David's Little House Star Profiles and Trivia

Yes, and it was quite odd, dice we generally heard Laura's voice at the end, or Charles one at least...It was a nice and moving ending.

Vanesa.

Forrest Tucker, best known to the Baby Boom generation as Sergeant O'Rourke on the classic TV sitcom "F Troop" (1965), was born on February 12, 1919, in Plainfield, Indiana. He began his performing career at age 14 at the 1933 Chicago "Century of Progress" World's Fair, pushing big wicker tourists' chairs by day and singing at night. His family moved to Arlington, Virginia, where he attended Washington-Lee High School in 1938.

Big for his age, as a youth Tucker was hired by the Old Gayety Burlesque Theater in Washington, DC, to serve as a Master of Ceremonies for the burly-cue after consecutively winning Saturday night amateur contests. He was fired when it was found out that he was underage. When he turned 18, he was rehired by the Old Gayety.

After graduating from high school in 1938, the 6'4", 200-lb. Tucker played semi-pro football in the Washington, DC, area. He also enlisted in the National Guard and was assigned to a cavalry unit in Ft. Myers, Virginia. He started at the top when he entered the movies, in a supporting role in William Wyler's The Westerner (1940) opposite Gary Cooper and Walter Brennan, who won his third Oscar for portraying Judge Roy Bean in the picture. He got the role during his 1939 vacation from the Old Gayety, which shut down due to the District of Columbia's horrible summers in the days before air conditioning was common.He was signed to the part in the Wyler picture, which required a big fellow with enough presence for a fight scene with the 6'3" superstar Cooper.

Tucker moved to California and began auditioning for parts in films. After "The Westerner", it was off to Poverty Row, where he appeared in William Beaudine's Emergency Landing (1941) at rock-bottom PRC (Producers Releasing Corp.). He was soon signed by Columbia and assigned to the B-pictures unit, though he was lent to MGM for the Spencer Tracy-Katharine Hepburn vehicle Keeper of the Flame (1942), his last film before going off to World War II.

Tucker served as an enlisted man in the Army during the war, being discharged as a second lieutenant in 1945. He returned to Columbia and resumed his acting career with an appearance in the classic film The Yearling (1946). He signed with Republic Pictures in 1948, which brought him one of his greatest roles, that of the Marine corporal bearing a grudge against gung-ho sergeant John Wayne in Sands of Iwo Jima (1949). At Republic Tucker was top-billed in many of the "B' pictures in the action and western genres the studio was famous for, such as Rock Island Trail (1950), California Passage (1950) and Ride the Man Down (1952), among many others. In 1958 he broke out of action / western pictures and played Beauregard Burnside to Rosalind Russell's Auntie Mame (1958), the highest grossing US film of the year. It showed that Tucker was capable of performing in light comedy.

Morton DaCosta, his director on "Auntie Mame", cast Tucker as "Professor" Harold Hill in the national touring production of The Music Man (1962), and he was a more than credible substitute for the great Broadway star Robert Preston, who originated the role. Tucker made 2,008 appearances in The Music Man over the next five years, then starred in "Fair Game for Lovers" on Broadway in 1964.

However, it was television that provided Tucker with his most famous role: scheming cavalry sergeant Morgan O'Rourke in "F Troop", which ran from 1965 to 1967 on ABC. Ably supported by Larry Storch, Ken Berry and James Hampton, Tucker showed a flair for comedy and he and Storch had great chemistry, but the series was canceled after only two seasons. It has, however, remained in syndication ever since.

Following "F Troop", Tucker returned to films in supporting parts (having a good turn as the villain in the John Wayne western Chisum (1970)) and character leads (The Wild McCullochs (1975)). On television he was a regular on three series: "Dusty's Trail" (1973) with Bob Denver; "The Ghost Busters" (1975), which reunited him with Larry Storch; and "Filthy Rich" (1982). Tucker was also a frequent guest star on TV, with many appearances on "Gunsmoke" (1955) and in the recurring role of Jarvis Castleberry, Flo's estranged father, on "Alice" (1976) and its spin-off, "Flo" (1980). He continued to be active on stage as well, starring in the national productions of Plaza Suite (1971), Show Boat (1936), and That Championship Season (1982). He also toured with Roy Radin's Vaudeville Revue, a variety show in which, as a headliner, he told Irish stories and jokes and sang Irish songs.

Tucker returned to the big screen after an absence of several years in 1986, playing hero trucker Charlie Morrison in the action film Thunder Run (1986). His comeback to features was short-lived, however, as he died on October 25, 1986, in the Los Angeles suburb of Woodland Hills, of complications from lung cancer and emphysema. He was 67 years old. Tucker was buried in Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills Cemetery in Los Angeles.

He was in 148 productions from 1940 to 1987

One Little House on the Prairie
As Jim Tyler
Founder's Day (1975)

"Founders Day" - Charles Letting Jim Tyler Win

"F Troop" - Seargent O'Rourke - 65 Episodes

You have probably never heard of or seen the name of Jack Lilley when watching Little House. But trust me, he was there. He was in practically in every episode of Little House. One episode of Highway To Heaven and four episodes of Father Murphy.

