Karen Grassle, the beloved actress who played Caroline Ingalls on the iconic series "Little House on the Prairie," found her inspiration for the role in her own life. "I based her on my mother," Karen, now 78, reveals in an exclusive interview with Closer. "If you read Laura Ingalls Wilder's books or see photos, Caroline was a tough and sturdy woman. My mom, on the other hand, rode a horse barefoot to school and later taught in a one-room schoolhouse. I took her character's strength, wisdom, and infused Caroline with it."
That same resilience and determination also guided Karen through some of the most challenging moments of her life, such as adopting her son Zachary, co-writing and starring in the groundbreaking 1978 TV movie Battered to help abused women, and maintaining an acting career that spans more than five decades. In this exclusive Q&A with Closer, Karen opens up about her childhood, her favorite moments from "Little House," and why she feels incredibly grateful for her life. Keep scrolling to dive into the full conversation!
How Karen Grassle Landed the Role of a Lifetime
Back in the early '70s, Karen was fresh out of a year spent in England, working with a Shakespeare company and teaching. She returned to the States, broke and looking for opportunities. She was asked to fly to L.A. to play the lead in an independent movie, but when she arrived at the airport, there was no ticket waiting for her. Desperate, she wrote a bad check to get one and flew to L.A. only to find out the movie fell through. But fate had something else in store. Her agent sent her to audition for a series with Michael Landon, the star of "Bonanza." Karen wasn’t a big TV watcher back then, so when asked who Michael Landon was, she had no idea until her agent revealed he was "Little Joe." She was the last actress considered for the role, and after reading just two scenes with Michael, he was convinced. However, NBC had to approve her, so Michael conducted a closed-circuit TV interview with executives to secure her place in the show.
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Did 'Little House' Save the Day?
Karen’s journey to "Little House on the Prairie" was anything but smooth. When the independent movie fell through, it seemed like her trip to L.A. was for nothing. But as fate would have it, her audition for the show changed everything. Landing the role of Caroline Ingalls was not only a turning point in her career but also a life-changing experience that shaped her future in ways she couldn’t have imagined.
Michael Landon: The Heart of the Show
Michael Landon was a man of many talents and complexities. On set, he worked tirelessly to keep everyone happy and motivated. "He was always trying to make the crew laugh and ensure everyone was in good spirits," Karen recalls. However, the first year was particularly challenging for him. A falling-out with a producer left him as the sole captain of the ship, carrying the weight of the show on his shoulders. This pressure often made him moody, but it also fueled his passion for the project.
Which Child Actor Was Most Like Their Character?
When it came to casting the young actors, Karen believes the two Melissas—Melissa Gilbert and Melissa Sue Anderson—were perfectly cast. "They were just so right for their roles," she says. Despite their fame, Karen points out that the kids might not fully grasp what they missed by spending so much time on set. "They say they didn’t miss anything, but I think they don’t realize what they missed," she adds with a laugh.
Melissa Gilbert: A Natural from the Start
From the very first meeting, Melissa Gilbert stood out as a natural talent. "She came to the pilot cute as a button and sharp as a tack," Karen remembers fondly. Melissa quickly proved herself to be a gifted actress with instincts that made her performance unforgettable.
Michael Landon: A Complex Genius
Michael Landon was not only a prodigious talent but also a complicated man with a difficult upbringing. Despite his challenges, he had a deep love for his crew. However, when Karen expressed her desire to renegotiate her contract during the show's peak, Michael was resistant, making the situation difficult. "It was a tough time, but we eventually had a friendly conversation about the good old days before he passed away," Karen shares. "I’m glad we had that moment of healing."
Pay Inequities: Did It Cost Karen Roles?
While Karen didn’t speak publicly about the pay disparities during her time on the show, she acknowledges that her continued negotiations might have affected her career. "I’m not sure if Mike said things about me that could have been detrimental, but we had a good conversation before he passed," she says. After the show, Karen found herself typecast in roles that mirrored her character's style, but she was more focused on starting a family and adjusting to life as a stepmom.
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Notable Projects After 'Little House'
Despite the challenges, Karen went on to deliver some incredible performances, including her work with Dennis Weaver in the 1983 TV movie Cocaine: One Man’s Seduction and her role in the 1978 TV film Battered, which she co-wrote. "We were rewriting scenes up until the last minute, but Mike Farrell was amazing to work with," she recalls. "He stood for many of the causes I believe in, like abolishing the death penalty, and he’s incredibly attractive!"
Top Showbiz Moment
One of Karen’s most memorable experiences was working with Johnny Cash and his wife, June, on "Little House." "I had been listening to Johnny Cash's music since I was a kid," she says. "It was a dream come true to collaborate with such legends."
A Look Back at Karen's Childhood
Karen was born in Albany, California, just three miles from where she lives now. Her family moved to Ventura when she was in first grade. "My sister and I would ride our bikes to the beach or explore the hills nearby," she reminisces. "Our parents would always remind us how lucky we were to have such a wonderful childhood."
