Former “Little House on the Prairie” star Alison Arngrim reveals that a controversial romance scene filmed in 1977 between her 13-year-old character and an adult actor would never be allowed by today’s Hollywood standards.
At a Glance
- Arngrim discusses a season four episode featuring an age-inappropriate romance that would face “blowback” today
- The actress was just 13 when filming romantic scenes with a significantly older actor without an intimacy coordinator
- Similar concerns were shared by co-star Dean Butler about his scenes with 15-year-old Melissa Gilbert
- The beloved series is preparing for its 50th anniversary in 2024 with a Netflix reboot in development
Hollywood’s Evolving Standards for Young Actors
Alison Arngrim, who portrayed the notorious Nellie Oleson on “Little House on the Prairie,” has sparked discussion about changing Hollywood practices by reflecting on a controversial 1977 episode. In “Here Come the Brides,” Arngrim’s character was cast in a romance with an actor much older than her 13 years. The awkward age discrepancy, which raised few eyebrows at the time, would be considered unacceptable by today’s industry standards.
Arngrim highlighted the absence of protective measures that are now standard in the industry, noting that intimacy coordinators weren’t available to ensure young actors felt safe and comfortable during romantic scenes. This evolution in production practices represents a significant shift toward prioritizing actor welfare, particularly for minors working in television and film.
Co-Stars Share Similar Concerns
Dean Butler, who played Almanzo Wilder on the series, echoed Arngrim’s sentiments about changing industry standards. Butler was cast opposite a young Melissa Gilbert, who was just 15 when their characters’ romance began. He recalled the anxiety surrounding their first on-screen kiss and the trust Gilbert placed in series creator Michael Landon’s judgment.
Butler also emphasized the importance of Landon’s guidance during the filming process. “That was a very powerful relationship Melissa had in her life, the one she had with Michael Landon. When Michael said, ‘This is the guy for you,’ she was prepared to suspend all of her anxieties and just step into it. And Michael never led anyone wrong in the series,” Butler explained.
Enduring Legacy and Future Plans
Despite airing its final episode in 1983, “Little House on the Prairie” continues to resonate with audiences through reruns and streaming services. The series, based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books about pioneer life in the late 1800s, has maintained its cultural relevance across generations. Arngrim herself seems surprised by the show’s lasting impact.
As the show approaches its 50th anniversary in 2024, Arngrim and her former co-stars are planning celebration events for fans. Meanwhile, Netflix has announced a reboot of the series, though it appears the new version will return to Wilder’s original books rather than reimagining the 1970s television adaptation.
Reboot Plans Without Original Cast
The upcoming Netflix reboot has generated mixed reactions from the original cast members. Arngrim revealed that none of the original actors have been asked to participate in the new production, though she remains open to the possibility of a cameo appearance. The new series will reportedly take a fresh approach to the source material rather than continuing the storylines established in the Michael Landon production.
Butler has expressed concern about how the reboot might impact the legacy of the original series and its dedicated fanbase. With the original show’s unique creative presence attributed to Landon’s vision, the new adaptation faces high expectations from longtime viewers and critics alike.
As Hollywood continues to evolve its practices regarding age-appropriate casting and on-set protections, “Little House on the Prairie” serves as both a beloved classic and a reminder of how far the industry has come in protecting its youngest performers.