His son, Clint Lilley (profiled earlier), played “Son of Running Bull” in “The Halloween Dream” episode of Little House opposite Matt and Melissa. Clint is a stuntman today and worked for Director Michael Landon Jr. in “Loves Long Journey”.

Since there is so little info on Jack Lilley, I emailed his son, Clint, a very gracious guy. I asked him about his Dad and apologized for bothering him again. Here is the reply I received:
"Not a bother Dave, my dad was on the pilot and worked in all episodes. He was close with Mike and was a utility stuntman who doubled Vic French and a bunch of other guest cast, even Johnny Cash...
Best, Clint"

Jack worked for Michael Landon for many years. In his forty year career he was an actor, stuntman or part of the filming crew in over 90 productions. He was in all three Little House TV movies. He was the stagecoach driver in “Bless All The Dear Children” and “The Last Farewell”. A Townsman in “ Look Back To Yesterday”.

He mostly was the stagecoach driver in all of the Little House episodes he appeared in. He was credited as “Homer” in “The Monster of Walnut Grove” when he picked up Harriet in a buckboard (pictured below).

Remember Matthew leaving with his real father in “Hello and Goodbye”? Jack Lilley was driving the stagecoach. Remember “The Injun Kid” when he arrived in Walnut Grove with his mother. Jack Lilley was driving the stagecoach. The list goes on and on.

He was a gentleman that never got much credit in the public eye, but I think he sure deserved some here for his many years of work.

Dropping Off Charles and Carolyn at Laura's House
"The Last Farewell"

Approaching The House

Picking Up Harriet in "The Monster of Walnut Grove"

Born Luana Margo Anderson on May 12, 1938, Luana Anders began her show-business career as a bike messenger at MGM along with fellow thespians Jack Nicholson, Sandra Knight and future film producers George Edwards and Fred Roos. She convinced Nicholson to join her in her improv acting class with legendary teacher and veteran character actor Jeff Corey; her other classmates included Sally Kellerman, Richard Chamberlain, director/producer Roger Corman and screenwriter Robert Towne. Luana began her acting career in her teens in such 1950s "B" movies as Reform School Girl (1957) (alongside her lifelong friend Sally Kellerman) and Life Begins at 17 (1958), in which she co-starred with actor (and future producer) Mark Damon. She also worked with Damon in Roger Corman's The Young Racers (1963). The sound man on "The Young Racers" asked her if she wanted to star in his first directing effort. The sound man was Francis Ford Coppola and Anders played the conniving and duplicitous Louise Haloran in Coppola's debut feature, Dementia 13 (1963).

She played Vincent Price's sister Catherine Medina in Corman's Pit and the Pendulum (1961). Anders acted opposite Charles Grodin and John Gabriel in Sex and the College Girl (1964). Luana was in three pictures for director Curtis Harrington: ingénue Ellen Sands in Night Tide (1961), a cameo as a party guest in Games (1967) and repressed librarian Louise in the perverse The Killing Kind (1973). Anders achieved cult status as groovy hippie commune dweller Lisa in Easy Rider (1969). Robert Altman frequently credited Luana with getting his career started; she has a small role as a streetwalker Sandy Dennis picks up in Altman's That Cold Day in the Park (1969). Friend Jack Nicholson made a point of seeing and commenting on the movie during the Cannes film festival where "Easy Rider" won the Palme D'or; the subsequent publicity gave Altman the notoriety to launch his career. She frequently acted in films with real-life good friend Nicholson; she was especially memorable as a Buddhist chanting party girl in The Last Detail (1973). Luana was terrorized by a deranged Mickey Rooney on an abandoned studio backlot in the unreleased gonzo oddity The Manipulator (1971) and starred in 'Robert Downey Sr.' (q)'s Greaser's Palace (1972). Anders appeared in Shampoo (1975), a film that's reportedly based on her romance with hairdresser Richard Alcala; the picture was written by her friend and fellow Corey classmate Robert Towne.

She had a recurring part on the daytime soap opera "Santa Barbara" (1984). Among the TV shows Luana did guest spots on are "Hunter" (1984), "Little House on the Prairie" (1974), "Mannix" (1967), "Bonanza" (1959), "Ironside" (1967), "Dragnet 1967" (1967), "Hawaii Five-O" (1968), "The Andy Griffith Show" (1960), "Alcoa Presents: One Step Beyond" (1959), "The Outer Limits" (1963), "Ben Casey" (1961) and "The Rifleman" (1958). Anders co-wrote the script for the comedy Limit Up (1989) and was uncredited in scripting the action/adventure romp Fire on the Amazon (1993), which was Sandra Bullock's debut film for Roger Corman. She appeared in a number of movies with collaborator Richard Martini, including You Can't Hurry Love (1988), about which "Variety" declared, "It's about time we see the great Luana Anders back on the screen". She was a member of the improvisational comedy stage group The Committee. A lifelong Buddhist and supporter of the American chapter of Soka Gakkai International, Luana Anders died on July 21, 1996.

