Karen Grassle, ‘Little House on the Prairie’ actress, is still lighting up our screens at 79 years old

The Ingalls family and their life on the farm in Plum Creek near Walnut Grove, Minnesota stole the hearts of many. Viewers were eagerly waiting for each new episode and each new adventure. “Little House on the Prairie” attracted millions of fans and many can’t help but wonder what some of their favorite actors from the show are up to nowadays.

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The mom of the family, Caroline Ingalls, or as the children called her, Ma, was portrayed by Karen Grassle who was quickly dubbed America’s sweetheart. Even today, she is known as one of the most iconic American moms in TV history.

As she turned 80, Grassle still stuns with her beauty and acting, although she seemed to disappear from the screens for some time before she turned to her first love, Broadway.

Grassle studied at the University of California, but completed her acting education at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

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“That was one of the most exciting learning experiences of my life: the school was superb and we could go to the theater in London and see the finest actors and productions in the English language,” Grassle said, referring to her college life in the U.K.

She recalls how she went to an audition for a role she was looking forwards to get, and when she was turned down, she tried her luck with “Little House on the Prairie” probably not assuming back then that this role would help her shot to fame.

The show premiered on September 11, 1974 and lasted until 1983, but Grassle left it the year before. Producers tried convincing her to continue portraying Ma’s role but she didn’t accept the offer so the show was eventually canceled.

Wikipedia Commons / NBC

After appearing on stage for many years in classics such as “Cabaret” and “Driving Miss Daisy,” Grassle set up her own theater company. Then in 1994, she stared along Kevin Costner in Wyatt Earp.

James Brunet‎ / Karen Grassle

Three years ago, Grassle were both uncertain and happy to answer to a challenge and try something completely different from what she has been doing her whole life so she accepted a role in the horror movie Lasso.

“Finally, my son tells me, “Oh just do it, Mom. You’ll have fun! You’ll run screaming in the night!” So, I said, “Okay, I’ll do it.” It’s a total change for me,” she said.

I’m sure this stunning actress still has a lot to offer, despite her age. She looks completely stunning and still takes our breath away.

She Raised His Daughter Alone—His Return After 10 Years Ends in Heartbreak

A man left his young daughter with his mother to start a new life with his wife. When he returns ten years later, he’s shocked to find both his mother and daughter gone, with no sign of where they went.

Doris Dakkar had been a single mother to her son, Nicholas, after her husband left when Nicholas was seven. Life had been tough, but Doris worked two jobs to make sure Nicholas had everything he needed.

At that time, Doris was only thirty. She never thought she’d be raising a child alone again at sixty, nor did she expect Nicholas would abandon his own daughter, just like his father did.

Nicholas had married a wonderful woman named Sandra, but sadly, she passed away when their daughter, Paige, was nine years old. Shortly after Sandra’s death, Nicholas started a relationship with a woman named Donna and married her within six months. Doris, his mother, believed that Nicholas was just lonely.

Doris noticed that Paige, who used to be a happy and playful child, became quiet and withdrawn. Doris thought it was because Paige was grieving her mother’s death. She still believed her son was a good man, but that changed soon.

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Selfish people don’t care about others’ happiness.

The summer Paige turned ten, Nicholas asked Doris if she could look after Paige for three weeks while he and Donna went on a vacation to Alaska.

“Every couple needs time alone, Mom,” Nicholas said. “Paige has been difficult lately… She doesn’t like Donna.”

Doris was surprised but agreed. “Alright, Nicky. A break might help all of you. But Donna knew you had a daughter when she married you. A grown woman should be able to handle a ten-year-old who is still trying to cope with her mother’s death and her father’s quick remarriage.”

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Nicholas turned red with anger. “I should’ve known you’d take Paige’s side!” he shouted. “Donna makes me happy, and that’s all that matters!”

“I thought someone had to be on Paige’s side, and I’m surprised it’s not her father,” Doris replied. “Making your daughter happy should make you happy, too!”

Nicholas stormed out, but when he returned a week later to drop off Paige, he seemed like his usual self. He kissed Paige goodbye and hugged Doris.

“I’ll be back on August 27, Mom,” he said, then drove off, waving happily.

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But August 27 came and went, and Nicholas never returned. Doris tried calling him, only to discover his number had been disconnected. He hadn’t called his daughter since he left, but sometimes replied to her text messages.

Now, it seemed he had disappeared. Doris found out that the house Nicholas and Sandra owned had been sold. He was gone.

He had abandoned his daughter with his elderly mother, showing no concern for her.

Doris sat down with Paige and reassured her, “We’ll be okay, you and I. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of you. I love you, and one day, your father will regret what he’s done.”

Ten years later, Nicholas returned to his mother’s house. He was shocked to see the house looked abandoned, with an overgrown garden and boarded-up windows.

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He knocked on a neighbor’s door. The woman seemed surprised to see him and hesitated to give him Paige’s new address. She looked at his shabby clothes and rusty car.

“Paige is married now, and Doris lives with her. I wouldn’t expect a warm welcome after what you did,” she said coldly.

Nicholas didn’t respond and walked away, confident he could charm his mother.

When he arrived at Paige’s new address, he was stunned. It was a luxurious mansion. He rang the doorbell and told the maid, “I’m here to see Doris or Paige Dakkar.”

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The maid corrected him, “You mean Mrs. Dakkar or Mrs. Henderson,” and led him to a grand sitting room.

A few minutes later, Paige walked in. She looked at him silently, showing no surprise. Nicholas guessed the neighbor had warned them he was coming.

“Paige, my baby,” Nicholas said, stepping forward to hug the beautiful young woman his daughter had become.

“What do you want, father?” she asked calmly, without anger.

“I wanted to see you and Grandma Doris. I’ve missed you both so much,” Nicholas said, forcing a smile.

Doris walked in then, looking calm and younger than her age. “Nicholas, why are you here?” she asked.

“I came to see my family,” Nicholas said, raising his voice. “I was hoping for a warm welcome!”

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“You abandoned me, father,” Paige said coldly. “Did you really expect a warm welcome?”

“It wasn’t my fault,” Nicholas whined. “Donna said she’d leave me if I didn’t go with her.”

Doris smirked. “But Donna’s not here now. Did she leave when the money ran out?”

Nicholas glanced around the room enviously. “You seem to be doing well. I’m unemployed and struggling. Can’t you help me out?”

“I’m surprised you’d ask for help after abandoning us,” Paige said. “But for Grandma Doris’s sake, I’ll help.”

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Paige went to a fancy desk, unlocked a drawer, and took out an envelope and a set of keys. “These are the keys to the old house, and there’s $5,000 in here. Don’t come back asking for more.”

Paige hugged Doris and walked out of the room. Moments later, the maid arrived and escorted Nicholas out before he could take anything valuable.

Nicholas sat in his car outside the mansion for a long time. “I did what I had to do,” he muttered. “Why can’t anyone understand how much I’ve suffered? There’s no gratitude in this world…”

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