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NEED TO KNOW
Little House on the Prairie premiered in 1974
The series was based on the books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Throughout the series' nine seasons, several future and established celebrities guest starred on the show
Decades after its initial run in the 1970s and 1980s,Little House on the Prairiecontinues to be beloved by fans.
During the show's nine seasons, it featured some seriously impressive A-list cameos and breakout performances from a variety of big names, even though some of them hadn't made it big in Hollywood quite yet.
From up-and-coming actors likeJason Bateman,Shannen DohertyandMelora Hardinto already-established stars likeJohnny CashandJune Carter CashandPatricia Neal,Little House on the Prairiewas home to a lot of talent.
So as you watch the on-screen adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder's books, keep an eye out for these familiar faces. Here are 10 actors you forgot were onLittle House on the Prairie.
Melora Hardin
The Office'sMelora Hardinhas been working since the '70s and in 1981, she appeared onLittle Houseas a character named Belinda — one of Albert Ingalls' classmates.
Not long after, Hardin played a new character, Michele, in the 1983 TV movieLittle House: Look Back to Yesterday.
"I played his love interest and, actually, [the actor who played Albert] and I hadour first screen kiss together," Hardin said on theStill Here Hollywoodpodcast in January 2025. "And he's still a very good friend of mine and the godfather of my second daughter."
Jason Bateman
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While many knowJason Batemanfor his roles in hit series likeArrested DevelopmentandOzark, when he was just 11-years-old he made his on-screen debut as James Cooper Ingalls inLittle House on the Prairie.
Shannen Doherty
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Like Bateman,Shannen Dohertyhad a recurring role on the long-running series as Jenny Wilder. She was just 11 when she landed the role.
"There just was something about her — Shannenknewwhere she was going,"Dean Butler, who played Doherty's on-screen uncle Almanzo Wilder, told PEOPLE following the actress' death in 2024. "Shewas very determined, and you just knew that she was going to succeed. You just knew she had something."
Johnny Cash
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BothJohnny Cashand his wife June Carter Cash appeared on the season 3 premiere ofLittle House,playing husband and wife Caleb and Mattie Hodgekiss.
Todd Bridges
Just before landing his breakout role onDiff'rent Strokes,Todd Bridgesplayed Solomon Henry on a season 3 episode of the series.
Sean Penn
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With his dad as the director,Sean Pennmade his first TV appearance with an uncredited role onLittle House —look at that blonde mop of hair!
Louis Gossett Jr.
Back in the 1970s,Louis Gossett Jr.appeared in one episode ofLittle Houseduring season 2. The actor, who had a decade-spanning career in Hollywood with impactful roles inRoots,An Officer and a GentlemanandA Raisin in the Sunon Broadway, died in 2024.
Ernest Borgnine
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Ernest Borgnine, whose Hollywood career dated back to the 1950s, made a brief appearance inLittle House on the Prairiein 1974. The actor, who was known for his roles in films likeFrom Here to EternityandMarty, died in 2012.
Kyle Richards
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Kyle Richardslanded the role of Alicia onLittle Housewhen she hadn't even hit double digits. Amid her time on the series, she also nabbed her role in 1978'sHalloweenas Lindsey.
Patricia Neal
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WhilePatricia Nealhad a decade-spanning career as a Tony and Oscar-winning actress, in the 1970s she had a brief stint onLittle Housein a two-part episode.
"It was a sad episode, but Patricia played Julia so well!"theLittle HouseInstagramaccount wrote of the role in a tribute to the actress, who died in 2010.
Read the original article onPeople