She was on one episode of Little House
“Blizzard” – 1977
Lottie McGinnis – Her Husband Below Died in the Blizzard

Rossie Harris, sometimes billed as Ross Harris, was born in March of 1969 in Ventura, Ca. He has acted in 29 Television productions and two movies from 1977 through 2001. Some of his appearances include Chips, TJ Hooker, Spencer (7 episodes), and Walt Disneys Wonderful World of Color.

He was in two movies. “Testament” and "Airplane!" Remember Joey in the cockpit with Peter Graves in "Airplane!"? That was Rossie.

He played a delightful young man in one Little House episode.
The Holy Terror Rupert Wilder in “The Nephews” in 1981. Almanzo
Made The Biggest Mistake of His Life Offering to Take Care of Them

In “The Nephews” as Rupert

As Joey in "Airplane!"

In "Testament" as Brad

Tubby and engaging character actor Cliff Emmich was born on December 13, 1936 in Cincinnati, Ohio and raised in Los Angeles. His father Clifford was a popular exotic car dealer whose celebrity customers included Clark Gable, Gary Cooper and Ozzie Nelson. Following graduation from John Muir High School, Emmich served in the air force for four years as a photo technician. Cliff first began acting on stage. Veteran character actor Keenan Wynn advised Emmich to enroll at the Pasadena Playhouse. Cliff studied at the Pasadena Playhouse for eight months. Emmich then toured the country with the American Repertory Players and spent a summer performing in summer stock at the Pink Garter Theatre in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He made his film debut in "Gaily, Gaily." Cliff gave a superb performance as arrogant country singer Rip Torn's loyal, but long-suffering chauffeur Chicago in the outstanding indie drama gem "Payday." Other memorable roles are a coroner in the fantastic "Invasion of the Bee Girls," a sexist jerk business executive who insults Yvette Mimieux at the very start of the excellent redneck exploitation winner "Jackson County Jail," a bumbling small town deputy in "Barracuda;" very likable as ill-fated hospital security guard Mr. Garrett in "Halloween II," an asylum doctor in the trashy "Hellhole," and a small town sheriff in "Digital Man." Among the many TV shows Cliff has done guest spots on are "Crossing Jordan," "Walker, Texas Ranger," "Nash Bridges," "Coach," "Baywatch," "Murder, She Wrote," "Knots Landing," "Night Court," "Hunter," "Rip Tide," "Simon & Simon," "CHiPs," "Knight Rider," "The Incredible Hulk," "Vega$," "Fantasy Island," "Happy Days," "Little House on the Prairie" (this is one of Emmich's favorite parts), "Charlie's Angels," "Baretta," "Police Woman," and "Starsky and Hutch." He's a member of both the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

He acted in 89 Productions from 1969 – 2007.
He Was On One Little House
The Man Inside – John Bevins - 1978

Katherine Woodville was born in December of 1938 in London, England. Began acting at age 16 in her native England in a traveling production of T.S. Eliot's play, "Murder in the Cathedral.

She played the girl who was the first person killed on the first episode of "The Avengers" (1961) TV series. She later married its star, Patrick Macnee which ended in divorce in 1969. She was married to actor Edward Albert, son of Eddie Albert of Green Acres fame from 1979 until his death in 2006.They had one son, Thais.  

Started her own business breeding, training and taking care of other people's horses after she quit acting in the late 70s. You may remember her as Marie Horton on “Days of Our Lives”. Other appearance included Eight is Enough, Rockford Files and Kung Fu to name a few.

Is a member of the Actor's Studio in New York.  She acted in 56 titles from 1960 – 1979.

Update: Passed away June 5th, 2013 in Portland, Oregon.

She was in one Little House Episode
The Man Inside – 1978 – Bess Bevins (Amelia’s Mother)  

Her Husband Edward (Left) With His Dad Eddie Albert

Brad Wilkin attended Lowell High School ,in Whittier, Ca., in 1975 and was in school plays.

He appeared in a number of television and film credits including Little House on the Prairie (1974); The Waltons (1974); Instant Family (1977-TV Special); M*A*S*H (1980), Pig's vs Freaks (1984); Off Sides (1984-TV Movie); Disney's Midnight Madness (2004).

One of the more memorable roles that Wilkin had during this time period was on the Happy Days where he played the recurring role of "Phil", the romantic opposite to Joanie Cunningham (1978).

He was also in two episodes of the Waltons in 1973 – 1974. One as Willie Dempster in the episode “ The Traingle”.

He went to High School with Brent Boyd who played for the Minnesota Vikings from 1980 to 1986.

