instant, I knew I was home.”
Melissa concluded her tribute by saying, “Jack always felt like home to me. He lived quite a life, and I am so lucky that he was my friend. All my love and prayers go out to his family, especially Clint (Burkey) Lilley. @stuntbagdrag Oh Jack…sweet prince…may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. Love always, Your Halfpint. @cbrancato86 #rip #littlehouseontheprairie #blazingsaddles #cowboy #western #realcowboy #stuntman #actor #friend.”
A Legacy in Hollywood
Jack Lilley’s career spanned decades, earning him 87 acting credits, including his most recent role in 2022’s "No Name and Dynamite Davenport." Beyond acting, he amassed 49 additional credits as a crew member and 30 credits for his stunt work. Jack’s legacy in Hollywood is one of dedication, talent, and a genuine love for the craft. His passing is a reminder of the enduring impact he had on those fortunate enough to know him, both on and off the screen.
