Little House on the Prairie was one of those shows that seemed to sweep the nation. Everyone had to tune in each week to see how the Ingalls family was doing.
The cast was well loved by all, even the characters who were maybe a little more troublesome like Nellie and Harriet Oleson.
Harriet Oleson was played by Katherine MacGregor, and the role defined her as an actress. It was the last character she played before retiring from Hollywood, before becoming an acting teacher for children. The only time she returned to screen was for a 2014 short film that followed her on a pilgrimage in India.
Sadly, MacGregor passed away on November 13th, her representatives confirmed the sad news to NBC News.
MacGregor was 93 years old at the time of her death, and was living in the Motion Picture Fund Long Term Nursing Care Facility located in Woodland Hills, California.
The iconic actress had been at this location for a while now, and was even reunited with her former co-star and on-screen husband Richard Bull, who moved into the facility shortly before his death in 2014.
Her former co-stars have shared their thoughts on her death and they all had lovely things to say about her.
Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls Wilder) wrote a long message that highlighted just how kind MacGregor was.
"I just got word that Katherine MacGregor passed away yesterday. This woman taught me so much... about acting... vintage jewelry...life.
She was outspoken and hilariously funny. A truly gifted actress as she was able to play a despicable character but with so much heart.
Her Harriet Oleson was the woman our fans loved to hate. A perfect antagonist.
The thing people outside of our prairie family didn't know, was how loving and nurturing she was with the younger cast.
I really loved her and I find great comfort knowing that she is at peace and, per her beliefs, her soul has moved on to its next incarnation.Farewell Scottie. I hope with all my heart we meet again next time."
Alison Arngrim, MacGregor's on-screen daughter Nellie, also shared a statement on the news, saying, "Long live our beautiful Harriet. Long live the immortal Katherine MacGregor!"
We will always remember MacGregor's wonderful ability to act like someone we all loved to hate.
Source - Today / The Hollywood Reporter
