‘I am so lucky that he was my friend’: Little House on the Prairie star (91) passes away
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Little House on the Prairie was a classic television series which ran from the 1970s up to the 1980s.
Fast forward to today, the fictional tight-knit family mourns the loss of a cherished member.
Jack Lilley, a versatile actor who graced the screen in the iconic Western historical drama, has passed away.
Lilley was 91 years old.
News of Lilley's passing was shared with fellow Little House actress Melissa Gilbert.
Gilbert played Laura Ingalls Wilder on the series.
Gilbert took to social media last Friday, 21 March, to announce Lilley's passing.
She described Lilley as 'one of her favourite people on the planet'.
Her tribute was not only a testament to his professional legacy but also to the impact he had on her life.
'He taught me how to ride a horse when I was just a wee little thing. He was so patient with me,' Gilbert shared in her tribute.
The 60-year-old actress also shared photos of Lilley—including one where he served as a photo double for Victor French, who played Isiah Edwards in the series.
Jack Lilley's versatility in acting shone through his portrayal of various characters in Little House, including Homer Bjorgsen and Jack.
His contributions to the show were a testament to his diverse talents and dedication to his craft.
Jack Lilley's career spanned beyond the prairies of Walnut Grove.
He also appeared in several classic Western films like Bonanza and Gunsmoke.
He also had memorable roles in Blazing Saddles, Hard Promises, and The Last Cowboy.
His presence made him a familiar face to Western film fans and a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Melissa Gilbert's tribute to Jack Lilley also recounted a poignant moment from 2002.
She was filming a Western pilot at Big Sky Ranch—the exact location where Little House was filmed.
She experienced a surreal sense of déjà vu, further amplified when she heard Lilley's voice calling out to her by her nickname, 'half pint'.
Her unexpected reunion with Jack Lilley and fellow Little House star Denny Allen made her feel at home—a feeling that Lilley always embodied.
'He lived quite a life. I am so lucky that he was my friend,' Gilbert continued to write.
She concluded her tribute with a poetic farewell.
'Oh Jack… Sweet prince… May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. Love always, Your Halfpint.'
Jack Lilley's passing marked the end of an era for the Little House on the Prairie fans.
His life story, filled with memorable roles and the joy he brought to those around him, will continue to be celebrated.
Relive some of the most dramatic moments on Little House on the Prairie here:
Source: COZI TV/YouTube
As we bid farewell to Jack Lilley, we are reminded of the enduring legacy these stories and characters have as a part of our cultural tapestry.
May he rest in peace.
Fast forward to today, the fictional tight-knit family mourns the loss of a cherished member.
Jack Lilley, a versatile actor who graced the screen in the iconic Western historical drama, has passed away.
Lilley was 91 years old.
News of Lilley's passing was shared with fellow Little House actress Melissa Gilbert.
Jack Lilley was a prominent figure in the Western cinema space. Image Credit: People
Gilbert played Laura Ingalls Wilder on the series.
Gilbert took to social media last Friday, 21 March, to announce Lilley's passing.
She described Lilley as 'one of her favourite people on the planet'.
Her tribute was not only a testament to his professional legacy but also to the impact he had on her life.
'He taught me how to ride a horse when I was just a wee little thing. He was so patient with me,' Gilbert shared in her tribute.
The 60-year-old actress also shared photos of Lilley—including one where he served as a photo double for Victor French, who played Isiah Edwards in the series.
Jack Lilley's versatility in acting shone through his portrayal of various characters in Little House, including Homer Bjorgsen and Jack.
His contributions to the show were a testament to his diverse talents and dedication to his craft.
Jack Lilley's career spanned beyond the prairies of Walnut Grove.
He also appeared in several classic Western films like Bonanza and Gunsmoke.
He also had memorable roles in Blazing Saddles, Hard Promises, and The Last Cowboy.
His presence made him a familiar face to Western film fans and a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Melissa Gilbert's tribute to Jack Lilley also recounted a poignant moment from 2002.
She was filming a Western pilot at Big Sky Ranch—the exact location where Little House was filmed.
She experienced a surreal sense of déjà vu, further amplified when she heard Lilley's voice calling out to her by her nickname, 'half pint'.
Her unexpected reunion with Jack Lilley and fellow Little House star Denny Allen made her feel at home—a feeling that Lilley always embodied.
'He lived quite a life. I am so lucky that he was my friend,' Gilbert continued to write.
She concluded her tribute with a poetic farewell.
'Oh Jack… Sweet prince… May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. Love always, Your Halfpint.'
Jack Lilley's passing marked the end of an era for the Little House on the Prairie fans.
His life story, filled with memorable roles and the joy he brought to those around him, will continue to be celebrated.
Relive some of the most dramatic moments on Little House on the Prairie here:
Source: COZI TV/YouTube
May he rest in peace.
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