'The Goonies' Cast: Where Are They Now – 30+ Pics
From Oscar wins to courtroom deals and reality TV exits, the cast of "The Goonies" has taken dramatically different paths since their 1985 big-screen debut.
Apr 11, 2026
The "Little House on the Prairie" cast | Source: Getty Images
'Little House on the Prairie' Cast: Where Are They Now – 30+ Pics
Some vanished. Some soared. Others left us far too soon. Over 50 years after its debut, the beloved cast of "Little House on the Prairie" has scattered in ways no one could have imagined — into quiet lives, blockbuster fame, or heartbreaking endings.
When "Little House on the Prairie" premiered in 1974, it whisked viewers into the rustic charm of the Ingalls family in Walnut Grove. Based on the beloved books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, the show quickly became a cornerstone of American television, running for nine captivating seasons.
A photo of the "Little House on the Prairie" set, circa 1970 | Source: Getty Images
But what happened once the cameras stopped rolling? Here's where they are now.
The cast of the TV series "Little House on the Prairie" | Source: Getty Images
1. From 'Half Pint' to a New Kind of Prairie Life
She was only nine when the world met her as Laura Ingalls, lovingly nicknamed "Half Pint." Melissa Gilbert lit up the screen for the entire run and grew into a Hollywood "It" girl, dating icons such as Rob Lowe and Billy Idol.
Melissa Gilbert as Laura Elizabeth Ingalls Wilder in "Little House on the Prairie," circa 1975 | Source: Getty Images
Today, at 61, Gilbert lives a world away from red carpets — tucked into a 14-acre farm with husband Timothy Busfield, surrounded by their eight grandchildren.
Melissa Gilbert attends the "Nymphes D'Or - Golden Nymphs" Award Ceremony during the 62nd Monte Carlo TV Festival on June 20, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
She now runs Modern Prairie, a lifestyle brand celebrating older women. "Aging is not a disease. It's time we celebrate it," she told People in 2023. "Happy in my skin, happy in my life."
Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield pose at the opening night of "Romy & Michele: The Musical" on October 27, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
2. A Beloved Star's Final Goodbye After a Cruel Diagnosis
Before becoming Charles "Pa" Ingalls, Michael Landon was already a familiar face thanks to "Bonanza." After "Little House," he created and starred in "Highway to Heaven."
Michael Landon (1936 - 1991) as Charles Ingalls, Matthew Laborteaux as Albert Ingalls, Victor French as Isaiah Edwards, Dean Butler as Almanzo Wilder, and Melissa Gilbert as Laura Ingalls Wilder in the TV series "Little House on the Prairie," circa 1980 | Source: Getty Images
In 1991, Landon was diagnosed with inoperable liver and pancreatic cancer. At just 54, he died only three months later.
Michael Landon as Charles Philip Ingalls in an episode of "Little House on the Prairie" in 1975 | Source: Getty Images
At his final press conference, he said, "Live every moment, guys." Ever the showman, he added, "I want my agent to know that this shoots to hell any chance of doing a health food commercial."
Michael Landon attends the Moscow Circus Opening Night Performance on March 6, 1991 | Source: Getty Images
3. Private Battles, Public Smile: The Truth Behind 'Ma'
To millions, Karen Grassle was the composed and nurturing Caroline "Ma" Ingalls. But behind the scenes, she struggled with alcoholism, which she overcame in 1977 after a friend's intervention and her father's death from the same illness.
Karen Grassle as Caroline Ingalls pictured during an episode of "Little House on the Prairie" in 1975 | Source: Getty Images
Grassle later shared her discomfort working with Landon, calling him a "sexist bully." In the New York Post, she recalled how he would make "disgusting jokes" about women.
Karen Grassle attends the "Little House On The Prairie" photocall during the 63rd Monte-Carlo Television Festival on June 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
4. Fame, Fan Letters, and a Childhood Under Pressure
As Mary Ingalls, Melissa Sue Anderson became the show's only Emmy-nominated cast member. But her youth on set came with intense pressure.
Melissa Sue Anderson as Mary Ingalls pictured during the filming of "Little House on the Prairie" | Source: Getty Images
In her memoir "The Way I See It," she recalled her first on-screen kiss, fan marriage proposals, and working with guest stars like Johnny Cash and Sean Penn. She also discussed her off-camera relationships with Melissa Gilbert and Alison Arngrim.
Melissa Sue Anderson poses during a photocall for the series "Little house on the prairie" as part of the 63nd Monte-Carlo Television Festival in the Principality of Monaco on June 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
5. She Played the Villain Then Owned the Role for Life
She played the girl fans loved to hate — the scheming Nellie Oleson. But Alison Arngrim didn't just survive the backlash — she made it her brand.
Alison Arngrim as Nellie Oleson pictured on the set of "Little House on the Prairie" | Source: Getty Images
Her memoir "Confessions of a Prairie Bitch: How I Survived Nellie Oleson and Learned to Love Being Hated" became a bestseller. She has also remained active in TV, theater, and fan appearances, connecting with audiences who once booed her character.
