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

‘Little House on the Prairie’ was a popular TV show that charmed viewers with its touching stories about life in the 1800s. The show featured a wonderful cast who created memorable characters that people still love today. Sadly, several of those talented actors have passed away over the years. This article celebrates their lives and remembers the impact they had on television.

Michael Landon

Michael Landon was the emotional center of the series, playing the strong and caring father, Charles Ingalls. He was heavily involved behind the scenes too, serving as an executive producer and director for many episodes, and guiding the show’s overall creative vision until it finished. Sadly, Landon died on July 1, 1991, at just 54 years old, after bravely fighting pancreatic cancer. He was also beloved for his roles in shows like ‘Bonanza’ and ‘Highway to Heaven’, where he consistently connected with audiences.

Katherine MacGregor

Katherine MacGregor is fondly remembered for her role as the delightfully snobby and gossipy Harriet Oleson on the show. She was in every season and became one of the most well-known TV villains of the 1970s. MacGregor passed away on November 13, 2018, at a Los Angeles healthcare facility, at the age of 93. In her later years, she devoted herself to both her Hindu faith and participating in community theater.

Victor French

Victor French was known for his role as the kind-hearted but rugged Isaiah Edwards, and he was good friends with Michael Landon off-screen. He briefly left the show to star in his own comedy series but later came back. Sadly, French passed away from lung cancer on June 15, 1989, at the age of 54, only two years before Landon’s death. Many also remember him for appearing alongside Landon in the 1980s drama ‘Highway to Heaven’.

Richard Bull

Richard Bull, best known for his role as the kind and understanding Nels Oleson, often provided a sense of morality for his family on screen. He sadly passed away on February 3, 2014, at the age of 89, due to pneumonia. His death came just months before his wife, whom he had been married to for 65 years, also passed away – they were famous for their devoted relationship. Bull had a successful career in television and film, including an appearance in the popular series ‘Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea’.

Kevin Hagen

As a lifelong movie and TV fan, I was really saddened to hear about the passing of Kevin Hagen. He was wonderful as Dr. Hiram Baker, the town doctor who always looked after everyone in the community. He died at home in Oregon on July 9th, 2005, after a battle with esophageal cancer. He was 77. It’s great to know that after stepping away from Hollywood, he continued acting in local theater. He was such a familiar face, especially in westerns – he really left his mark on the genre with all the shows and films he appeared in.

Dabbs Greer

Dabbs Greer was beloved by many for his role as Reverend Robert Alden on ‘Little House on the Prairie,’ where he brought a sense of kindness and faith to Walnut Grove. He died on April 28, 2007, at age 90, after battling kidney and heart problems. Throughout his impressive career, which lasted more than 50 years, Greer also appeared in the acclaimed film ‘The Green Mile,’ and in countless other TV shows and movies of all types.

Merlin Olsen

Merlin Olsen, a former Hall of Fame football player with the Los Angeles Rams, became known for his role as the kind-hearted Jonathan Garvey on Little House on the Prairie, becoming a beloved friend to the Ingalls family. After a successful career in acting, he dedicated his time to charity work and sports broadcasting. Olsen sadly passed away on March 11, 2010, at the age of 69, after a battle with mesothelioma.

Hersha Parady

Hersha Parady, best known for her role as Alice Garvey on television, passed away on August 23, 2023, at age 78. She died at her son’s home after battling a brain tumor called a meningioma, which had affected her health in recent years. Many viewers remember her character’s heartbreaking death in a schoolhouse fire. Throughout her career, Parady also appeared on shows like ‘The Waltons’ and ‘Mannix’.

Karl Swenson

Karl Swenson was the actor who played Lars Hanson, the owner of the mill where Charles Ingalls frequently worked. Sadly, Swenson passed away from a heart attack on October 8, 1978, at the age of 70, very soon after filming the episode where his character also died. This real-life timing made his final appearance on the show especially touching. Before becoming known for his roles in television westerns, Swenson had a successful career in radio and voice acting.

Steve Tracy

Steve Tracy was the actor who played Percival Dalton on Little House on the Prairie and married Nellie Oleson. He’s remembered for helping to soften Nellie’s character. Sadly, Tracy passed away on November 27, 1986, at just 34 years old, from complications caused by AIDS. His strong bond with co-star Alison Arngrim motivated her to become a passionate advocate for HIV and AIDS awareness. He remained active in acting for both stage and television until his health began to fail in the mid-1980s.

Moses Gunn

Moses Gunn was a talented stage and film actor best known for his roles in movies like ‘Shaft’ and ‘The NeverEnding Story’. He also co-founded the Negro Ensemble Company in New York City and was a respected figure in his community, having previously been a boxer. Gunn sadly passed away on December 16, 1993, at the age of 64, due to complications from asthma.

Shannen Doherty

Shannen Doherty, who appeared as Jenny Wilder in the last season of ‘Little House on the Prairie’ and was the niece of author Laura Ingalls Wilder, became a well-known actress starring in shows like ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ and ‘Charmed’. She passed away on July 13, 2024, at age 53, following a courageous and public fight against breast cancer. Throughout her battle, she continued working in entertainment and bravely shared her experiences with her fans.

Let us know in the comments who your favorite actor was on the show!

2025-11-20 04:48