He Played Tom Carlin In
"The Winoka Warriors" 1978

1975 High School Year Book

In the "Happy Days" episode "Westward Ho"

John Joseph Thomas, born in November of 1964, in Arcadia, Ca., acted in 5 productions between 1977 and 1980.
He played Peter Dawes in Young Dan’l Boone. Other credits were The Seekers, 3 ABC Weekend Specials and Blood Beach.

He has been in sound work for movies since 1988 in over 68 productions including Johnny Depp’s “Public Enemies”. He was nominated for an award for “I Am Legend” for Best Sound Editing.

He was in 3 Little House Episodes as “Spence”
There’s No Place Like Home Pt 1 – 1978
The Winoka Warriors – 1978
As Long As We’re Together - 1978

As "Spence" on the left in Winoka Warriors Opposite Adam Gunn

Albert DID NOT like mush!

Born in December of 1932 in Chicago,Illinois, George Furth won Broadway's 1971 Tony Award as Best Book (Musical) for "Company."
In the early 1970s, plans to film his hit 1971 Broadway play 'Twigs' with Elizabeth Taylor playing four roles never materialized.
2000: Worked with Stephen Sondheim on 1981 Broadway musical "Merrily We Roll Along". It was awarded Best New Musical at the Laurence Olivier Theatre Award in 2001.
He graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in speech, and received a master of fine arts degree from Columbia University in 1956.
Biography/bibliography in: "Contemporary Authors". New Revision Series, volume 144, pages 160-162. Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson Gale, 2006.
In the late 60s he began jotting down ideas for a series of one-act plays, with the idea of getting actress Kim Stanley to play the lead in each playlet. When no producer would bite, he turned to Stephen Sondheim, who, in turn, showed the work to director Harold Prince. The result was 1970's landmark Broadway musical "Company". George later used some of the one-acts not used in "Company" to form "Twigs," a 1971 quartet of interconnected plays about four women, all from the same family.
Other plays included "Precious Sons" and "The Supporting Cast." He also wrote the book for the John Kander and Fred Ebb musical "The Act" starring Liza Minnelli. "Getting Away With Murder," a third collaboration with Stephen Sondheim, a comedy thriller that ran a few weeks in 1996, was a rare stab at straight playwriting and one of the last examples of the thriller genre to reach Broadway.
He graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in speech and received a master of fine arts degree from Columbia University in 1956.
In the late 1990s, there was talk of Annette Bening starring in his comedy entitled "Sex, Sex, Sex, Sex, Sex, Sex, Sex," but the production never materialized.
A close, devoted friend to Warren Beatty, he appeared in support to the star in both Shampoo (1975) and Bulworth (1998).

He was in 90 TV shows from 1962 – 1998
One Little House Episode
“The Talking Machine" 1976 Hannibal Godfrey
He Sold The Talking Machine

Ford Rainey, born in August of 1908, was an American character actor of stage, films, and television. A native of Mountain Home, Idaho, he was the son of a colorful character who was, among many other things, a champion of local dance contests. As a boy, Rainey was painfully shy, but found an outlet in school plays. He pursued stage work in regional companies, then went to New York to study with the legendary Michael Chekhov. He worked numerous "civilian" jobs while attempting to make a career as an actor, including work as a logger, a lineman, and a licensed carpenter. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II, then went to California where he helped start the Ojai Valley Players and then acted in his first film in 1949. He became a familiar face in films and television shows of all sorts during the next five decades while maintaining a deep attachment to the theatre. In his ninetieth year, he played Giles Corey in "The Crucible" at Theatricum Botanicum, the Topanga, California theatre founded by his friend, the late Will Geer.

His austere, authoritative looks were perfect for playing presidents, which he did several times on TV, including the pilot episode of "Lost in Space" (1965) and on "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea" (1964).

Supported himself as a linesman, logger and carpenter during the lean years.
Children: sons James and Robert; daughter Kathleen.
Before he was able to make a full-time living as an actor he held a variety of other jobs, including logger, lineman, fruit picker, fisherman and clam digger.
He made his movie debut with an uncredited role in the 1949 James Cagney picture White Heat (1949).

At age 90 started breeding tropical birds. He won many awards in various competitions for his efforts.

First played Abraham Lincoln in a 1953 Hallmark Hall of Fame production of "Miss Curtis Goes to Washington". Went on to play the President a number of times after that.
Mother was a schoolteacher.

Graduated from Centralia Junior College in Washington State and the Cornish Drama School in Seattle.

Was an excellent horseman and fencer which served him well in westerns and dashing adventures.
Tended beehives at his Malibu ranch house in later years. He owned his own solar heater and earned the nickname "The Wizard" from neighborhood children. At age 90 he was breeding birds and won trophies from several Southern California competitions.
His final appearances as an actor was his reoccurring role as "Mickey", Arthur Spooner's friend on the television series, King of Queens.

He played the same character (President Abraham Lincoln) in three different series: "Sunday Showcase" (1959), "The Time Tunnel" (1966) and "Captains and the Kings" (1976).

He died at the age of 96 in Santa Monica,Ca., after a series of strokes.

