‘Little House on the Prairie’: Dean Butler Shared Michael Landon’s Touching – and Accurate – Prediction for the Show
Dean Butler starred as Almanzo Wilder in Little House on the Prairie in the show’s final three seasons. Recruited to portray the love interest of main character Laura Ingalls (Melissa Gilbert), Butler recalled some comments from show creator and star Michael Landon on his vision for the historical drama.
Dean Butler credited Michael Landon for all aspects of ‘Little House’
Butler was a new actor when he landed his role as Almanzo in season 6. The Little House alum gave props to Landon and the cast for creating such a solid foundation on the historical drama.
“I think back on it and it was really a blessing,” Butler told Daily Planet in 2021. “The show was a huge hit and there was really no pressure on me at all. Michael Landon was the star, the writer, the director and the executive producer, so all of this was on him and all of the rest of the cast who had established themselves as really popular staples in American television. I really got to ride on their coattails coming in.”
Butler pointed out how most of the pressure for the historical drama’s success was on Landon since he was in charge of all aspects of the NBC series.
“The reality was, Michael was such a consummate professional and so good at what he was doing and so in command that really nobody had anything to worry about but him,” Butler explained. “He had it all in his hands and he wore all the major hats in the show. All we had to do was put ourselves in Michael’s hands and go for it.”
Michael Landon predicted ‘Little House’s’ longevity
Reflecting on his time on Little House, Butler shared a conversation he had with Landon about the beloved show’s legacy remaining long after it would be off the air.
“I remember we were in between shots and Michael said that people would be loving and watching the show long after we were all gone,” Butler recalled. “At the time I was around 25 to 26 years old so I couldn’t even conceive of that. To me it just didn’t seem possible. Michael was in his early 40’s at the time he said the show would outlive us all. It seemed so unlikely to me then but now it just seems inevitable.”
Landon died of pancreatic cancer in 1991, and Butler noted that though many of his co-stars including Katherine MacGregor (Harriet Oleson), Richard Bull (Nels Oleson), Dabbs Greer (Reverend Alden), and Kevin Hagen (Doc Baker) have passed away, the series is still a fan favorite.
“We will remember the 30th anniversary of Michael’s passing this July,” Butler said last year. “So many of our cast members have now left us. Given the way the show has remained so popular, it’s just inevitable that it continues on.”
Dean Butler expressed his gratitude for being a part of ‘Little House’
Though Butler was on Little House for just three seasons, he shared his appreciation for being a part of such a cherished piece of TV history.
“Television gives you an immortality that you otherwise wouldn’t have,” Butler remarked. “It’s just an incredible gift. I often said when I ultimately pass, something about Little House will be written in the first line of the obituary. If I’m remembered as being part of this beautiful program that celebrates family, community and overcoming hard times, that is a tremendous legacy to have. I just couldn’t be more grateful.”
