‘Little House On The Prairie’ Actor Passes Away

The Little House on the Prairie family is mourning the loss of longtime actor and stuntman Jack Lilley, who passed away at the age of 91. Melissa Gilbert, the show’s main star, shared the news in an emotional tribute on Friday, remembering Lilley as “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?’” Gilbert wrote.

Lilley was a cherished figure in Hollywood’s Western community, best known for his work as a stuntman, wrangler, and actor. His involvement in Little House on the Prairie extended beyond stunt work—he doubled for Victor French while also portraying multiple characters throughout the series.

Fans of classic Westerns may also recognize him from Blazing Saddles and Clint Eastwood’s Sudden Impact.

via Melissa Gilbert Instagram

Outside of Little House, Lilley’s expertise as a horse wrangler made him an invaluable presence on numerous sets. Gilbert fondly recalled their later reunion on the set of an ABC pilot called Then Came Jones, where Lilley once again worked as the wrangler.

“In that instant, I knew I was home,” she wrote, adding, “Jack always felt like home to me.” His passing marks the end of an era for those who grew up watching Little House on the Prairie and for the many film and television projects he contributed to over the years. Gilbert ended her tribute with heartfelt words:

“Oh Jack… sweet prince… may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”

via DailyMail

Born on August 15, 1933, in Santa Clarita, California, Lilley’s career spanned several decades. His versatility as an actor, stuntman, and animal handler made him a well-respected name in the industry. Whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes, his dedication to his craft was evident in every role he played and every set he worked on.

Over the years, he collaborated with esteemed directors such as John Ford and made significant contributions to Western cinema and television. His ability to seamlessly transition between stunt work and acting allowed him to carve out a unique place in Hollywood history.

Colleagues and fans admired his work ethic, warmth, and passion for the genre.

Little House on the Prairie remains a lasting tribute to the spirit of resilience and community that Lilley embodied. The show, which aired from 1974 to 1983, was based on the Little House book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder and followed the Ingalls family as they settled on the American frontier.

Lilley is survived by his two sons, Clint and Cash. His late wife, Irene Lilley, preceded him in death in May 2024.