Alison Arngrim is an American actress and author, born on January 18, 1962, in New York City. Arngrim is best known for her portrayal of Nellie Oleson, the antagonist in the popular TV series ‘Little House on the Prairie.’ Arngrim’s performance as Nellie remains one of the most iconic and memorable roles in television history.
Arngrim played Nellie Oleson on ‘Little House on the Prairie’ from 1974 to 1981. Nellie was the daughter of the town’s general store owner and was portrayed as a spoiled and mean-spirited young woman. Arngrim’s performance as Nellie earned her critical acclaim and made her a household name. She became known for her memorable catchphrases, including “Hi, Ma!” and “Pa, I just hate them!”
In addition to her role on ‘Little House on the Prairie,’ Arngrim appeared in several other TV shows and films throughout her career. She made guest appearances on shows like ‘The Love Boat’ and ‘Fantasy Island.’ Arngrim also appeared in films like ‘Throw Out the Anchor!’ and ‘Make the Yuletide Gay.’
After ‘Little House on the Prairie,’ Arngrim became an advocate for child abuse victims and a spokesperson for the National Association to Protect Children. She also authored a memoir, ‘Confessions of a Prairie Bitch: How I Survived Nellie Oleson and Learned to Love Being Hated,’ which was a New York Times bestseller. In the book, Arngrim shared her experiences of growing up in Hollywood and the impact that her role on ‘Little House on the Prairie’ had on her life.
She also is very involved with organizations related to AIDS and HIV, which she began working with after her Little House on the Prairie co-star Steve Tracy, who played her husband Percival on the show, passed away in 1986 from complications of HIV/AIDS.
Arngrim’s contributions to the entertainment industry and her advocacy work have earned her several awards and recognitions. In 2010, she was honored with the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award for her work in promoting child welfare issues.
Alison Arngrim remains an important figure in American television and an inspiration to many for her advocacy work. Her portrayal of Nellie Oleson on ‘Little House on the Prairie’ continues to entertain audiences worldwide and remains a testament to her impressive acting skills.
