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Little-known mistakes and bloopers in Little House on the Praire

If you think Little House on the Prairie was picture-perfect, think again!

This beloved classic, known for its timeless charm, wholesome stories, and adventurous spirit, wasn’t without its share of slip-ups.

Despite its seemingly flawless appearance, a myriad of bloopers and mistakes somehow made it past the editing room.

I still find myself glued to reruns of Little House on the Prairie, just like my parents were back in the day. In an instant, it transports us to the late 19th century, and introduces us to the resilient Ingalls family.

Watching the episodes now, it’s clear that the show’s message is as powerful as ever — treating others with respect, embracing honesty, and valuing the importance of family and friends.

But those of us with a sharp eye have discovered a treasure trove of blunders and goofs that are sure to make you do a double-take — and maybe even make you chuckle.

Laura’s mystic pregnancy

Laura first announced her pregnancy late in season seven, during a warm season, with the flowers blooming and the prairie looking its best.

Yet, by the time the following summer rolled around, she was still very much expecting — leaving fans wondering just how long this prairie pregnancy was supposed to last.

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Honestly, it just felt like there was a disconnect between the writers and the rest of the team, a clear case of sloppy story management.

Nellie Oleson wore a wig

We all remember Little House on the Prairie‘s resident troublemaker, Nellie Oleson, brought to life by Alison Arngrim. But did you know Nellie’s role in the show was much bigger than in the original books?

The character’s expanded presence is a testament to just how much viewers loved to hate this mischievous villain — especially when she teamed up with her equally conniving onscreen mother, Harriet.

Many surely remember Nellie’s iconic blonde curls, but achieving that look was no easy task. Alison Arngrim’s own hair was transformed into those signature ringlets using an old-fashioned curling iron that had to be heated in an oven — a rather painful process that required both time and patience.

The solution was to bring in a wig. To keep it securely in place, they used a large metal comb along with dozens of long, straight metal hairpins.

Colonel Sanders Cameo

One of the funniest bloopers on Little House on the Prairie has to be the unexpected appearance of Colonel Sanders, the iconic founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, in a season eight episode titled ”Wave of the Future.” In this storyline, Nellie’s restaurant transforms into a franchise.

But, as you can imagine, things don’t go as planned, and Nellie regrets the whole ordeal. In an attempt to break free from the contract, she teams up with Charles and Nels to open a rival restaurant.

Then, in a bizarre twist, none other than Colonel Sanders himself shows up, offering Harriet a deal to start her own chicken franchise.

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Now, here’s where the hilarity kicks in: the good Colonel wasn’t even born until 1890, and KFC didn’t hatch until 1952. Meanwhile, Little House is supposed to be set in the 1870s and 1880s! Talk about a time-traveling entrepreneur.

And for a little extra flavor — whenever fried chicken showed up in any meal on the show, rumor has it that it actually came straight from KFC. So, maybe Colonel Sanders’ cameo wasn’t that far-fetched after all.

The missing coats

This is something I’ve often wondered about — the glaring lack of winter coats during freezing weather. In the episode titled “Bless All the Dear Children,” Laura’s baby gets kidnapped around Christmas in Minneapolis.

Now, anyone familiar with Minneapolis in December knows it can be downright frigid, yet everyone is strolling around without a coat, as Gilbert points out.

This oversight might be due to the fact that the show was filmed in Tucson, Arizona, during the summer months.

A fashion slip

In some episodes, you can catch a glimpse of Caroline’s bra when she moves just the right way. Considering the series is set in the 1870s and 1880s, this is a bit of an anachronism — since bras weren’t even invented until 1912!

Some of the women also sport hairstyles with perms or curls on set – a look more at home in the 1970s than in the 1880s.

On a similar note, you might have noticed that most of the men in the series are clean-shaven, which is a far cry from the historical photos of the era. In reality, the vast majority of adult men sported facial hair — beards were all the rage. In fact, Charles Ingalls himself had a beard for most of his adult life. It seems like the show’s grooming choices didn’t quite match the rugged fashion of the time.

A dummy instead of a living person

In the season five episode “The Odyssey,” an intense moment unfolds when an unknown assailant tries to throw Albert off a moving train.

But Laura quickly jumps into action, shoving the villain off just in time to save Albert. However, amidst this dramatic scene, a funny blooper happens.

