“Little House” Star Crosby Fitzgerald Says Melissa Gilbert and Alison Arngrim’s ‘Approval’ Means ‘a Lot’ (Exclusive)

Actress Alison Arngrim, famed for her role as the notorious Nellie Oleson in the original NBC series, is set to make a memorable guest appearance in Netflix’s new adaptation of *Little House on the Prairie*. Fans of the classic show can look forward to Arngrim’s return in a mysterious role during the first season, alongside fellow star Melissa Gilbert, who portrayed Laura Ingalls throughout all nine seasons of the original programme.

Crosby Fitzgerald, who plays Caroline Ingalls in this modern retelling, expressed her gratitude for the support from both Gilbert and Arngrim. In a recent interview with *PEOPLE*, Fitzgerald noted the significance of having established stars from the original series back the new adaptation. Gilbert visited the set during the filming of the first season, creating a moment of excitement for the cast and crew, while Arngrim’s cameo features her in a nearly unrecognisable role in the show’s second episode.

Fitzgerald described her meeting with Gilbert as a delightful experience, noting, “She’s so sweet, so supportive and excited.” The actress added, “It’s just so great when she and Alison Arngrim give their stamp of approval; it means a lot to us.”

Younger cast member Alice Halsey, who takes on the role of the new Laura Ingalls, also reminisced about her encounter with Gilbert, telling *PEOPLE*, “I ran off and I gave her a big hug.” Halsey praised Gilbert’s kindness, stating, “I think she’s a really nice person. She was just so supportive,” which helped foster a warm welcome into the revamped *Little House* universe.

In her guest role, Arngrim portrays Ida, a sinister character that Laura and her sister Mary, played by Skywalker Hughes, encounter in the woods. The former star revealed that she received the call asking her to participate just two weeks before her appearance was scheduled. “I got a phone call: ‘What are you doing in a week and a half? Could you come to Winnipeg? There’s this character, we want it to be you,'” Arngrim recounted.

She described her character as “basically a crazy lady in the woods”, adding that Ida is surrounded by drifters in a camp setting, which she believed suited her perfectly. “I thought, ‘Oh, that’s creepy as all get-out. That sounds right up my alley. I’ll be right over!’” she said, emphasising her enthusiasm for the role.

As for the character of Nellie Oleson in the new adaptation, Willa Dunn has been cast to take on the iconic role in season two. Reflecting on the enigmatic character, Arngrim offered words of encouragement for Dunn, saying, “Take it and run with it. Enjoy yourself. It’s the most fun part to play ever.” She further added that mastering Nellie Oleson’s character would likely stir strong emotions among audiences, advising her successor to be prepared for the attention the role is bound to attract.

The excitement is palpable as season two of *Little House on the Prairie* draws closer to production. Fitzgerald revealed that they were fortunate to begin filming the next season before the premiere of the first, which allowed the cast to bond as a family, unencumbered by external opinions. “I’m very excited for the Walnut Grove era,” Fitzgerald said, confident that viewers would appreciate the new direction the series is taking.

She cheekily noted, “What I can say is there’s definitely a cow and that really excites me in terms of going to work every day and getting to be around a cow.” This playful comment hints at the blend of nostalgia and fresh elements that the adaptation aims to capture, aiming to resonate with both long-time fans and new viewers alike.

The first season of *Little House on the Prairie* is currently available for streaming on Netflix, with audiences eagerly awaiting the subsequent seasons filled with new adventures in Walnut Grove. Expect to see plenty of familiar themes explored anew, while the addition of beloved figures from the original series ignites a sense of continuity for fans of the iconic stories adapted from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s semi-autobiographical works.