Over the last five decades, Little House on the Prairie has continued to be a cherished piece of media, with devoted fans all around the world. In an exclusive interview with Parade, two of the show's stars, Alison Arngrim, who played Nellie Oleson, and Dean Butler, who played Almanzo Wilder, spoke about the show's long-lasting legacy and their beloved characters. The pair also shared their favorite and least favorite Little House on the Prairie episodes, some memories about their late co-star, Michael Landon, and whether they'd consider filming for the upcoming NetflixLittle House on the Prairie series.
In addition, Arngrim and Butler discussed the new documentary, Little House Homecoming, which focuses on the show's most enduring storylines, its enthusiastic fans, and the real-life locations of Wilder's famous childhood. The documentary, directed by Jonathan Parker, features interviews from different Little House on the Prairie personalities, including Arngrim, Butler, Charlotte Stewart, the actress behind Laura Ingalls' (Melissa Gilbert) beloved teacher, Miss Beadle, Wendi Turnbaugh, who portrayed Grace Ingalls, and Karen Grassle, who starred as Caroline “Ma” Ingalls.
Dean Butler & Alison Arngrim Shared Why They Believed 'Little House on the Prairie' Is So Timeless
Dean Butler in 'Little House Homecoming' Photo Credit: Jonathan ParkerArngrim said she believes the story of the Ingalls is universally relatable. She stated that fans from different countries have told her they are drawn to the show's emotional storylines where the Ingalls face hardships. She explained she believes it's easier to connect with the Ingalls' experience than with privileged characters.
She also said that certain characters, like Nellie, who is often a problem for Laura, and her difficult mother, Mrs. Oleson (Katherine MacGregor), represent archetypes that people encounter in their everyday lives.
In addition, Arngrim said that the show's "filmmaking, the cinematography, the directing, [and] the acting" is another reason it has held up so well.
"Walnut Grove, either in the books or in the series, is its own little world that people step into to discover a kind of a decency and humanity that doesn't go away," said Butler in the Parade interview.
In addition, he said that the series has "never gone out of fashion because it was never in fashion."
"He went, 'What is this phenomenon?' Because it blows people's minds," said Arngrim.
"[He] realized this needed to be a film. This needed to be a documentary of this connection of the fans to the show, to the books and what it all means," said Arngrim to Parade.
"People were crying. People were crazy, standing ovation. They were losing their minds," said the actress.
"Jonathan decided that he wanted to honor that by finding out and exploring what it is about these books, these stories that resonates for people," explained Butler.
"My favorite is 'Bunny,' where [Nellie] goes down the hill in the wheelchair," said Arngrim.
"I went to speech class when I was a kid. I was friends with the stutterers. I'm like, 'No, this is like the worst.' So it actually kind of creeped me out while I was doing it. I call it the episode where I hate me. It's like that bad, but it works and it's brilliant," said Arngrim to Parade.
Butler also shared that he enjoyed the two-part season 8 episode, "Days of Sunshine, Days of Shadow." He explained that his character, who got diphtheria, and his new wife, Laura, have to deal with "one horrible calamity after another." However, the couple manages to "come through it," despite their "self-doubt and depression," giving the audience a sense of hopefulness.
He then shared he doesn't love the season 9 episode, "For the Love of Blanche," wherein Mr. Edwards (Victor French) has custody of an orangutan. "Somehow an orangutan ends up in Walnut Grove. And it just made no sense to me. Why are we going down this road? I mean, there's certainly something redemptive about acceptance and all that in this episode. But come on, an orangutan?" said Butler.
"It feels very allegorical to the world we're living in right now. And it really stunned me at the clarity of this message and how people ultimately have to stand up for themselves," said the actor.
Alison Arngrim & Dean Butler Opened up About Michael Landon
Arngrim described Landon as "this burning fire of creativity and work ethic." In addition, she said he "was so funny" and would do "anything for a joke."
