Karen Grassle gained fame for her exceptional portrayal of Caroline Ingalls on the beloved television series “Little House on the Prairie.” Even today, the show and its diverse cast of characters remain widely recognized and cherished by fans worldwide, who continue to enjoy watching it.
The delightful atmosphere on the set of “Little House” left a lasting impression on many actors and actresses involved. According to numerous accounts, Michael Landon was particularly keen on ensuring that everyone on set enjoyed themselves and wrapped up filming promptly to head home.
However, Karen Grassle has recently revealed a contrasting experience, at least in her interactions with Michael Landon.
The iconic television series “Little House on the Prairie” continues to be aired in over a hundred countries, maintaining a consistent presence on television screens since its debut in 1974.
Several cast members of this historical western drama, which revolves around the Ingalls family living on a farm near Walnut Grove, Minnesota, garnered widespread recognition for their roles in the show. Foremost among them is often Michael Landon, whose passing in 1991 left a significant void.
“Little House on the Prairie” catapulted Melissa Gilbert and Karen Grassle, along with others, into the realm of household names. With so many remarkable performances to choose from, it’s challenging to select a favorite.
For Karen Grassle, landing the role of Caroline Ingalls, affectionately known as “Ma,” on “Little House on the Prairie,” marked a pivotal moment that profoundly altered her life.
Born in California on February 25th, 1942, Grassle pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of California before venturing to London to attend the esteemed Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts.
While in London, she immersed herself in the theater scene, collaborating with the Shakespeare company. Despite her passion for acting, Grassle faced financial struggles. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “I spent a year in England teaching and working with a Shakespeare company and returned to the United States penniless.”
Indeed, life’s most incredible moments can often stem from unexpected coincidences. Karen Grassle found herself in precisely such a situation.
While Grassle was occupied with another project during the casting period for “Little House on the Prairie,” fate intervened in a remarkable way. Despite her prior commitments, she serendipitously landed a role on the show.
Recalling the moment, Grassle reminisced, “When I arrived at the airport, there was no ticket for the flight I was supposed to take to Los Angeles to play the lead in an independent film.”
“Because I was with my lover, I wrote a bad check to get one because I had sublet my place.” However, the film was scrapped when I landed in Los Angeles.
At that juncture, her agency presented her with a proposition. Michael Landon, whom she initially dubbed as “this guy from Bonanza,” was involved.
“I wasn’t a big TV watcher,” she confessed.
The opportunity was for an audition for the television series “Little House on the Prairie,” naturally. The show, centered around the Ingalls family in the Midwest during the nineteenth century, starred Landon, with Grassle auditioning for the role of Caroline Ingalls.
“I was the sole candidate at the audition,” Grassle claimed.
“They’d interviewed every suitable candidate in Hollywood.” Time was ticking as they had already cast everyone else. After I read my second scenario to him, Mike sprang up like a jack-in-the-box and said, “Bring her to wardrobe!” However, because NBC had to approve me, he conducted executive interviews via closed-circuit television.
When Grassle was offered the part, her life changed forever.
Navigating the auditioning and onboarding process for a new show can be intimidating. However, Grassle noted that Landon always made an effort to include everyone.
“He was always trying to make the crew laugh and keep everyone happy,” she remarked. Though he could be grumpy at times and was a relentless worker, he had a lot on his plate that first year. He was the sole captain after he had a falling out with a producer.
She quickly bonded with the other actors and actresses, particularly forging a strong connection with Melissa Gilbert, who portrayed Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Karen decided to model Caroline after her own mother, incorporating aspects of her own personality into the character.
“Caroline was really tough and sturdy,” she remarked, “if you read Laura Ingalls Wilder’s writings and see images.” As a young lady, my mother taught in a one-room schoolhouse and rode her horse to school barefoot! So I infused Caroline with her strength, integrity, and wisdom.
Despite Karen and the rest of the cast and crew’s love for the excitement of “Little House,” not everything behind the scenes was perfect.
As “Little House” gained popularity and attracted more viewers, the performers sought a share of the success. Karen Grassle believed she deserved more compensation because she was one of the show’s stars at the time.
However, her pursuit for a better deal led to a heated argument with Michael Landon.
She described Michael as having incredible talent. “A complex individual with a troubled family who genuinely cared about his employees.” When the show reached the top 10, Michael refused to increase my pay, and I said, “Gee, it’s time to renegotiate my contract.” It was quite difficult.
