Little House on the Prairiefans are mourning the loss of one of the actors from the belovedWesternseries. Melissa Gilbert, who played the show’s main star, Laura Ingalls, revealed thatJack Lilleyhas died at age 91. In a touching post on Instagram, Gilbert shared fond memories between the two on the series and behind the scenes. Lilley, whomade appearances in classic Westernssuch asBonanza,Gunsmoke,The Wild Wild West, and more, taught Gilbert how to ride horses as a young child after she begged him to go ride. Lilley played a stagecoach driver on the series, showcasing his horse skills, which made him the perfect person to teach Gilbert how to ride a horse. which made him the perfect person to teach Gilbert how to ride a horse.
She began the post by saying, “The little house family has lost one of our own. Jack Lilley has passed away. He was 91 years old.” She continued with the memories that she’d hold near her heart. “He also happened to be one of my favorite people on the planet. He taught me how to ride a horse when I was just a wee little thing. He was so patient with me. He never said no when I would bound up to him squealing, “Can we go ride? Please, please, please?'”
Little House on the Prairie Cast, 50 Years Later: Where They Are Today
Little House on the Prairie debuted in 1974, and with multiple children in the cast, it’s interesting to see where they all are now, 50 years later.
Co-stars turn into family as the cast spend more time together throughout the years. For Gilbert, Lilley felt like home. “Jack always felt like home to me. He lived quite a life. I am so lucky that he was my friend. All my love and prayers go out to his family especially Clint (Burkey) Lilley. Oh Jack…sweet prince…may flights of angels send thee to thy rest,” the caption concludes.
‘Little House on the Prairie’ Wasn’t the Only Time Jack Lilley and Michael Landon Were On-Screen Together
Jack Lilley’s role inLittle House on the Prairiewas just as significant as his decades-long resume. While Michael Landon starred inLittle Houseas Charles Ingalls, he and Lilley were no strangers to each other. Lilley appeared in 13 episodes ofBonanza, a Western series Landon starred in as Little Joe Cartwright. Lilley played various roles on the series, including a juror and a brawler. He also got to work with Michael Landon Jr. in themade-for-TV movieBonanza: The Next Generation.
Little House on the Prairiestayed on air for nine seasons. The Western series is based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s series of “Little House” books. It’s set in the 1870s and follows the Ingalls family adventures. Lilley starred as the stagecoach driver in 37 episodes, quickly becoming a fan-favorite among viewers. He even made appearances in three of theLittle Housemade-for-TV movies:Little House: Look Back to Yesterday(1983),Little House: The Last Farewell(1984) andLittle House: Bless All the Dear Children(1984).
The cast ofLittle House on the Prairiefeatured Michael Landon as Charles Ingalls, Karen Grassle as Caroline Ingalls, Melissa Gilbert as Laura Ingalls Wilder, Melissa Sue Anderson as Mary Ingalls Kendall, Lindsay Sidney Greenbush as Carrie Ingalls, Dean Butler as Almanzo Wilder, Katherine MacGregor as Harriet Oleson, Richard Bull as Nels Oleson, and Victor French as Isaiah Edwards.
Source:Instagram
Little House on the Prairie