Keen-eyed viewers can spot a dummy being thrown from the train, landing awkwardly in the grass. Meanwhile, a fearless stuntman rolls down the hill, outdoing the stationary dummy in a hilarious contrast.

Melissa Sue Anderson was ”cold and aloof”..

From seasons one to seven of Little House on the Prairie, Melissa Sue Anderson won the hearts of fans as the beautiful blonde-haired Mary, the eldest child of Charles and Caroline Ingalls.

However, her co-stars found it challenging to connect with her. Both Melissa Gilbert and Alison Arngrim shared in their autobiographies that Melissa Sue Anderson —nicknamed “Missy” on set — often came across as cold and aloof during her time on the show. Yet, when you look at photos of the cast together, it’s hard to believe there was any distance between them.

Rumors swirled among the crew that Missy’s overprotective mother contributed to her tendency to keep to herself.

But Nellie and Laura became best friends

Alison Arngrim played the original mean girl, Nellie Oleson, the arch-nemesis of good girl Laura Ingalls, portrayed by Melissa Gilbert. But behind the scenes, it was a different story! Alison and Melissa hit it off and became the best of friends.

When the cameras stopped rolling, they were like real sisters, sharing laughs and creating memories that went beyond the show.

Off-set, they were partners in crime, enjoying sleepovers at each other’s homes and pulling pranks on their unsuspecting co-stars. Who would have thought that the fierce rivalry on screen would spark such a fun and playful friendship off-screen?

The Fallout of grief in “My Ellen”

One of the most memorable episodes of Little House on the Prairie is titled “My Ellen,” which revolves around the tragic drowning of Ellen Taylor.

When Laura and Mary go skinny-dipping with their friend Ellen Taylor, they suddenly find themselves in a tricky situation. Some boys come by, prompting the girls to hide underwater until the coast is clear.

While Laura and Mary manage to resurface safely, Ellen tragically becomes trapped and drowns. The aftermath is heart-wrenching, as Ellen’s grief-stricken mother, in her sorrow, blames Laura for the tragedy.

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During Ellen’s funeral, her mother is overwhelmed with sorrow and blames Laura for the tragedy, saying, “YOU did this!” This gut-wrenching accusation hits Laura hard, especially since she already feels guilty about what happened. What stands out, though, is how the adults around them react. Instead of stepping in to defend Laura, they only exchange worried glances and let her suffer alone in her pain.

It’s a confusing moment. With so many adults present, including Reverend Alden and Doc Baker, you’d expect at least one of them to comfort Laura and reassure her that she isn’t to blame. Instead, they leave her to grapple with the harsh words on her own. In “My Ellen,” the emotional weight of the story is undeniable, but there are moments that feel disjointed in terms of storytelling

Michael Landon put frogs in his mouth

Pranks seemed to be a big part of the filming culture, and it was Michael Landon who often led the charge with his creative and funny antics. One hilarious prank was revealed by Rachel Greenbush, who played the youngest Ingalls sibling, Carrie.

The mischievous duo of Greenbush and her on-screen sister, Melissa Gilbert, would sneak off to the creek during breaks for some frog-catching adventures. With their slimy little friends in tow, they’d return to the set to surprise Landon.

In a playful twist, he would take the unsuspecting frogs and pop them in his mouth, then stroll over to fellow cast and crew members. With a cheeky grin, he’d open his mouth to let the frogs jump out, sending everyone around him into startled fits of laughter and panic.

Melissa Gilbert’s rift with Michael Landon

The cast had such great chemistry that you’d think they were a real family, and off-screen the co-stars were a big part of each other’s lives for many years.

But things weren’t always smooth between the actors, and one major incident caused a lasting rift between Melissa Gilbert and Michael Landon.

It all started when the young star discovered news that would forever change how she saw Landon. Landon, while married to his second wife Marjorie Lynn Noe, began an on-set affair with a much-younger woman, Little House‘s makeup artist and stand-in Cindy Clerico.

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Gilbert recalls noticing how close Landon and Clerico were becoming on set, but dismissed the thought, refusing to think Landon would cheat on his wife.

“It was nothing untoward; they weren’t ever in a closed-off room, not that I saw,” she wrote in her memoir. “But Mike would walk around holding her puppy, and she was a pretty young thing who wore stylish tight jeans, leotards, and high-heel boots.”