He was in two Little House episodes
Both as Dr. Burke (Eye Doctor For Mary)
I’ll Be Waving As You Drive Away – 1978
Four Eyes - 1975

Moses Gunn was an American actor. An Obie Award-winning stage player, he co-founded the Negro Ensemble Company in the 1960s. His 1962 Off-Broadway debut was in Jean Genet's The Blacks," and his Broadway debut was in "A Hand is on the Gate," an evening of African American poetry. He was nominated for a 1976 Tony Award as Best Actor (Play) for The Poison Tree and played Othello on Broadway in 1970.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, in Oct. of 1929, the son of Mary and George Gunn, he was the eldest of seven children. After his mother died, his family splintered. Moses left home and rode the railroad at just 12 years old. He returned to St. Louis and attended school while living at the home of Jewel Richie, his English teacher. He graduated from Tennessee State University after a stint in the army, then went to graduate school at Kansas University, gaining a masters degree. He taught briefly at Grambling College before attempting an acting career in NYC. He married Gwendolyn Mumma Landes in 1966, becoming stepfather to her daughter Kirsten Sarah Landes. They had a son, Justin Moses, in 1970 who became a musician and composer in the Copenhagen based band, The Reverend Shine Snake Oil Co.
An authoritative black character actor of film and TV, Gunn also enjoyed a successful career on stage. He made his New York City stage debut in the original off-Broadway production of Jean Genet's The Blacks (1962). He performed many Shakespearean roles In Joseph Papp's Shakespeare in the Park, winning an Obie Award for his portrayal of Aaron in Titus Andronicus. He won a second Obie for his work in the NEC produced "First Breeze of Summer," which moved to Broadway. His much acclaimed performance as Othello at the Stratford, Connecticut, Shakespeare Festival was also moved to Broadway in 1970. Other Broadway plays in which Gunn performed are: "A Hand is on the Gate," "Twelfth Night," "I Have a Dream," and "The Poison Tree," for which he gained a Tony nomination for Best Actor. Gunn is perhaps best remembered in film for his portrayal of mobster Ellsworth Raymond "Bumpy" Jonas in the first two Shaft movies, and for his brief role of Booker T. Washington in the 1981 movie Ragtime, a performance which won him an NAACP Image Award. He was nominated for an Emmy Award in 1977 for his role in the TV mini-series Roots. He also costarred with Avery Brooks on the TV series A Man Called Hawk. Gunn also appeared in a multi-episode story arc as atheist shop owner Carl Dixon on the sitcom Good Times, as Joe Kagan on Little House on the Prairie, and as the character Moses Gage in the 1980s NBC drama Father Murphy. He appeared on The Cosby Show episode "Grampy and Nu Nu Visit the Huxtables", as Olivia's (Raven-Symone) grandfather. His final performance was as murder suspect Risley Tucker in "Three Men and Adena", an award-winning episode of Homicide: Life on the Street.

He died from the complications of asthma in Guilford, Connecticut in December 1993.

He was in 34 episodes of Father Murphy as Moses Gage

He was in 5 episodes of Little House as Joe Kagan
– Make a Joyful Noise (1981)
– Barn Burner (1979)
– Blind Journey: Part 2 (1978)
– Blind Journey: Part 1 (1978)
– The Fighter (1977) (Ketty Lester as his wife)

"Joe Kagan" Artist - Gin Alexander

Moses is one of my favorites. He was a very accomplished man. So glad that English teacher of his made a home for him.

Ketty Lester, birthname Revoyda Frierson, born in August of 1934, was the daughter of a farmer. She was born in Hope, Arkansas, one of a family of 15 children, and first sang in her church and school choirs. She won a scholarship to study music at San Francisco State College, and in the early 1950s began performing under the name Ketty Lester in the city's Purple Onion club. She later appeared as a contestant on the game show You Bet Your Life, and toured Europe as a singer with Cab Calloway's orchestra.

Returning to California, she recorded her first single, "Queen For A Day", for the Everest label.[ She was introduced by the singer and comedienne Dorothy Shay to record producers and songwriters Ed Cobb and Lincoln Mayorga, of The Four Preps and The Piltdown Men, who won her a contract with Era Records in Los Angeles. In 1961 they released her single, "I'm a Fool to Want You" b/w "Love Letters". Radio listeners and disc jockeys preferred the B-side, a reworking of a 1945 hit by Dick Haymes, and Lester's recording of "Love Letters", which featured Lincoln Mayorga's sparse piano arrangement and Earl Palmer on drums, rose to # 5 in the Billboard Hot 100 early in 1962. The record also reached # 2 on the R&B chart, and # 4 in the UK Singles Chart, selling over one million copies in all, and in 1991 was ranked 176th in the R.I.A.A. compiled list of Songs of the Century. In 1962 she toured the UK as support act on the Everly Brothers tour.

