Melissa Gilbert Honors Jack Lilley After ‘Little House’ Star’s Death

Melissa Gilbert, best known for her role in “Little House on the Prairie,” recently shared a heartfelt tribute to her co-star Jack Lilley, who passed away at the age of 91 at the Motion Picture & Television Fund retirement home. Lilley, who portrayed a stagecoach driver and various other roles on the beloved series, was remembered fondly by Gilbert in a touching Instagram post.

In her tribute, Gilbert reminisced about the time Lilley taught her how to ride a horse when she was just a young girl. She recalled his patience and willingness to indulge her requests to go riding, highlighting the bond they shared both on and off the set of “Little House on the Prairie.”

Beyond their time on the iconic show, Gilbert also reflected on Lilley’s extensive film and television career. She mentioned their reunion on a Western pilot called “Then Came Jones,” where they worked alongside a then-unknown Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Despite the pilot not getting picked up, Gilbert described the experience as joyful and serendipitous, especially given the familiar shooting locations that evoked memories of their time on “Little House.”

As she concluded her tribute, Gilbert quoted Shakespeare and affectionately referred to Lilley by his nickname for her, “Halfpint.” She bid farewell to her dear friend and colleague, expressing her love and gratitude for the memories they shared both on and off the screen.

The loss of Jack Lilley is deeply felt within the “Little House on the Prairie” family, but his legacy lives on through the enduring impact he made on those who had the privilege of working with him. May he rest in peace, knowing that he was cherished and remembered by all who knew him.