Let's take a trip down memory lane to the set of Little House on the Prairie, a television show that has left an indelible mark on history. For the young actors who spent their formative years filming this iconic series, it wasn't just another day at work. Melissa Gilbert, who famously played Laura "Half-pint" Ingalls, shares with Closer Weekly, “We were incredibly fortunate. The set felt like a second home, and we truly became a second family.”
Life at Big Sky Ranch: Where Magic Happened
Imagine growing up in a place where every day feels like a grand adventure. That's exactly what it was like for the younger cast members of Little House on the Prairie. Filmed at Big Sky Ranch from 1974 to 1983, this picturesque location became a playground for the young actors. Melissa Gilbert, now 57, reminisces about the experience in Closer’s latest issue, available on newsstands now. “It was the ultimate game of dress-up,” she says with a laugh. “I wore high-button shoes, rode in wagons, played with horses, cattle, chickens, and made lifelong friendships with my fellow castmates.”
A Bond Beyond the Screen: Melissa and Alison's Unbreakable Friendship
On the show, Laura and Nellie Oleson were often at odds, but off-screen, Melissa Gilbert and Alison Arngrim, who portrayed Nellie, became inseparable. Alison jokes with Closer, “They tried to take our childhoods, but Melissa and I kept stealing them back.” Their pranks were legendary. “We loved to go out in public, get recognized, and give people a little scare,” Alison recalls with a mischievous grin. This camaraderie added depth to their on-screen chemistry, making their performances all the more authentic.
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The Pranks of Big Sky Ranch
Who says work can't be fun? Michael Landon, the heart and soul of the series, often joined in on the mischief. Rachel Greenbush, 51, who alternated the role of young Carrie Ingalls with her twin sister Sidney, remembers fondly, “We used to catch frogs in the creek and bring them back to Michael. He would put them in his mouth, walk up to someone, open his mouth, and let the frog jump out! It was hilarious to watch people freak out.”
A Tight Ship with a Heart
While there was plenty of fun, Michael Landon also ran a disciplined set. “He was very clear about what he wanted in every shot and scene,” Alison explains. “There was no room for drama because Michael wouldn’t tolerate it.” Despite the professionalism, the cast and crew formed a tight-knit community that extended beyond the screen.
Not All Roses: The Challenges of a TV Family
Like any family, there were bumps in the road. Melissa Sue Anderson, who played the eldest daughter Mary Ingalls, didn’t always gel with the other kids. Alison recalls, “She was quiet and kept to herself.” Melissa Gilbert admits in her 2009 memoir Prairie Tales: A Memoir, “There was a certain distance to her, a coldness. I sometimes wonder if it was just that I never knew how to break through and connect with her.”
Things got more complicated between Michael Landon and Karen Grassle, who played Caroline “Ma” Ingalls. Karen explains, “When the show was in the top 10, I asked for a renegotiation of my contract, but Michael didn’t want to pay me. It was a tough situation.” This tension eventually led Karen to leave the show in 1982. Michael, juggling multiple roles as producer, star, and director, faced immense pressure. In an attempt to save the show, he shifted the focus to the younger cast members.
A Complex Legacy
Michael’s personal life also took a turn when he divorced his wife of 19 years, Lynn, and married Cindy Clerico, who worked on the Little House set. Melissa wrote about the uncomfortable position this put her in, “My family was loyal to Lynn, so my relationship with Mike began to fade. It was an awkward place to be, especially since he wasn’t my real father.”
