Karen Grassle, "Ma Ingalls" from Little house on the Prairie joins John for a behind the scenes interview! Karen talks about her crazy audition for Little House on the Prairie with Michael Landon, the first time she met Melissa Gilbert, the hot weather conditions on the Little House on the Prairie set and the unfortunate poor treatment she received from Michael Landon in season 2 and 3. Karen also discusses talking with Michael Landon before he died and how their relationship ended on a great note. Karen also chats about her Little House book " Bright Lights, Prairie Dust". In addition, Karen and John have a great time talking about her working with screen legend, Gloria Swanson on Broadway, her fling with Gil Gerard, working with Johnny Cash and his wife, June on Little House and so much more. Thanks so much Karen!
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Hosted by John Cato, actor, voiceover artist, and moderator for over 20 years for the television and movie industry. John's background brings a unique insight and passion to the podcast.
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:04 Karen meeting Melissa Gilbert for the first time on the Little House set
00:02:13 The Little House cast bonds on the pilot
00:03:46 Was Karen intimidated by working with a star like Michael Landon?
00:04:58 Karen was not initially thrilled about the role of Ma Ingalls
00:07:36 Karen draws from her own mother for the role of Ma Ingalls
00:11:24 What Karen was like as a young woman
00:12:16 The weather was very hot at times on the set
00:13:18 Typical day on the set of Little House on the Prairie
00:16:16 Karen's favorite Little House on the Prairie episodes
00:16:51 Dirk Blocker guest stars and Michael Landon's tear jerker moment talking about Dan Blocker's death
00:19:55 Pay increase causes tension and belittlement with Michael Landon on the set
00:27:09 Working with Johnny Cash and his wife, June and the dramatic story of their son's accident
00:29:30 Working with Patricia Neal and Ray Bolgeron Little House
00:31:51 Karen's fling with Gil Gerard
00:33:28 Karen signs for two more years because she is offered a big contract
00:35:13 Wyatt Earp with Kevin Costner and Gene Hackman
00:37:35 Karen crazy audition for Little House on the Prairie
00:45:29 Michael Landon and his drinking/Karen also faces alcoholism
00:48:20 Karen's resolution with Michael Landon before his death
00:49:44 Working with screen legend, Gloria Swanson from the movie "Sunset Boulevard"
00:54:47 Karen's favorite charities
00:56:17 Karen sends a message to her fans