30. Melissa Gilbert Was Only 15-Years-Old And Nervous When Her Character (Laura Ingalls) Had To Kiss Actor Dean Butler
The Little House on the Prairie series touched hearts of generations. Both the books and TV show are a beloved part of the entertainment world to this day.
While the show may have stopped filming in the early ‘80s, audiences of all ages continue to embrace the pioneer lifestyle. We’ve rounded up 25 behind-the-scenes secrets all Little House on the Prairie fans will want to know.
29. Actress Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson) Passed Out From Heat Exhaustion On Set
The women wore the traditional 1800’s styles, including: stockings, petticoats, pinafores, and bonnets.
28. The Crew Went Through Two Cases Of Coors A Day While Filming
The temperatures would range from the 90s to the 100s at the California ranch where the show was filmed, which made for a very warm work day. Both Alison Arngrim and an assistant director passed out on the first day of filming.
27. Alison Arngrim And Actor Steve Tracy, Who Played Her Husband Percival, Would Openly Make Out Just To Disgust Melissa Gilbert
Young Melissa Gilbert hated seeing co-stars Alison and Steve open-mouth kiss during their scenes.
26. Melissa Gilbert Ended Her Friendship With Michael Landon Following His Real-Life Divorce
So, of course they made sure to do it as often as possible.
25. Alison Arngrim’s Broken Arm Was Real In The “Bunny” Episode
Alison Arngrim had a real cast on after breaking her wrist skateboarding.
24. Michael Landon Loved To Show Off His Body In More Ways Than One
Her screams in the scene were also real as a crew member claimed the safety rope, which was holding her wheelchair as Melissa Gilbert pushed her down a slope, had snapped.
23. Toddler Carrie Ingalls' Fall During The Opening Credits Was Accidental
The twin who was playing Carrie Ingalls during the opening credits accidentally tripped and fell while running down the hill.
22. Michael Landon Wore Four-Inch Lifts In His Boots
The director thought it was cute and left it in the credits.
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20. The Simi Valley Ranch Set May Have Been Contaminated With Radioactive Waste
Actor Sean Penn Got His Start On The Show 
A then 13-year-old Sean Penn made his acting debut on the series in the episode “The Voice of Tinker Jones” when his dad, director Leo Penn, cast him in a small role.
19. Rachel And Sidney Bush Played The Part Of Carrie Ingalls At Just Age Three
Due to California law regarding minors, the director had to rotate the twins out every few hours.
18. Actor Michael Landon (Charles Ingalls) Dyed His Hair For The Role
It's said he would call for a "fresh" twin before shooting some scenes.
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16. Nellie Oleson And Laura Ingalls Were Really Best Friends
All The Food In The Dinner Scenes Was Dinty Moore Beef Stew 
Except the time Ma fried chicken, that was Kentucky Fried Chicken.
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14. Michael Landon Asked Karen Grassle To Change Her Name When She Auditioned
Actress Melissa Sue Anderson’s Mother Was Overprotective On Set 
Because of this, the other actors reported nobody ever became friends with Melissa Sue, who played Mary Ingalls, during filming.
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12. An Old-Fashioned Curling Iron Heated In An Oven Was Used To Achieve Nellie Oleson’s Curls
A Memo Was Sent Out Saying Melissa Gilbert And Dean Butler Didn’t Have Believable Chemistry On Set 
Because of Melissa Gilbert's previously mentioned nervousness about kissing scenes, the production staff was concerned the lack of chemistry between Laura Ingalls and her new husband would be apparent to viewers.
11. After A Few Episodes, They Decided To Use A Wig To Give Alison Angrim Perfect Curls, But It Made Her Scalp Bleed
Poor actress Alison Angrim went through a lot to make her role as Nellie Oleson seem authentic.
10. Michael Landon's Daughter Played The Role Of Etta Plum
After dealing with the old-fashioned curling iron, the crew decided to use a wig to style the actress’s hair. The wig was held into place with metal combs and pins that cut into Alison’s scalp.
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8. Michael Landon Was Known For Playing Pranks On The Cast And Crew
Melissa Gilbert Learned How To Drive A Stagecoach 
The actress, who played Laura Ingalls, knows how to drive a real stagecoach.
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6. Melissa Gilbert Named Her Son After Michael Landon
Melissa Gilbert Had To Hide Her Curves 
The producers wanted character Laura Ingalls to appear more youthful, so they had Melissa bind her chest to hide her curves.
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4. The Real Laura Ingalls Did Live In Walnut Grove, Minnesota
Actress Melissa Gilbert Is Related To The Actor Who Played Willie Oleson 
The actor who played Willie Olseon— Jonathan Gilbert— is Melissa Gilbert’s adopted brother.
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Michael Landon Used Old ‘Bonanza’ Scripts For ‘Little House on the Prairie’ Episodes 
Michael Landon, who starred in both Bonanza and Little House on the Prairie, used several of the same scripts for both series. Bonanza’s “A Matter of Circumstance” episode was “A Matter of Faith” on Little House.
2. They Included The Demolition Of The Set Into The Last Episode
1. Alison Arngrim Was Rejected For Two Roles Before Landing The Part Of Nellie
Alison first auditioned for the part of Laura Ingalls before being rejected.
She then attempted to gain the role of Mary, but was once again denied. She finally landed the role of antagonist Nellie.