Alison Arngrim attends the "Little House On The Prairie" photocall during the 63rd Monte-Carlo Television Festival on June 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
6. She Played the Littlest Ingalls and Then Walked Away
Lindsay Greenbush, born in 1970, shared the role of Carrie Ingalls with her twin sister. Though her screen appearances became rare, she has continued to attend fan conventions and "Little House" reunions over the years.
Lindsay or Sydney Greenbush as Carrie Ingalls pictured on the set of "Little House on the Prairie" in 1977 | Source: Getty Images
Lindsay Greenbush attends Chiller Theater Expo Winter on October 27, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
7. The Teen Actor Who Moved Behind the Mic
Joining the cast in 1978 as Albert Quinn Ingalls, Matthew Labyorteaux became a fan favorite. After the show, he starred in the horror film "Deadly Friend" and transitioned into a career in voice acting and film work.
Patrick Labyorteaux as Andrew 'Andy' Garvey and Matthew Laborteaux as Albert Quinn Ingalls pictured during an episode of "Little House on the Prairie" in 1978 | Source: Getty Images
Matthew Labyorteaux attends the Red Carpet during the 63rd Monte-Carlo Television Festival on June 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
8. The Child Star Who Vanished Without Warning
As Willie Oleson, Jonathan Gilbert delivered laughs and mischief. He appeared in "The Miracle Worker" (1979) and the "Little House" spinoff "Look Back to Yesterday" (1983). Since then, he has maintained a low profile, leaving acting behind.
Jonathan Gilbert as Willie Oleson pictured on the set of "Little House on the Prairie" in 1983 | Source: Getty Images
Jonathan Gilbert pictured during the 50th anniversary of "Little House on the Prairie," dated June 12, 2025 | Source: Instagram/prairietv
9. A Gentle Mentor's Exit Leaves Fans in Mourning
As Isaiah Edwards, Victor French brought rugged charm and heart to the series. He left the show briefly in 1977 for "Carter Country," but later reunited with Landon for "Highway to Heaven."
Undated picture of Victor French as Isaiah Edwards from a scene in "Little House on the Prairie" | Source: Getty Images
Known offscreen as a gentle director and teacher, French died in 1989 from lung cancer.
Victor French as Mark Gordon pictured during a scene from "Highway to Heaven" on September 11, 2006 | Source: Getty Images
10. The Prairie Husband Who Found a New Stage
Dean Butler joined the series in 1979 as Almanzo Wilder, Laura's love interest. He went on to appear in "Desert Hearts," "The New Gidget," and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
A picture of Dean Butler as Almanzo James Wilder taken during episode 9 of "Little House on the Prairie" | Source: Getty Images
He also appeared in theater productions such as "Into the Woods" and "Company," and worked as a TV producer until 2019.
Dean Butler and Caryn Richman attend the Festival Of Arts Benefit Night Concert And Pageant on August 28, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
11. The Boy from Walnut Grove Who Took over Prime Time
Jason Bateman, who debuted on the show at age 12 as James Cooper Ingalls, began directing episodes of "Valerie" at just 18, becoming the youngest-ever member of the Directors Guild of America. He later starred in "Arrested Development" and won a Golden Globe in 2005.
Jason Bateman as James Cooper Ingalls pictured during an episode of "Little House on the Prairie," dated May 11, 1981 | Source: Getty Images
Jason Bateman attends the Netflix Black Rabbit SAG Event at Metrograph on September 17, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
12. The Fan Favorite Whose Final Chapter Broke Hearts
After being discovered by Landon, Shannen Doherty joined the cast as Jenny Wilder. She went on to iconic roles in "Beverly Hills, 90210" and "Charmed."
Shannen Doherty as Jenny Wilder pictured during episode 9 of "Little House on the Prairie," dated 1982 | Source: Getty Images
Following a long, public battle with cancer, Doherty died on July 13, 2024, at age 53, surrounded by loved ones.
Shannen Doherty appears on Season 5 of "The Kelly Clarkson Show" in December 2023 | Source: Getty Images
13. The Childhood Star Still Living in the Spotlight
Long before her reign on Bravo, Kyle Richards played Alicia Sanderson Edwards as a child. Today, she's known for her long-running role on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."
Bonnie Bartlett as Grace Snider, Radames Pera as John Sanderson, Brian Part as Carl Sanderson, Victor French as Isaiah Edwards, and Kyle Richards as Alicia Sanderson in "Little House on the Prairie," dated 1975 | Source: Getty Images
In 2025, she stated, "It's been a long time. Fifteen years. I don't know how long this can go on, how long I can go on for."
Kyle Richards attends the "American Woman" premiere Party at Chateau Marmont on May 31, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Matthew Labyorteaux, Michael Landon Jr., Alison Arngrim, Dean Butler, Lindsay Greenbush, (L-R seated) Karen Grassle, and Melissa Sue Anderson visit "Extra" at their New York studios on April 30, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
Matthew Labyorteaux, Michael Landon Jr., Alison Arngrim, Dean Butler, Lindsay Greenbush, Karen Grassle, and Melissa Sue Anderson visit "Extra" at their New York studios on April 30, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
Some rose, some retreated, and some are no longer here. But for the millions who watched, "Little House on the Prairie" remains a permanent part of television history — and the people who brought it to life will never be forgotten.