The follow-up, a version of George and Ira Gershwin's "But Not for Me" from the musical Girl Crazy, reached # 41 in the US pop charts and # 45 in the UK. She released an album, Love Letters, which contained the tracks "You Can't Lie to a Liar" and a cover of Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land" - both of which were issued as singles which scraped into the bottom of the Hot 100 - and was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Female Pop Vocal Performance category. Lester continued to record for Era with little success until 1964, when she signed for RCA. She released several unsuccessful singles for that label, and two albums, The Soul of Me and Where Is Love?, in a more R&B-oriented style which has been compared to Dinah Washington and Nancy Wilson. Some of her earlier recordings also featured on one side of an album shared with previously-released tracks by Betty Everett. Also in 1964, she won a Theatre World Award for her performance in the off-Broadway show Cabin in the Sky. She then moved to the Tower label, issuing a single and album, When A Woman Loves A Man, an answer record to Percy Sledge's "When a Man Loves a Woman". However, these releases, and later records for the Pete label including a 1968 album, Ketty Lester, met with little commercial success.

She then gave up singing commercially, and turned to acting. She was reportedly offered the role eventually taken by Diahann Carroll in the 1968 TV series Julia, and appeared in a variety of movies including Up Tight! (1968), Blacula (1972), and Uptown Saturday Night (1974). She established herself as a television actress in the 1970s and 1980s, playing the roles of 'Helen Grant' in the soap opera, Days of our Lives from 1975 to 1977, and 'Hester-Sue Terhune' on the NBC television series Little House on the Prairie from 1978 to 1983, as well as making short appearances in many other series. She recorded a Christian album, I Saw Him, in 1984, and, in 1994, played the role of Aunt Lucy in the film, House Party 3.

She appeared in more than 70 TV shows between 1968 and 1998.
Appeared in 40 episodes of Little House, 39 as Hester Sue Terhune and
Played Janie Kagan in one. (Joe Kagan’s Wife)

"Hester Sue" Artist - Gin Alexander

With Michael

E.J. ANDRE’ was born in Detroit, Michigan in August of 1908. He appeared in 86 productions between 1956 and 1987. His first acting role was in the epic “Ten Commandments” as The Sheik of Hazareth in 1956. His last role was in Evil Town in 1987. He was mostly on television but also appeared in movies such as Pappillon, Magic and The Dead of Night. He was in six episodes of Dallas from 1979 to 1983 as Eugene Bullock. Appeared in many westerns in a variety of parts throughout the 60’s and 70’s.

He passed away in September of 1984, in Hollywood, Ca., at the age of 76.

He was in seven episodes of Little House. Probably remembered best as “Uncle Jed” from “The Lost Ones” in in 1981, and “Uncle Jed” in the episode "Uncle Jed" in in 1982. He was a marvelous actor that contributed much to every part he played on Little House. Obviously a favorite of Michael Landon’s for very good reason.

His Father's Son (7 January 1976) - Amos Thoms
Going Home (31 March 1976) - Matthew Simms
Gold Country: Part 1 (4 April 1977) - Zachariah
Gold Country: Part 2 (4 April 1977) – Zachariah
The Godsister (18 December 1978) - St. Peter
The Lost Ones: Part 1 (4 May 1981) - Jed Cooper
Uncle Jed (1 February 1982) - Jed Cooper

As "Jed Cooper" in Uncle Jed - Sitting Between James and Cassandra

As "Zachariah" in Gold Country

As "Matthew Simms" in Going Home

Quite a familiar lady and notorious busybody on 1950s and '60s TV and film, petite, red-headed character actress Lurene Tuttle was born in Pleasant Lake, Indiana, on August 20, 1907, and raised on a ranch close to the Arizona border. Her father, O.V. Tuttle, started out as a performer in minstrels but found a job as a railroad station agent when times got hard. Her grandfather was a drama teacher and managed an opera house at one time in Angola, Indiana. As a child, she studied acting in Phoenix and was known for her scene-stealing comedy antics even at that early age.

At age 15, the family relocated to Monrovia, California, and it was here that Tuttle began her career. She received dramatic training at the Pasadena Playhouse and appeared in many of their productions including "The Playboy of the Western World." She subsequently became a troupe member of Murphy's Comedians, a vaudeville company, and then eventually extended her range as a dramatic ingénue in stock shows. Although making it to Broadway somehow slipped through her fingers, Tuttle worked on stage consistently throughout the 1920s and 1930s. Known for her fine speaking voice and mastery of a wide range of dialects, she found a new avenue in radio during the Depression and became one of that medium's most recognized voices playing both sweet and sour characters. Dubbed the "First Lady of Radio," her best-remembered role came as Effie, the altruistic "Girl Friday," on "The Adventures of Sam Spade" opposite Howard Duff's cynical-edged gumshoe. Red Skelton also admired her versatility and used her frequently in a variety of parts on his radio show.

