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LOOK: The stars of ‘Little House on the Prairie’ reunite
It’s hard to believe it’s been 50 years since the Ingalls family made their television debut in 1974.
“Good Morning America” reunited with cast members Melissa Gilbert (Laura), Karen Grassle (Caroline, Laura’s mother) and Alison Arngrim (Laura’s nemesis Nellie Oleson) to celebrate the series’ 50th anniversary and discuss his lasting legacy.
MORE: ‘Little House on the Prairie’ Star Melissa Gilbert on Embracing Aging and Finding Love Later in Life
As to why generations of fans continued to watch the show long after its more than 200 episodes over nine seasons came to an end in 1983, Grassle had an idea.
“People are finding values, comfort and a message that they long for,” he said. “And I think it’s just human decency.”
Arngrim added that the show seemed like a hit at the time, but its staying power is “absolutely mind-blowing” to her.
“It’s overwhelming, actually,” Gilbert interjected. “I’m remembering so, so much of my childhood and so many wonderful, emotional experiences associated with all of these people.”
Among those who have left a lasting impact on Gilbert is the late Michael Landon, who not only played Ingalls patriarch Charles, also known as “Pa,” but also produced the series and directed and wrote many episodes.
“Technically, he was the TV girl’s father,” Arngrim laughed.
Gilbert called Landon, who died in 1991 at the age of 54, “magnetic,” saying he “attracted me but also played with me right away.”
“Our relationship immediately became paternal,” he continued. “But when she worked with us she treated us like contemporaries, not like children.”
As Gilbert’s Laura grew from a girl to a woman on the show, she was also guided by her television mother.
Grassle, reflecting on what Caroline, or “Ma,” gave to Laura and, by default, to those who watched the show, said, “I can only think of it as love.”
The trio of actresses, and other cast members, will reunite at the “Little House on the Prairie 50th Anniversary Cast Reunion and Festival” this weekend for the three-day festival taking place from the 22nd to the 24th. March in Simi Valley, California. Get more details here.
See then and now photos of “Little House on the Prairie” cast members:
Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls Wilder)
Karen Grassle (Caroline Ingalls, aka “Ma”)
Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)