As the 50th anniversary of Little House on the Prairie approaches, the beloved cast of the iconic 1970s series reunited on Saturday, June 15, at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival in Monaco to reminisce about their experiences on set. The reunion brought together several of the show’s stars, including Karen Grassle, Alison Arngrim, Melissa Sue Anderson, Matthew Labyorteaux, Leslie Landon, and Wendi Lou Lee, as they reflected on their time as young actors in one of television’s most cherished series.

During their panel discussion, the cast shared nostalgic memories and surprising behind-the-scenes stories from their days filming the beloved NBC series. From on-set smoking and drinking to the unique culture of 1970s television productions, the actors painted a vivid picture of what life was like behind the cameras of Little House on the Prairie.

A Different Time: Smoking and Drinking on Set

Karen Grassle, who played the matriarch Caroline Ingalls, opened up about the relaxed culture on set, recalling how she and the late Michael Landon, who portrayed Charles Ingalls, often smoked while filming.

“Michael always had a cigarette,” Grassle, now 82, shared. “We were smoking around the kids.”

Alison Arngrim, known for her role as the mischievous Nellie Oleson, chimed in, noting that such behavior would be unthinkable by today’s standards. “And nobody thought that was odd back then, at all,” said the 62-year-old actress. “We were literally lighting our cigarettes in the mud in front of Little House on the Prairie. Can you imagine?”

She went on to explain that the culture of television in the 1970s was starkly different from today. “Now, when you go to a set, craft services have gluten-free and organic options,” Arngrim said. “Back then, we had giant donuts and gallons of strong coffee. We smoked, we drank beer, we ate junk food—it was just how things were in the ’70s.”

She jokingly added, “By today’s standards, you’d look at us and say, ‘What is this, the Mad Men set? How can this be Little House on the Prairie if they’re smoking and drinking beer?’”

A Unique Work Environment

Grassle explained that much of this atmosphere was inherited from earlier television productions, such as Bonanza, where Michael Landon had also worked. While there was an air of celebration and camaraderie, the cast and crew were always mindful of the young actors on set.

“I have to admit, there was a much looser atmosphere after 4:00 when the kids went home,” she recalled. “But during the workday, there was always a strong sense of respect. We didn’t need anyone enforcing rules—it was just understood.”

Grassle emphasized that despite the relaxed nature of the set, there was no swearing or inappropriate behavior. “The fact that we were surrounded by children was truly respected. And I was really happy about that.”

A Safe Space for Young Actors

Arngrim echoed these sentiments, saying she always felt protected while working on Little House on the Prairie. “I always thought our crew was very protective of us kids,” said the 57-year-old actress. “Our set treated children better than some other movies or TV shows at the time.”

Matthew Labyorteaux, who played a young Charles Ingalls, agreed. “Little House was unlike any other set I had been on. I worked on A Woman Under the Influence, directed by John Cassavetes, in 1974, and the difference was night and day.”

Labyorteaux described the Little House set as “nurturing, protective, and caring.” He emphasized how the crew went out of their way to create a safe and supportive environment for the child actors. “It’s like being a young athlete or performer—you can’t always deliver your best on demand. They understood that and gave us the space to do our best work without pressure.”

Protecting Young Stars from Harm

Although Little House on the Prairie was a positive environment for its young cast members, Arngrim acknowledged that not all child actors in Hollywood had the same experience. She noted that in recent years, disturbing stories about misconduct on other sets have surfaced, but she was fortunate to work in a setting where safety was a priority.

“There have been a lot of stories lately about terrible things happening to kids on set,” Arngrim said. “But I always say, if anyone had tried anything with me or the other girls on Little House, they wouldn’t have found the body.”

Arngrim, who is now an advocate for child safety through the National Association to Protect Children, expressed gratitude for the protective nature of the Little House crew. “That was the kind of environment we had. It was one where we felt genuinely safe.”

Looking Back on a Legacy

As the cast reflected on their experiences, it was clear that Little House on the Prairie was more than just a television show—it was a family. The respect, camaraderie, and positive atmosphere on set left a lasting impact on all who worked on it.

With the show’s 50th anniversary approaching in September, fans continue to cherish the series and the heartfelt stories it told. The cast’s reunion in Monte Carlo served as a testament to the lasting bond they share and the legacy of a show that continues to captivate audiences decades later.