Soon, the cast, including Gilbert, discovered the affair and were devastated by the actions of the actor they had looked up to as a father figure.

“For us, as kids, it was a real blow,” Melissa Sue Anderson later recalled in her biography. “Although we knew he could be difficult at times and had his flaws, we never dreamed he was capable of inflicting that kind of pain on his real family.

“For me personally, I had held him up to a higher moral standard. He had really let me down.”

The traveling quilt

Eagle-eyed fans with laser-like vision have spotted another hilarious blooper: the family quilt seems to have a mind of its own! This elusive quilt pops up in various locations throughout the series — on the Olsens’ bed, Charles and Caroline’s bed, and even on other characters’ beds.

Mostly white with a charming design resembling a double wedding ring quilt, it’s clear that some props were reused for efficiency.

And speaking of locations, have you noticed the Ingalls children’s puzzling journey to and from school? Their route seems to change from episode to episode. Sometimes, they cross the bridge and stroll past the sawmill, while other times they mysteriously appear on the road behind it.

Dean Butler almost killed himself

Some of the cast came into the show in later seasons, one of whom was Dean Butler, who starred as Laura Ingalls’ husband, Almanzo Wilder.

Just days following his college graduation, Dean made his way to the film set that was Little House. It would be a day to remember — for many reasons.

In Butler’s first scene, he was supposed to drive a horse wagon 200-yards down a hill. He had never done it before, and when Michael screamed “action”, things didn’t really work out. The breeze picked up his hat, with Butler instinctually dropping the reins to reach for it. At the same time, the horses, no longer under control, flew off the road and charged towards an oak tree.

American actress Melissa Gilbert as Laura Ingalls and Canadian actor Dean Butler as Ingalls’ fiance, Almanzo James Wilder, in an episode from the 1980 – 1981 season of the television series ‘Little House on the Prairie,’ 1980. The series was based on the ‘Little House’ book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. (Photo by NBC Television/Courtesy of Getty Images)

People in the production were screaming, but luckily, a crew member managed to reach the horses before they hit the tree.

Dean’s first day on Little House could’ve gone better, with Michael Landon deciding to do the scene instead.

“Michael came up to me, chewing on a cigarette, and said ’well, I think I have to double, you know’,” Butler recalled Landon saying. “‘I can double you but not replace the horses on the show’. That was my first taste of being with Michael, but it was great fun.”

Did Albert die?

Albert Quinn Ingalls, played by a young Matthew Labyorteaux, would become a keystone of the series in 1978. The little boy is an orphan who is adopted in by the Ingalls family – but his exit from the series eluded many TV viewers.

In the 1983 made-for-TV movie ”Little House: Look Back to Yesterday”, Albert is diagnosed with leukemia. But did he die or not? That remains unclear to this date.

Matthew Laborteaux as Albert Quinn Ingalls — Photo by: NBCU Photo Bank

“He never officially died in the episode and I think maybe it’s kind of left up in the air to debate… but it was sort of an unspoken thing that we knew he was going to die,” the former child star said in an interview some years ago.

A timeless mistake

In the grand finale of Little House on the Prairie, the TV movie The Last Farewell, there’s a glaring oversight. Set in 1901, it’s clear that most of the characters should be in their 60s or 70s by the start of the 20th century.

For instance, the real-life Charles Ingalls passed away in 1902. The younger characters, like Carrie, Jenny, James, Cassandra, and Nancy, should have transitioned into young adulthood by this point.

Yet, when viewing images from the final seasons, it appears that everyone has aged remarkably little, as if time stood still in Walnut Grove. However, historically, the Wilders had moved to Missouri around the turn of the century.

Went on a pilgrimage to India

Did you notice that Katherine MacGregor, who played Harriet Oleson throughout all nine seasons, was missing from The Last Farewell?

While various reports state that she was on a pilgrimage to India due to her new Hindu faith, her absence from the series finale has another layer. According to other sources, it stemmed from a longstanding personal conflict with Michael Landon over salary and how her talent was utilized.

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As we wrap up our journey through the bloopers and mistakes of Little House on the Prairie, we hope you’ve enjoyed this lighthearted look behind the scenes of Walnut Grove.

