Karen Grassle from “Little House on the Prairie” turns 81!
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Karen Grassle became a mom, just like her character Caroline, with a slight difference.
Karen Grassle, famous for playing Caroline Ingalls or “Ma” on “Little House on the Prairie,” has turned 81! The actress has had a fruitful career and a storied life. Although she has lived a life filled with good memories, she has also faced some obstacles. Although her career skyrocketed, she had problems with her co-star and producer, Michael Landon.
When Grassle started on “Little House on the Prairie,” Landon welcomed her warmly. Grassle mentioned he was an excellent director and made her feel comfortable in her new TV role — the first one she did. The two had an outstanding working relationship and enjoyed each other’s company on set.
However, things soon took a change when they started filming the show’s second season. At the time, Grassle felt she was underpaid for the prominent role she was playing in the show. Although she didn’t want to make any waves, she also felt entitled to fair pay. So, she decided to speak her mind.
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She had her first taste of child-rearing with her second husband, Alan Radford.
Grassle reached out to the executives and requested a pay raise. Landon handled the problem, speaking directly to Grassle. On many occasions, they had one-on-one meetings concerning her appeal in which he shot her down, trying to get her to retract the demand. No matter how much Landon tried, Grassle stood firm.
Landon said the producers wouldn’t raise her salary because her character wasn’t a “favorite.” Nonetheless, Grassle’s request was ultimately approved, but it caused her to be featured in fewer scenes, and Landon became distant and rude. The actress recalled:
“I felt insulted as his costar on a hit series. I didn’t want to gouge anybody, but I expected a fair wage. But, as a woman in the 1970s film industry, I was so accustomed to these putdowns, it never occurred to me to sharply rebuke him.”
The actress explained that the mood on set soon became uncomfortable, although they kept things professional. Luckily, the two managed to reconcile before Landon’s death. Grassle never harbored any ill will toward her co-star, mentioning she missed their friendly back-and-forth after the ordeal.Even after the show ended, Grassle praised Landon for his exceptional skills as an actor and director. She mentioned she admired his need to bring families together and provide wholesome entertainment that everyone could enjoy. She said, “I am very grateful that we mended our fences.”
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Karen Grassle Became a Mom Like Caroline, but in Another Way: At 81 She Is Not Alone
At the age of 81, Grassle is still going strong. The actress reflected on her life when she turned 78, saying she has had numerous wonderful experiences and has lived a life she is proud of. Grassle mentioned she has tons to be “grateful” for in life. She cited her luck in being on the popular TV show merely as one of the reasons.
These days, Grassle remains the strong, confident woman her mother taught her to be.
Grassle looked back at her childhood fondly, saying she had loving parents. She based her “Little House on the Prairie” character on her mother’s “strength and wisdom” and adopted those qualities herself when she became a mom. However, having kids was always difficult for Grassle.