As expected, the atmosphere was not always harmonious. Because of their dispute, Landon and Karen’s relationship suffered significantly. She was actually hesitant to address the issue of inadequate compensation.
Why? She feared it would irreparably damage her relationship with Landon.
“At the time, I didn’t speak out publicly,” she admitted. “Perhaps Mike’s potential negative remarks about me were a result of my persistence in negotiating.”
It’s been 40 years since Grassle portrayed Caroline Ingalls on “Little House.” Despite their disagreement over her pay, she and Landon reconnected shortly before Landon’s passing in 1991.
Grassle recalled, “We had a pleasant conversation reminiscing about the good old days. I was glad that we were able to mend things.”
Cindy, Landon’s widow, also reflected on her late husband’s demeanor during the “Little House” era. She had been employed as an extra on the show and first met Michael while working on the set of the 1976 television movie “The Loneliest Runner.”
“People assumed he was very serious, but Michael was actually quite lighthearted,” Cindy said in 2019. “He was passionate about his work, but he always came home with a smile. He was a wonderful parent who enjoyed teaching the kids and had a keen curiosity about everything.”
Jennifer, Landon’s daughter, added, “He was simply the best! But that doesn’t mean we got away with everything. There was a lot of respect and discipline in our household, but my dad always made things fun too.”
Michael Landon had a remarkable ability to instill a sense of magic and anticipation in those around him, making them believe that something extraordinary was about to unfold or that a discovery was on the horizon.
Many of the actors and actresses who worked on “Little House” have attested to it being a profoundly beautiful experience, regardless of the time they spent on the show.
Michael Landon had a knack for putting everyone at ease, regardless of the size of their role. Dean Butler witnessed it all from the very beginning, starting with the auditions.
When Butler returned for his third audition for the role of Almanzo Wilder on “Little House,” he specifically wanted to read for director Michael.
Butler recounted that as he was reading for Michael, the director peered at him through a pair of binoculars, raising his hand in a distinctive manner. “It was exhilarating to witness; what an incredible director and star he was.” Landon entered the room fully dressed in character—boots, jeans, the works.
Dean Butler was greatly appreciated by Landon, and as expected, he was swiftly offered the role.
“At the end of the reading, he asked, ‘What are you doing in May?'” Butler recalled.
Dean Butler’s rapport with Landon was evident, and as anticipated, he was promptly offered the role.
“And as I struggled to remain seated, I replied, ‘Well, I’ll be taking final exams.’ He asked when they would be finished. ‘On May 18,’ I responded. He concluded, ‘I’ll see you on the 21st.'”
Butler noted, “The way Michael portrayed it, both the books and the ‘Little House’ series were recounted through the eyes of a young girl.”
There was a charming, humble, and delightful quality to it. “Little House on the Prairie” was heartwarming and evocative, presenting life as beautiful and comforting. Because of its nostalgic appeal, the audience responded warmly to it.
Dean arrived on the “Little House” set just days after graduating from college. The first day on the job, like any other, can be daunting. However, having Michael Landon nearby made it much easier.
In his first scene, Butler was tasked with pulling a horse-drawn wagon 200 yards down a hill. When Michael called “action,” he had never attempted it before, so things didn’t go as smoothly as planned.
He recalled thinking while driving, “Oh my god, this is my first shot, it’s my big day, this is it.”
Butler released the reins to reach for his hat, only for a sudden gust of wind to snatch it away. The horses, startled, veered off the road towards an oak tree.
Amidst the audience’s screams, a crew member intervened just in time to steer the horses clear of the tree.
Dean’s debut on “Little House” could have gone smoother, with Michael Landon ultimately stepping in to salvage the situation.
Butler recalled Landon’s quip, “Well, I guess I’ll have to double, you know,” as he approached, cigarette in hand. “I can’t replace the horses on the show, but I can double for you.” Despite it being his first encounter with Landon, it turned out to be quite enjoyable.
According to his son, Landon was a devoted family man who ensured that the crew returned home each evening to dine with their families. Whether in show business or not, that’s how an exceptional profession should operate, in my opinion.
Dean Butler, Karen Grassle, Michael Landon, and the rest of the cast will always be remembered for their incredible contributions to the show!