Film and TV presented itself to her strongly in the 1950s, by this time fitting in comfortably whether a warm and wise wife and mother or brittle matron. Following her film debut in Heaven Only Knows (1947), Tuttle lent able support alongside film's top stars including Cary Grant in Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948) and Room for One More (1952); Marilyn Monroe in Don't Bother to Knock (1952) and Niagara (1953); Joan Crawford in Goodbye, My Fancy (1951); Leslie Caron in The Glass Slipper (1955) and even Liberace when he tried to go legit in Sincerely Yours (1955). It was a rare occasion, however, when she was given a chance to truly shine in a prime supporting role. She could always be counted on to steal a bit of focus with just a sly grin or cynical look as she did playing the brief part of the sheriff's wife in Alfred Hitchcock's horror classic Psycho (1960). One of those rare exceptions when Tuttle actually top-lined a film came with her crazed portrayal of the title character in Ma Barker's Killer Brood (1960). Here Tuttle pulled out all the stops in this admittedly fictional "B" crimer, going totally ballistic as the Ozark matriarch who, along with her boys, sets people on fire, runs over cops, and tommyguns her way into infamy. On the small screen, Tuttle was an amusing regular in a plethora of sitcoms, playing starchy relatives or gossipy townfolk. Most audiences remember her quite fondly as the matriarch in "Life with Father" (1953) opposite Leon Ames and as the crusty senior nurse on the Diahann Carroll series "Julia" (1968). She and Ames took the play "Life with Father" on the road several times after the series' demise.

Off-stage, Tuttle was married to fellow actor and announcer Mel Ruick whose paths initially crossed while both were performing in radio. Their daughter was musical comedy actress Barbara Ruick, best known for playing Carrie Pipperidge in the classic film musical Carousel (1956). The couple eventually divorced, and Tuttle wed again but the marriage was short-lived. Tragically, her only child, who was married to epic film composer John Williams of "Star Wars" fame, died unexpectedly in 1974.
Tuttle was a well-respected drama and diction coach for several decades. She began teaching radio technique in the 1940s and re-trained some prominent actors who were returning from extensive WWII duty. Following a lengthy departure in the 1950s due to TV commitments, she returned to teaching acting almost to the end. Some of her more famous students included Red Skelton, Orson Welles, Milton Berle, Steve Allen and Jayne Meadows. She lived out the rest of her life in Southern California and succumbed to cancer at age 78. In addition to her famous son-in-law, she was survived by her three grandchildren: Jennifer Gruska, a story editor; Mark Towner Williams, a drummer; and Joseph Williams, a composer and singer and son of musical composer epic film composer John Williams.

She Was In Two Little House Episodes
– Going Home (1976)… Anna Simms
– The Gift (1975)… Agnes Molson

In “Going Home” as Anna Simms

Ray Bolger began his career in vaudeville. He was half of a team called "Sanford and Bolger" and also did numerous Broadway shows on his own. He, like Gene Kelly, was a song-and-dance man as well as an actor. He was signed to a contract with MGM in 1936 and his first role was as himself in The Great Ziegfeld (1936). This was soon followed by a role opposite Eleanor Powell in Rosalie (1937). His first dancing and singing role was in Sweethearts (1938), where he did the "wooden shoes" number with red-headed soprano/actress Jeanette MacDonald. This got him noticed by MGM producers and resulted in his being cast in his most famous role, that of the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz (1939). Surprisingly, even though the film was a success, Bolger's contract with MGM ended. He went to RKO to make Four Jacks and a Jill (1942). After this, Bolger went to Broadway, where he received his greatest satisfaction. In 1953 he turned to television and got his own sitcom, "Where's Raymond?" (1953), later changed to "The Ray Bolger Show". After his series ended, Bolger made frequent guest appearances on TV and had some small roles in movies. In 1985 he co-hosted That's Dancing! (1985) with Liza Minnelli. Bolger died in 1987 at the age of 83.

He was in two Little House Episodes – Both as Toby Noe

– Dance with Me (1979)

– There's No Place Like Home: Part 1 (1978)


As "The Scarecrow" In Wizard of Oz - 1939 Opposite Judy Garland

Donald James Marshall (born 2 May 1936), better known simply as Don Marshall, is the actor who played Lt. Boma in "The Galileo Seven", a first season episode of Star Trek: The Original Series. He is perhaps best known for his role as Dan Erickson on the television series Land of the Giants. (51 EPISODES).

Marshall was born in San Diego, California and is one of four children. Although initially studying to be an engineer in the late 1950s, he was encouraged to become an actor by a friend while serving in the United States Army. Marshall studied acting at the Bob Gist Dramatic Workshop while simultaneously studying Theater Arts at Los Angeles City College.
In addition to acting, Marshall has provided consultation regarding his work and racial issues, and as a result was once given an award for "Outstanding Achievement in his field as a Black Achiever in the United States".  Marshall was once married, but he and his spouse, Diane, have since divorced.


Update: Don Marshall passed away on October 30th, 2016.......He was eighty years old......

