Guilty Pleasure Revisited

Little House on the Prairie has a special place in my heart. The books were among the first I recall reading - and I devoured each and every one, a few times. The TV show more deeply endeared the adventures of HalfPint in my heart. Ever wonder what happened to some of the actors which walked the streets of Walnut Grove? How about a few tidbits of trivia?

Dean Butler, a.k.a. Manly Wilder, appeared in an episode of Buffy, The Vampire Slayer.

Alison Arngrim auditioned for the role of Laura, but played "mean" so well, she was awarded the role of Nelly.

Michael Landon's real name was Eugene Maurice Orowitz.

Carrie Ingalls was played by twin sisters, yet billed as one actress, Lindsay Sidney Greenbush. Sadly, neither could act.

Linwood Boomer, who played Adam Kendall, created "Malcolm in the Middle".

Jason Bateman got his start on TV playing James Cooper Ingalls.

Kyle Richards, who appeared as the adorable (scratching Mr. Edward's beard) Alicia Sanderson Edwards, now plays a nurse on ER. She's the aunt of Nicky and Paris Hilton.

Stars who dropped by Walnut Grove include Louis Gossett Jr. Patricia Neal, Lance Kerwin, Jimmy McNichol, Sean Penn, Ernest Borgnine, Anne Archer, Red Buttons, Johnny and June Carter Cash, Burl Ives, Willie Ames, Todd Bridges, Mike Lookinland, Ray Bolger, and James Cromwell.

Jonathan Gilbert, brother of Melissa, played Willie Olsen.

Jen Landon, Michael's youngest daughter, is currently kicking some acting ass as Gwen Norbeck on As The World Turns.