40 years after the end of “Little House on the Prairie”, meeting with Alison Arngrim, who embodied the ruthless, the unforgettable, the deliciously cruel Nellie Oleson.
Almost to the day 40 years ago, after 9 memorable seasons, one of the most famous family series in television history was coming to an end. The Ingalls said goodbye to the small town of Walnut Grove, and with them, millions of spectators said goodbye to Little House on the Prairie.
But even today, when the spirit of the show continues to resonate in the hearts of its fans, some of its most famous protagonists carry on its legacy. This is particularly the case of the actress Alison Arngrim who, for 7 years, and this from the age of 12, interpreted one of the most popular characters in the series: the little plague Nellie Oleson.
Main antagonist of the show, this spoiled little girl was the sworn enemy of Laura Ingalls, and never missed an opportunity to harm her. Capable of the worst cowardice and unfailing dishonesty, she is at the origin of the funniest and tastiest sequences of The Little House on the Prairie.
But what has become of his excellent interpreter since the end of the series? As she prepares to start a new show in France (Nellie Oleson lights up the 80sfrom Friday March 10, in Rives-en-Seine), we were able to ask her about her news, and take the opportunity to discuss with her her memories of Walnut Grove.
NBC
AlloCiné: Nellie is a character who has crossed the generations and whom everyone knows, even those who are not necessarily fans of the series. How do you explain that we particularly remember her?
Alison Arngrim: Everyone loves a good villain! And I think Nellie is memorable, because everyone has known someone like that in their life. Me the first, I knew some! I tried to make Nellie very real, while at the same time adding a comic touch.
If you had to keep only one episode of Little House on the Prairie, which one would you choose?
I admit that my favorite is bunny, the one where Nellie feigns paralysis, and where Laura pushes her up and down a hill, in a wheelchair! Extremely funny!
What was your relationship with the other actors? Are there any that you’ve made real friends with? What are you still seeing today?
The cast of Little House is really like a family. It’s rare in Hollywood, but most of us are actually friends, and we keep in touch regularly. I’m good friends with Melissa Gilbert (Laura), Dean Butler (Almanzo), Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle), Rachel Lindsay Greenbush (Carrie Ingalls), Wendy Lee (Baby Grace), etc. We get together quite often, both for fan meetings and just for fun.
NBC
What is for you the worst stupidity ever committed by Nellie in the series?
Ohhhh, for me this is the episode The music Box. What cruelty to this little girl who stuttered! Even I hated myself that week!
Is there a line of Nellie that you prefer, and that still accompanies you today?
(laughs) There are so many! And indeed, the fans still ask me today to repeat them… I particularly like “Who’s going to do the cooking?!”, when my mother offers me a restaurant. It’s all the more funny that in real life, I can cook very well.
What were the reactions of the spectators at the time of filming vis-à-vis your character? Have you ever played it, and used it in real life? For example to play a prank on someone?
Oh no ! I only use Nellie’s power for good! (laughs) I used the wig and the costume for jokes, as well as in my shows, but only for that. I found people reacted strongly to the character, even when I was young and we were doing the show. Some people were really scared of me!
NBC
Little House on the Prairie ended in March 1983, forty years ago almost to the day, even if Nellie is less present in the last episodes. Do you remember the last day of filming? Your farewell to the other actors?
I didn’t really have a “goodbye”, because I wasn’t sure I was leaving. We finished season 7, and then I didn’t come back for season 8. BUT I came back later for the episode Nellie’s Return. And of course, we continued to see each other outside of work.
What has happened to you since the end of the series? How did you continue your acting activity?
I did a lot of different things after the series (The Fun Cruise, Fantasy Island, etc.), but I mostly focused on comedy and theater. I continue to appear in independent films as well as in theater and stand-up. And of course, since 2006, I have been touring France several times a year, in duo with Patrick Loubatière.
Photo Stephane Godard
During your tours in France, is there a place or region that particularly marked you, and that is particularly important to you?
Oh, there are too many to choose one! But you know, we always go to small towns. It’s more interesting – for us and for the public. We always refuse invitations from big cities… In these small towns, I find the same atmosphere as in Walnut Grove, the small village in the series! And I visit places that a typical “tourist” would never have the pleasure of seeing!
Today, you are launching a new show called “Nellie Oleson lights up the 80s” alongside Patrick Loubatière. Can you tell us a bit more?
It’s really different from our previous shows. Sure, there’s always a lot going on about Little House, but there’s a whole lot more to it. It’s a true homage to all the things we loved – and still love – in the 80s. The songs, the TV shows, the games…everything! And as always in our shows, there is a lot of audience participation, then a very long signing and photo session at the end!
Interviewed on March 7, 2023
Thanks to Patrick Loubatière, Pauline Imbert and Clara Imbert, who contributed to this interview
NBC
Alison Arngrim will be on tour in France from Friday March 10 for her new show “Nellie Oleson ignites the 80s”, in which she casts her amused American gaze on our French 80s, while at times giving way to the mischievous gaze of his alter ego Nellie Oleson. Its first performance in Rives-en-Seine, in Seine-Maritime (this Friday) will be followed by 5 other dates.
(Re)discover our first interview with Alison Arngrim, in 2006…