If these unexpected moments brought a smile to your face, why not share the joy? Spread the laughter by sharing this video on Facebook! Let’s keep the fun alive!

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10 foods adding inches to your waistline

Nobody likes stubborn belly fat, yet certain foods make it harder to keep a slim waistline. Some popular choices—like sugary snacks and greasy fast food—can contribute to weight gain, particularly around the midsection. Here’s a closer look at some of the worst culprits and healthier alternatives.

Sugary Breakfast Cereals

Many breakfast cereals seem like a quick and easy morning option, but they’re often packed with refined sugars and lack fiber.

This combination causes blood sugar spikes, leading to energy crashes and increased cravings throughout the day. Over time, this can contribute to weight gain, especially around the belly. Swap sugary cereals for whole grain or high-protein options to stay fuller for longer.

White Bread

White bread may be a staple in many diets, but it’s not great for your waistline. Made from refined flour, it’s stripped of fiber and essential nutrients, making it less filling and more likely to cause overeating. It also triggers blood sugar spikes, which can lead to fat storage. Choosing whole grain or multigrain bread instead can help support a healthier metabolism.

Diet Sodas

Although they contain zero calories, diet sodas can still contribute to belly fat. Artificial sweeteners can confuse the body, leading to increased cravings for sugary and high-calorie foods.

Additionally, they may slow metabolism, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight, per Dr Batras. Opting for sparkling water with a splash of fresh juice is a better alternative.

Potato Chips

It’s easy to snack on a whole bag of chips without realizing it, but these crunchy treats are full of unhealthy fats, simple carbs, and excessive sodium. The combination makes them highly addictive and a major contributor to weight gain. Instead, try healthier snacks like air-popped popcorn, baked veggie chips, or raw nuts.

Fried Foods

Fried foods may be delicious, but they’re high in trans fats, excess calories, and inflammation-triggering compounds, according to Healthline. This makes them a key driver of belly fat. Choosing grilled, baked, or air-fried alternatives can help satisfy cravings without the extra fat.

Packaged Soups

Canned and instant soups may seem like an easy meal, but they often contain high levels of sodium and hidden sugars. Too much sodium can cause bloating and water retention, while excess sugar can lead to fat accumulation. Making homemade soup with fresh ingredients is a much healthier choice.

Pastries and Donuts

Flaky pastries and donuts may be tempting, but they’re loaded with refined sugar and unhealthy fats that cause blood sugar crashes and cravings. These quick-burning carbs encourage fat storage, particularly in the abdominal area. A healthier alternative is whole grain toast with nut butter or fresh fruit for natural sweetness.

Ice Cream

A cold, creamy dessert like ice cream is hard to resist, but it’s typically high in sugar, saturated fats, and excess calories. These factors contribute to weight gain, especially when eaten regularly. For a lighter treat, try frozen yogurt with fresh fruit or a homemade smoothie bowl.

Ready-Made Pizza

Frozen and fast-food pizzas are often made with refined flour, processed meats, and unhealthy oils, all of which contribute to belly fat. Instead, making pizza at home with a whole grain crust, lean protein, and plenty of veggies can be a nutritious and satisfying alternative.

Processed Meats

Deli meats, bacon, and hot dogs may be convenient, but they’re high in sodium, unhealthy fats, and preservatives. These can slow metabolism and encourage fat storage. Swapping them for fresh, lean proteins like grilled chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives can make a big difference in maintaining a slimmer waistline.

Maintaining a healthy waistline isn’t just about cutting calories — it’s about choosing the right foods. Many processed, sugary, and high-fat options can lead to weight gain, especially around the belly.

By making smarter swaps, like opting for whole grains, fresh proteins, and natural snacks, you can support a healthier metabolism and keep cravings in check. Small changes to your diet can have a big impact over time, helping you feel better, stay energized, and maintain a balanced lifestyle.

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At 61, Meg Ryan makes rare public appearance, sparks debate

Meg Ryan made her first public appearance in half a year with a show of support for Michael J. Fox prior to the release of the new documentary focusing on his battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Ryan, 61, has reportedly not been seen for some six months, having made a conscious decision in recent years to take a step back from the limelight.

As per the Daily Mirror, she ventured out to lend support to friend Michael J. Fox at a screening of his forthcoming production, STILL: A Michael J. Fox Movie.

