‘Little House On The Prairie’ Cast Remembers Michael Landon Ahead Of Show’s 50th Anniversary

It has been 50 years since Little House On The Prairie premiered in the mid-’70s, and castmates Melissa Gilbert, Karen Grassle, and Alison Arngrim had a sit down with Good Morning America to celebrate the feat and discuss the show’s lasting value after many decades.

Despite the nine-season sitcom ending in 1982, it is still being talked about and watched by the younger generation, and in response, Grassle mused, “People are finding values, comfort, and a message that they long for. And I think, you know, it’s just simple human decency.”

Remembering ‘Little House’s’ Pa

For Alison, the longevity of Little House has been “absolutely mind-blowing.” Melissa called it “overwhelming,” adding, “I’m remembering so much, and so much of my childhood and so many wonderful experiences and emotional experiences attached to all of these people.” She also noted that the late Michael Landon left a lasting impact on her as well.

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Landon played Charles Phillip Ingalls, a.k.a “Pa,” and worked as the series’ director and wrote several episodes. “Technically he was the TV girl dad,” Alison joked. Landon died in 1991 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, which he admitted was a result of his smoking and drinking. Melissa said he was “magnetic” and “drew me in, but he also played with me right away.”

“Our relationship immediately became parental…he treated us when he worked with us like contemporaries, not like kids,” she added.

50 years later

To celebrate the series’ anniversary, Landon’s family is collaborating with his former co-star Dean Butler— who played Almanzo Wilder — to launch Team Little House and raise money for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s upcoming PurpleStride event. “Michael’s passing was a great loss, but with your support, we can make gains against pancreatic cancer and help create a world where all patients will thrive,” the fundraising page states.

Melissa also credited her TV mom, Grassle, for her guidance on set, and she responded by saying she “can only think it’s love.” Other cast members will join the three ladies at the “Little House on the Prairie 50th Anniversary Cast Reunion & Festival,” a three-day festival starting this weekend in Simi Valley, California.