Almost 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 viewers said goodbye to Little House on the Prairie.
But even today, when the soul show Continuing to resonate in the hearts of his fans, some of his most famous heroes carry on his legacy. This is especially true of actress Alison Arngrim, who for 7 years, and since the age of 12, has interpreted one of the most popular characters of the series: Little Plague Nellie Oleson.
The main antagonist of the show, this spoiled little girl was the sworn enemy of Laura Ingalls and never misses an opportunity to hurt her. Capable of the most terrifying cowardice and unbridled dishonesty, he is at the head of the funniest and most delicious sections of The Little House on the Pairie.
But what became of his excellent interpreter after the end of the series? As he prepares to launch a new show in France (Nellie Oleson shines the 80sfrom Friday March 10 in Rives-en-Seine), we were able to ask about his news and take the opportunity to discuss his memories of Walnut Grove.
AlloCiné: Nellie is a character that has crossed generations and that everyone knows, even those who are not necessarily fans of the series. How do you explain that we especially remember him?
Alison Arngrim: Everyone loves a good villain! And I think Nellie is memorable because everyone knows someone like that in their life. I first, I knew a few! I tried to make Nelly very real, while adding a comical touch.
If you had to keep just one episode of Little House on the Prairie, which one would it be?
I admit that it is my favorite RabbitThe one where Nellie thinks she’s paralyzed and Laura pushes her up and down the hill in a wheelchair! Extremely funny!
What was your relationship like with the other actors? Is there anyone with whom you were a true friend? What do you see today?
The cast of Little House really is like family. It’s rare in Hollywood, but most of us are actually friends and 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.
What do you think is the worst stupid thing Nelly has done in the series?
Ohhh, this is the episode for me music box. What cruelty is happening to this little girl who is standing on her wits! I even hated myself that week!
Is there a Nellie line that you prefer and still carry with you today?
(laughs) There are so many! And indeed, fans still ask me to repeat them today… I especially like them “Who will cook?!”, when my mother offers me a restaurant. It’s even funnier that I can cook really well in real life.
What was the audience’s reaction to your character during filming? Have you ever played it and use it in real life? For example, someone’s joke?
Oh no ! I only use Nellie’s power for good! (Laughs) I used the wig and costume for jokes, also in shows, but only for that. I found that people reacted strongly to the character, even when I was young and we were doing the show. Some people were really afraid of me!
Little House on the Prairie ended in March 1983, almost forty years ago to the day, even if Nellie is underrepresented in the final episodes. Do you remember the last day of filming? Did you say goodbye to the other actors?
I didn’t really have a “goodbye” because I wasn’t sure I was going to leave. We finished season 7 and I didn’t come back for season 8. But later I came back for an episode Nellie’s return. And of course we continued to see each other outside of work.
What happened to you after the end of the series? How did you continue acting?
After the series, I did a lot of different things (Fun Cruise, Fantasy Island, etc.), but mostly focused on comedy and theater. I continue to participate in independent films, theater and stand-up. And of course, since 2006, I travel to France several times a year, in a duet with Patrick Loubattiere.
During your tour of France, is there a place or region that particularly stood out to you and is particularly important to you?
Oh, there are too many to choose just one! But you know, we always go to small towns. It is more interesting – for us and for society. We always turn down invitations from big cities… In these small towns I find the same atmosphere as in Walnut Grove, the small village of the series! And I visited places that a typical “tourist” would never have the pleasure of seeing!
Today you’re starting a new show called Nellie Oleson Sparks the 80s with Patrick Loubattiere. Can you tell us a little more?
It’s definitely different from our previous shows. Sure, there’s always a lot going on on Little House, but there’s so much more to it. It’s a true homage to everything we loved – and still love – about the 80s. Songs, TV shows, games… everything! And as always with our shows, there’s lots of audience participation, followed by a very long signing and photo session at the end!
Interview on March 7, 2023
Thanks to Patrick Loubattiere, Pauline Imbert and Clara Imbert who contributed to this interview
Alison Arngrim From Friday March 10, she will be on tour in France for her new show Nellie Oleson ignites the 80s, in which she throws a fun American look at our French 80s, sometimes giving way to the evil look of her alter ego Nellie Oleson. . His first performance in Rives-en-Seine, Seine-Maritime (this Friday) will be followed by 5 other dates.
(Re)discover our first interview with Alison Arngrim, back in 2006…
Source: Allocine
Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.