The pair were snapped together looking happy, though fans were quick to comment on Ryan’s new look, which some termed “unrecognizable”.

The Sleepless in Seattle Star, who made her on-screen debut in Rich and Famous (1981), displayed an incredibly smooth complexion, once again fueling rumors that she may have dabbled in plastic surgery, despite her previous denials.

Indeed, some shared less than flattering opinions over Meg’s new look online, reigniting a debate that the actress herself has weighed in on in the past.

“This is Meg Ryan,” one Twitter user commented. “Hopefully women will learn from this. Plastic Surgery is for Frankenstein.

“Meg Ryan spent thousands to make herself unrecognizable and hideous,” another added.

Another person wrote of the pictures, “what did she do to herself? These hollywood elites overdo the plastic surgery. Get a refund”

“Wtf has Meg Ryan done to her face?!” a third wrote.

Credit – DFree / Shutterstock

In the past Ryan has insisted that she pays little attention to those offering negative opinions as to her appearance.

In a 2015 interview with Porter Magazine, she openly addressed the rumors regarding plastic surgery.

“I don’t pay a lot of attention, frankly,” she said at the time. “There’s a lot of hatred in the world today. It’s so easy to judge. Imagine being a hater, how stupid.”

Turning out for the aforementioned screening, held at the Alice Tully Hall in the Lincoln Center, New York, the actress seemed to be in good spirits as she posed for pictures with the likes of Billy Murray and Elvis Costello on Michael J. Fox’s big night.

Credit / Michael Simon – Shutterstock

Fox, who recently conceded that he didn’t think he would live to see 80 years old, is releasing a new documentary focusing on his life during the three decades since his diagnosis.

The Back to the Future star was first told he had Parkinson’s disease aged just 29. Despite initially endeavoring to hide his condition, he’s since become a leading figure in the fight for heightened awareness and research.

In a tear-jerking recent interview, Fox candidly reflected on his own mortality, saying that his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s was “getting tougher”.

“I’m not gonna lie. It’s gettin’ hard, it’s gettin’ harder. It’s gettin’ tougher,” the retired actor said. “Every day it’s tougher. But, but, that’s, that’s the way it is. I mean, you know, who do I see about that?”

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He added that he recently had spinal surgery after a tumor was found on his spine. While it was benign, it affected his ability to walk, and he was injured after a fall.

“[I] broke this arm, and I broke this arm, I broke this elbow. I broke my face. I broke my hand,” Fox said.

“You don’t die from Parkinson’s. You die with Parkinson’s. I’ve been thinking about the mortality of it. … I’m not gonna be 80. I’m not gonna be 80.”

What do you think to Meg Ryan’s look? Should people really have the right to comment on her face and made judgements? Let us know in the comments section.

Meanwhile, join us in sending love and prayers in Michael J. Fox’s direction!

Share this article to help us further our goal of ensuring people stay informed and entertained.

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A camel bit off its owner’s head after being left tied up in the hot sun all day.

Left tied up in the scorching heat all day, the camel attacked and killed its owner by biting off their head.

An Indian man who left his camel tied up in the heat all day lost his life because of it.

When he tried to untie the camel, it became aggressive, attacking him and biting off his head.

“The camel grabbed him by the neck, threw him to the ground, bit his body, and severed his head,” villager Thakara Ram told The Times of India.

It took around six hours and 25 people to finally control the camel.

Some villagers in Rajasthan said the camel had attacked the man, Urjaram, before.

Camels don’t usually attack people very often.

Camel attacks can be extremely violent and unexpected.

In January last year, a camel at a breeding farm in Texas killed two people by crushing them.

The previous fall, an American man who owned an animal sanctuary in Mexico was killed by a camel. It bit and kicked him, then sat on him until he suffocated.

Rescuers had to tie the camel to a truck to pull it away from the body. Some believe the camel was upset because it didn’t get its daily Coca-Cola that day.

A few months earlier, a similar attack happened in California when a camel attacked an elderly man the same way. However, he survived.

Camels are usually friendly animals that like to sniff and even play with people’s hair.

However, male camels can be aggressive and sometimes fight with females.

Even though they have big teeth, camels raised in captivity are usually bred to avoid biting.

Camels tend to kick in a circular motion, but experts say they rarely kick people.

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