She then shared a story from filming Season 2, Episode 10 ("At the End of the Rainbow") that exemplified Landon's habit of teasing his co-stars. She noted that the episode called for Nellie to crash "through the screen door," which meant she had to hang "in the door" for a long period of time. She said while shooting the scene, which "took forever," she asked, "Why didn't you just get a dummy for this?"
She also shared that he encouraged her to act as wicked as possible when playing Nellie.
The actress also fondly remembered Landon's signature laugh.
Meanwhile, Butler said he appreciated that Landon, who "had a tough life growing up, found a calling in that life to do something better for people."
He also said that Landon thoroughly enjoyed working on Little House on the Prairie.
Landon was among the many incredible behind-the-scenes workers who ensured the series was successful. Arngrim, who began starring on Little House on the Prairie when she was 12, told Parade that the set "was such an incredible place." The actress said that the show's crew consisted of "characters," who had ties to the Golden Age of Hollywood.
She also suggested it sometimes felt surreal to star on the series, especially when filming with guest stars like Patricia Neal, Ernest Borgnine, andJohnny Cash.
"It was kind of this mind-blowing thing. I mean, I go back to school because I was still in school. And I go to school. And it's like, 'Yeah, what happened to you?' And it's like, I felt like I was making it up," recalled Arngrim. "I mean, it's like, I don't know what happened to me. 'I went down a hill in a wheelchair. And then I was in an executioner's outfit. And there was a dungeon.' And they're like, are you doing some kind of drugs, Alison? What is happening to you? Do you need to see the school counselor?'"
Alison Arngrim Revealed If She's Anything Like Her Iconic 'Little House' Character
Alison Arngrim in 'Little House Homecoming' Photo Credit: Jonathan Parker"When I got there, they just handed me these sides. I didn't know what Nellie Oleson was. As soon as I read it, I turned to my father went, 'This girl, she's a b---h. This is terrible,'" said Arngrim while speaking to Parade.
She also revealed whether she shared any qualities with Nellie. The actress said she can identify with Nellie's appreciation of the finer things. However, she said she is nicer than her on-screen counterpart, which Butler confirmed.
Production of Neflix's new Little House on the Prairie series began in the summer of 2025. The show will star Alice Halsey as Laura, Luke Bracey as Pa, Crosby Fitzgerald as Ma, and Skywalker Hughes as Laura's sister, Mary, per Netflix.
"That'd be a trip. I mean, I always say I'm old enough to be Mrs. Oleson now, and if they have my phone number, I'm available," said Arngrim.
Butler chimed in that he believes there will eventually be a collaboration between the original show's stars and the cast of the new series. He explained that while the new show is going to be "different," he thinks it will share the original series' "goodness."
Dean Butler & Alison Arngrim Revealed Their Proudest Moments
Butler and Arngrim opened up about their experiences with Little House on the Prairie fans during their interview with Parade. Butler said he had a wonderful experience celebrating the show's 50th anniversary in Simi Valley, where the series was filmed, for a 2024 fan event. He suggested he was pleasantly surprised when he was greeted by thousands of Little House on the Prairie enthusiasts.
He also said it's been an "incredible gift" to be a part of a show that brings so much joy to its fans.
Arngrim said that she also received a warm welcome from fans during a convention in Walnut Grove. She said that she and her former Little House on the Prairie castmates decided to do "a gag," where they introduced everyone on stage except her.
Arngrim and Butler will be joined by several of their Little House on the Prairie co-stars, including Grassle, Stewart, and Patrick Labyorteaux, who played Andy Gravy, for the upcoming 2025 Little House on the Prairie Cast Reunion. The three-day event, which will take place from December 12 to 14, will be held at Strathearn Historical Park in Simi Valley, California. According to the event's website, guests have the chance to meet the show's stars, look at collectibles, enjoy holiday music, and watch holiday-themed Little House on the Prairie episodes. Adult general admission tickets are priced at $59.
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