Kyle Richards, who rose to fame as a child star in the beloved television series “Little House on the Prairie,” has expressed her desire to appear in the recent Netflix adaptation of the show. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, the 57-year-old actress revealed that she had prompted the producers for a cameo role in the new series, which premiered this summer.
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Richards originally portrayed Alicia Sanderson Edwards in the 1974 classic series, which captivated audiences for nearly a decade until its conclusion in 1983. The original show, based on the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, starred Melissa Gilbert as Laura Ingalls and Michael Landon as her father, Charles Ingalls. Richards was introduced as Alicia during the second season and appeared in 19 episodes as the adopted daughter of characters played by Victor French and Bonnie Bartlett.
In her recent interview, Richards shared that she was hopeful about returning to the “prairie” for a brief appearance, saying, “I would love to make an appearance. Don’t think I didn’t ask them!” However, she noted that the new show’s timeline predates her character’s introduction. “They’re like, ‘Well, it starts before you’re on the show,’” Richards mentioned, highlighting the challenge this poses for her participation in the reboot.
Despite this setback, Richards remains enthusiastic about the new series, which features Alice Halsey as Laura and Luke Bracey as Charles. The first season is set entirely in a frontier environment near Independence, Kansas, before the family eventually relocates to Walnut Grove, the main setting of the original series. “I’m like, ‘Well, whatever. I can do a cameo and play someone else,’” she added, showcasing her determination to make a presence felt in the new adaptation.
Reflecting on the new series, Richards described the experience as “very touching” and “nostalgic,” revealing that it has stirred up many fond memories from her time on the original show. “I was telling my daughters that I can’t help but walk down memory lane,” she said, recalling her early days in the industry when she was just five years old. She fondly remembers the costumes and the feeling of getting into character during her formative years.
While Richards continues to be recognised for her role in the reality show “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” which she has featured in since 2010, her early career boasted a variety of roles in film and television. She appeared in notable productions such as “Police Story,” “The Car,” and the cult classic “Halloween,” in which she played Lindsey Wallace. She reprised this role in the more recent films “Halloween Kills” and “Halloween Ends.”
Despite Richards’ hopes of making a return to the series, she isn’t the only former cast member to find a spot in the reboot. Alison Arngrim, known for playing Laura’s bully, Nellie Oleson, made a cameo as a “crazy lady in the woods.” This reunion has sparked excitement among fans of the original as they witness familiar faces re-enter the narrative landscape of the “Little House” franchise.
The new series has also garnered attention for its nods to other classic productions, featuring Easter eggs for viewers from “Anne of Green Gables.” Megan Follows, who starred in the 1985 miniseries, made a special appearance as Laura’s great-great-great-grandmother, further delighting fans with a touch of nostalgia.
As the Netflix adaptation gears up for a second season, anticipation is high for how it will continue to evolve. The show has already been renewed, following a successful premiere earlier this year. Meanwhile, Kyle Richards remains a prominent television personality, currently participating in “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th,” which celebrates two decades of the Real Housewives franchise.
Fans old and new can catch the new “Little House on the Prairie” series streaming on Netflix, while “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip” airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo, with next-day streaming available on Peacock. As for Richards, her nostalgia for the original series continues, intertwining her past with her present as she navigates her enduring love for television and nostalgia for simpler times.