“Little House on the Prairie” gave way to many celebrities we know and love today. Most of them continued their careers in acting, while others, like Karen Grassle, went on to write screenplays. Of all the years Karen acted on screen alongside Michael Landon, she only opened up about her experience much later in life. She still looks fantastic at 81 years old, and the world is eager to hear more from her.
Karen Grassle’s Early Years
Before Karen Grassle was known for her role as Caroline Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie, she was a little girl born on February 25, 1942, in Berkeley, California. As a child, Karen’s days were filled with a passion for the arts. When she finished school, she went on to receive a tertiary education at the University of California, Berkeley. She later focused on improving her acting skills at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Her determination to become an actress from such a young age paved the way for a successful career.
The world fondly remembers Kaen Grassle as the loving mother, of Caroline Ingalls, on one of the most popular TV shows, “Little House on the Prairie.” This was her big break to stardom, but most certainly not her first gig as an actress. Karen Grassle’s ability to embody the essence of a strong yet compassionate woman was prevalent in society (and still is). This resonated deeply with audiences, making her a big reason why the show was so popular. Moreover, it became a classic TV show in today’s age.
Struggles on Set Between Karen Grassle and Michael Landon
It is not news to the world to hear how women have been mistreated in the entertainment industry. Time and time again, we hear of how women have been paid half the amount as their male co-stars, even if the female role is more popular amongst the viewers. Karen’s character, Caroline Ingalls, “Ma,” was very well-loved, as was Karen. However, she was not paid nearly as much as Michael. He refused to give her a raise for her role and claimed it was because his character was more popular than Ma. “I felt insulted as his co-star on a hit series,” said Grassle. “I didn’t want to gouge anybody, but I expected a fair wage.”
At first, Karen Grassle had perceived Michael as highly strung, which she attributed to the stress of writing, acting, and producing “Little House on the Prairie.” “He was very highly strung, but he was carrying the weight of the show on his shoulders,” said Karen once.
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Bullied by Michael Landon
But soon, Karen felt he was just being a bully. He started icing Karen out and cutting Ma’s scenes. Moreover, when Ma’s character was being reviewed, Michael would make fun of her figure and the facial expressions she pulled.
Michael Landon would also use crude language and make foul comments about women. Everything about him would make her wish she could speak up or disappear. But this was not an option if she wanted to continue her career as an actress. “Mike would say ‘c__’ and make disgusting jokes about how a woman smelled after sex,” said Karen. “It was almost like I was frozen. 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. I kept up the professionalism. I’d be the good girl, play the part and hope.”
“Everything in My Life was Wrong.”
Karen Grassle’s father had been fond of knocking back a bottle of booze as she was growing up. Thanks to her mother’s strong character, she had someone to base the character, Caroline Ingalls, “Ma,” on. “It was wonderful to have that strong female role model as inspiration for Caroline,” said Karen.
Unfortunately, Karen started following in her father’s habit of drinking. This came from multiple sources, like her mental health and the struggles she faced as a female actress. “I spent my drinking career trying to get a handle on it. I wanted to drink the way other people drank — just to have fun at the party,” said Karen. “But it started to get bad. I’d get horribly drunk and would sob, cry and carry on. I’d feel like everything in my life was wrong.”
Karen and Michael’s co-star’s relationship turning sour made her drinking worse. It was a risk to her health and safety. It was only when she finally got sober, did she realize she had been pining after the life of her character, Caroline Ingalls. “I didn’t suspect that my true desire was for stability, a husband who wanted a family, and children of my own,” Grassle wrote in her memoir. “I didn’t have a clue that I wanted what Caroline Ingalls actually had.” It is a wonder to see Karen Grassle, now 81 years old, and thriving in her later life.
Keep Reading: The Life and Career of Oscar Winning Actress, Sally Field
Sources
- ‘Little House’ star Karen Grassle says Michael Landon was sexist bully on set.” NY Post. Jane Ridley. November 4, 2021
- “Karen Grassle From ‘Little House On The Prairie’ Still Looks Stunning At 81. APost. June 28, 2021
- “Bright Lights, Prairie Dust’ Reveals More to Karen Grassle Than ‘Little House on the Prairie’.” Next Avenue Julie Pfitzinger. November 30, 2021