He appeared in one Little House episode as Dr. Caleb Ledoux – Dark Sage - 1981

As Lt. Boma in Star Trek

Fascinating, Dave! Great and thorough job, as always.

Rob wrote:

Fascinating, Dave! Great and thorough job, as always.

Thanks Rob, Glad you re enjoying it!
Dave

Born Bernard Mattox in Wendell, North Carolina in January of 1928, Gregory Walcott was raised in Wilson, North Carolina. While serving in the Army, he appeared as a drill instructor in the film Battle Cry, then as a military policeman in 1955's war-themed classic Mister Roberts with Henry Fonda, as the drill instructor with Tony Curtis in The Outsider, and later Midway as Capt. Elliott Buckmaster.

Walcott had roles in many television series, often in Westerns like Bonanza (on which he appeared seven times), Maverick, Wagon Train, 26 Men, Laramie, The Rifleman and in several episodes of Rawhide, where he began a long collaboration with Clint Eastwood. Walcott had featured roles in Eastwood's films Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, The Eiger Sanction, Joe Kidd, and Every Which Way But Loose.

He also was one of the stars of a 1961–62 NBC television series, 87th Precinct, as Detective Roger Havilland. Walcott went on to guest roles on many popular TV series including recurring ones in Dallas, Murder, She Wrote, and appeared as Capt. Diggs on the '70s series Land Of The Lost.

His other film work also includes the comedy On the Double alongside Danny Kaye, the violent drama Prime Cut with Lee Marvin, and in the chase film The Sugarland Express directed by a 24-year-old Steven Spielberg. Walcott played a sheriff in the 1979 film Norma Rae, the film that won an Oscar for star Sally Field.

Well known for his role as Jeff Trent in Plan 9 From Outer Space, Walcott long regretted having anything to do with it, but in a Sept. 10, 2000 Los Angeles Times interview, he said, "It's better to be remembered for something than for nothing, don't you think?"

His career spanded from 1952 – 1994, with his last role being in “Ed Wood” starring Johnny Depp as Ed Wood, the producer of Plan 9.

He performed in over 109 productions.

Update 3/23/15: Gregory Walcott passed away on March 20th, 2015. He was 87 years old.

He was in one episode of Little House as Slick McBurney,  The pitcher on Sleepy Eye’s baseball team.
The Big Inning - 1975 Hiding His Beer as Reverend Alden Prays.

As Jeff Trent in "Plan 9 From Outer Space"

Walcott in Later Years

Louis Cameron Gossett Jr. was born on May 27, 1936 on Brooklyn, New York City, New York. He made his professional acting debut at the age of 17, winning the Donaldson Award as best newcomer to theatre. He went to New York University on a basketball scholarship and was invited to try out for the New York Knicks, yet he decided to continue his acting career with a role in the Broadway production of "A Raisin in the Sun". Gossett stepped into the world in cinema in the Sidney Poitier version of A Raisin in the Sun (1961). His role as the tough drill sergeant Emil Foley in An Officer and a Gentleman (1982) showcased his talent and won him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.He was the first African-American male to win an Oscar in a supporting role, the second to win for acting, and the third to win overall. He also starred as United States Air Force pilot Colonel Charles "Chappy" Sinclair in the action film Iron Eagle (1986) and its sequels.
Conceived and co-wrote the well known song "Handsome Johnny" with Richie Havens. As the opening act for the original Woodstock, Havens performed "Handsome Johnny," as the 8th song in that historic first set. According to Havens, "...(Gossett) had gotten it up to the 'Dunkirk war'...I brought it up to date..." (From liner notes in The Best of Richie Havens CD, 1993).

Was named as "King of Brooklyn" at the Welcome Back to Brooklyn Festival in 1990.
He and his ex-wife, Cyndi James Gossett, have an adopted son.
Along with Stacy Keach, he was one of two actors considered for the role of the SGC's new commanding officer, General Hank Landry, on "Stargate SG-1" (1997). The role instead went to Beau Bridges however Gossett was cast as a Jaffa leader named Gerak.

He was the first male to be shown giving birth on screen, as Jeriba "Jerry" Shigan in Enemy Mine (1985).

Was considered for the role of Lt. Traxler in The Terminator (1984),.
Was originally cast as Gale Sayers in the 1971 TV movie Brian's Song (1971) (TV). Just days before shooting began, Gossett tore his Achilles' tendon while working out for the film. The studio execs scrambled and quickly hired Billy Dee Williams as a replacement. Gossett, depressed over missing his "shot", was promised by producer David L. Wolper the first great role that came along. About six years later, Wolper called Gossett to play "Fiddler" in "Roots" (1977), the Emmy-winning role that made him a star!.
His foundation, Eracism, is devoted to eradicating racism.

He has appeared in over 165 productions since 1957.

He was in one Little House Episode
“The Long Road Home” – 1976 as Henry Hill opposite Richard Jaeckel

In "Offficer and A Gentleman" opposite Richard Gere

Good Grief! You put these guys in period clothes and I don't even recognize them at all!