This “Little House on the Prairie” star turns 83! The actress became a mom, just like her character Caroline, with a slight difference.
This actress, known for portraying Caroline Ingalls—fondly called “Ma”—on “Little House on the Prairie,” has just turned 82! Born during World War II in Albany, California, not far from where she currently resides, she has enjoyed a long, accomplished career and a life full of memorable experiences.
The famous actress on the set of “Little House on the Prairie,” circa 1974. | Source: Getty Images
By the time she entered first grade, her family had moved to Ventura. She looks back on her childhood with fondness, remembering how she and her sister would ride their bikes to the beach or explore the hills around them. Their parents frequently reminded them how lucky they were.
The famous actress on the set of “Little House on the Prairie,” circa 1974. | Source: Getty Images
Although her life has been filled with wonderful memories, she has encountered obstacles along the way. While her career flourished, she experienced difficulties with co-star and producer Michael Landon. When she first joined “Little House on the Prairie,” Landon welcomed her warmly.
The famous actress on the set of “Little House on the Prairie,” circa 1979. | Source: Getty Images
The actress recalled that he was a superb director who helped her feel at ease in her very first TV role. They had an outstanding rapport and took pleasure in each other’s company on set.
The famous actress photographed with her “Little House on the Prairie” co-star, including Michael Landon, circa 1974. | Source: Getty Images
However, things shifted during the show’s second season. At that point, she felt underpaid, given the importance of her character. Although she was hesitant to stir up trouble, she believed she deserved a fair wage and decided to speak up.
The “Little House on the Prairie” star circa 1980. | Source: Getty Images
She had her first taste of child-rearing with her second husband, Alan Radford.
She reached out to the higher-ups, asking for a salary boost. Landon chose to handle it personally, holding several one-on-one meetings where he tried to persuade her to back down. Yet she stood firm.
The famous actress as Caroline Quiner Holbrook Ingalls and Michael Landon as Charles Philip Ingalls in “Little House on the Prairie,” circa 1974. | Source: Getty Images
Landon argued that producers wouldn’t raise her paycheck because her character supposedly wasn’t a “favorite.”
The actress in “Little House on the Prairie,” circa 1975. | Source: Getty Images
Despite his resistance, she eventually received the pay increase, but with unintended consequences. She ended up with fewer scenes, and Landon became distant and curt. She reflected:
“I felt insulted as his costar on a hit series. I didn’t want to gouge anybody, but I expected a fair wage. But, as a woman in the 1970s film industry, I was so accustomed to these putdowns, it never occurred to me to sharply rebuke him.”
Michael Landon and the famous actress on the set of “Little House on the Prairie,” circa 1974. | Source: Getty Images
She shared that the atmosphere on set became tense, but both of them remained professional. Fortunately, they mended fences before Landon passed away, and she bore him no ill will. She also confessed she missed their friendly exchanges after it was all over.
Michael Landon and the famous actress on the set of “Little House on the Prairie,” circa 1974. | Source: Getty Images
Even after the series concluded, she applauded Landon for his excellence as both actor and director. She admired how dedicated he was to uniting families through wholesome shows that everyone could enjoy, saying, “I am very grateful that we mended our fences.”
Michael Landon and the famous actress on the set of “Little House on the Prairie,” circa 1974. | Source: Getty Images
Becoming a Mom Like Caroline, but in Another Way
This actress is Karen Grassle, who is still going strong at 82. She reflected on her life at 78, remarking on the many wonderful moments she has enjoyed and expressing pride in her life story.
Grassle said she has plenty to be thankful for. Being part of that hit TV show was only one part of her list of blessings.
Karen Grassle at “The Cable Show” on April 30, 2014, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
These days, Grassle remains the strong, confident woman her mother taught her to be.
These days, Grassle continues to embody the resilience and self-assurance instilled in her by her mother.
Looking back, Grassle spoke fondly of her early years, crediting her mom and dad with showing her real love. She drew inspiration from her mother’s “strength and wisdom” to portray Caroline on “Little House on the Prairie,” and later used those qualities in her own parenting. However, becoming a parent wasn’t always simple for her.
Karen Grassle during the opening ceremony of the 63rd Monte-Carlo Television Festival on June 14, 2024, in Monaco. | Source: Getty Images
She had three marriages in total. Grassle’s first brush with motherhood came through her second husband, Alan Radford, who had children from a previous marriage—kids she adored.
Karen Grassle at the “Little House On The Prairie” photocall during the 63rd Monte-Carlo Television Festival on June 15, 2024, in Monaco. | Source: Getty Images