Biography
The iconic Little House on the Prairie ran from 1974-1983, becoming one of the biggest hits in the history of television. Over the course of it’s run, numerous actors appeared. Some have gone on to massive success, some have purposely sought the quiet life, and others have landed somewhere in between. Let’s take a look at where all the major Little House players have ended up. Did you even remember #12 was on the show?
Known for playing the blind Mary Ingalls on Little House, Anderson has mostly stayed out of the public eye since the show ended, choosing to live quietly with her family in Canada. She did write a memoir about her time on the series in 2010.
Unlike his older brother Patrick, Matthew Labyorteaux hasn’t done much acting work since Little House, with the occasional role in TV shows and movies and some voiceover work on cartoons. However, despite suffering from autism, Matthew has spearheaded the brothers’ efforts to use their charity, The Youth Rescue Fund, to help runaways and other children in crisis.
Jason Bateman is, perhaps, the most famous Little House alum. It took a while to get there however, as several of Bateman’s later projects tanked, leading him to seriously contemplate quitting. That all changed when he won the part of Michael Bluth on Arrested Development. Not only did the part make him an icon in home circles, but it led to roles in blockbusters like Juno and Horrible Bosses.
Michael Landon was a big star prior to Little House, playing Little Joe on Bonanza, and more so later starring on Highway to Heaven, which he created. Sadly, Landon’s life was cut short by pancreatic cancer in 1991.
Longtime stage actor Victor French was best known for playing villainous bad guys until he began working with Michael Landon. On both Little House and Highway to Heaven, French played roles that redefined his persona. Sadly he passed away from cancer in 1989, just two years before Landon himself passed on.
