Richard Bull was an American actor born on June 26, 1924, in Zion, Illinois. He was best known for his role as Nels Oleson on the hit television series ‘Little House on the Prairie.’ Bull had an extensive career in theater, film, and television, but his performance as Nels remains his most memorable and beloved role.
Bull played Nels Oleson, the husband of Harriet Oleson, on ‘Little House on the Prairie’ from 1974 to 1983. Nels was the proprietor of the town’s general store and was portrayed as a kind-hearted and compassionate man. Bull’s portrayal of Nels earned him critical acclaim and made him a fan favorite. He was known for his excellent chemistry with Katherine MacGregor, who played his on-screen wife Harriet.
In addition to his role on ‘Little House on the Prairie,’ Bull appeared in several other TV shows and films throughout his career. He made guest appearances on shows like ‘The Rockford Files’ and ‘Perry Mason.’ Bull also appeared in films like ‘The Andromeda Strain’ and ‘The Thomas Crown Affair.’
Bull’s contributions to the entertainment industry earned him several awards and nominations. He won the Western Heritage Award for his role on ‘Little House on the Prairie’ in 1984. He was also nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for his work on the TV series ‘Santa Barbara’ in 1988.
Richard Bull passed away on February 3, 2014, at the age of 89. His legacy lives on through his impressive body of work and his unforgettable portrayal of Nels Oleson on ‘Little House on the Prairie.’ He remains an important figure in American television and a beloved member of the ‘Little House on the Prairie’ family.
