Little House on the Prairie’ Actor Jack Lilley Dies at 91

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Fans of “Little House on the Prairie” are grieving over the passing of one of the series’ actors, Jack Lilley, who was 91 at the time of his death. Melissa Gilbert, who portrayed Laura Ingalls in the show, shared heartfelt memories of Lilley both on and off-screen through a touching post on Instagram. Notably, Lilley, who had roles in popular Western series like “Bonanza”, “Gunsmoke”, and “The Wild Wild West”, among others, took Gilbert under his wing to teach her horse-riding when she was just a child after persistently asking him for lessons. On the show, Lilley played a stagecoach driver, demonstrating his equestrian skills, making him an ideal instructor for Gilbert in learning to ride horses.

She started off by expressing, “To begin, let me share that our dear Little House family has experienced a loss. Jack Lilley has sadly passed away at the age of 91.” She went on to reminisce about cherished moments, “He was not only a beloved member of this family but also one of my most treasured individuals in the world. He patiently taught me how to ride a horse when I was quite small and I remember his kindness every time I squealed ‘Can we go for a ride? Please, please, please!’

As I’ve spent more years working alongside Jack, it felt like he became part of my family. He led an incredible life and I feel incredibly fortunate to have him as a friend. My heart goes out to his family, especially Clint (Burkey) Lilley during this difficult time. Oh Jack…gentle soul…may your journey through the heavens be peaceful.

‘Little House on the Prairie’ Wasn’t the Only Time Jack Lilley and Michael Landon Were On-Screen Together

Jack Lilley’s part in “Little House on the Prairie” was just as substantial as his extensive career suggested. Interestingly, Michael Landon, who portrayed Charles Ingalls in “Little House,” had previously worked with Lilley. This is because Lilley featured in 13 episodes of “Bonanza,” a Western series where Landon starred as Little Joe Cartwright. In “Bonanza,” Lilley assumed diverse roles such as a juror and a brawler. Additionally, he collaborated with Michael Landon Jr. in the television movie “Bonanza: The Next Generation.

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I found myself captivated by the nine-season run of “Little House on the Prairie.” This Western series, which graced our screens in the 70s and 80s, was a brilliant adaptation from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved “Little House” book series. The story unfolds in the 1870s, chronicling the exciting journeys of the hardy Ingalls family.

In this heartwarming tale, I had the pleasure of portraying the affable stagecoach driver across 37 episodes. My character quickly resonated with viewers, earning me a cherished place in their hearts. Not only did I star in the series, but I also got the opportunity to reprise my role in three made-for-TV movies: “Little House: Look Back to Yesterday” (1983), “Little House: The Last Farewell” (1984) and “Little House: Bless All the Dear Children” (1984). These additional roles allowed me to further immerse myself in the captivating world of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s timeless saga.

In the television series Little House on the Prairie, Michael Landon played Charles Ingalls, Karen Grassle portrayed Caroline Ingalls, Melissa Gilbert took on the role of Laura Ingalls Wilder, Melissa Sue Anderson was Mary Ingalls Kendall, Lindsay Sidney Greenbush acted as Carrie Ingalls, Dean Butler appeared as Almanzo Wilder, Katherine MacGregor gave life to Harriet Oleson, Richard Bull brought Nels Oleson to the screen, and Victor French embodied Isaiah Edwards.

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2025-03-22 00:32