Pamela Roylance Was Told She Had to Lose Weight to Join “Little House on the Prairie”

Pamela Roylance, who portrayed Sarah Carter in the beloved series *Little House on the Prairie*, recently shared insights into her auditioning experience, notable for its link to the industry’s stringent beauty standards. In a candid conversation on *The Patrick Labyorteaux Show*, the actress revealed that she faced pressure to slim down before securing her dream role on the iconic show.

At the time of her audition for *Little House on the Prairie* in 1983, Roylance was working at a chocolate factory, a job she found ideal for pursuing her acting aspirations. “There were many actors working there, and the boss really supported us in our audition schedules,” the 73-year-old recalled. She was prepared to be patient, expecting that it might take years before she landed a significant role.

However, during her audition process, she hit a roadblock. Roylance openly admitted, “I’m a bit overweight. I was eating a lot of chocolates.” When prompted by Labyorteaux, who starred in the series alongside her, Roylance disclosed that she was six pounds over her ideal weight at that time. She described her physique as “athletic and square” and shared her experiences with casting directors who had previously criticised her figure.

One particularly harsh remark came from an audition for *Days of Our Lives*, in which the director expressed disappointment by stating, “It’s a shame she’s so fat.” Despite this, Roylance refused to conform to any unrealistic ideals, stating clearly that she did not wish to change herself to fit a specific mould.

With *Little House on the Prairie* being her ultimate dream, Roylance motivated herself to shed those extra pounds. She crafted a plan that included a supportive girdle and a praiseworthy prairie costume for her auditions, working diligently to meet industry expectations.

Eventually, she faced Michael Landon, the show’s star and co-creator. “I was so intimidated,” she admitted, expressing her admiration for Landon’s charm and presence. To her relief, Landon praised her performance, giving her a chance to return and meet Stan Ivar, who played John Carter. Despite feeling some competition from other actresses, Roylance secured the role, implying that her strong presence and physique helped her stand out.

Interestingly, at the time she was cast, Roylance did not even possess a Screen Actors Guild card. She reflected on how Landon took a significant risk in allowing her to join the cast of a show that was already well-loved by audiences. She felt elated on her first day on set, grasping the value of her role as a series regular, not just a guest appearance.

*Little House on the Prairie* began to enter a new chapter as the ninth season aired, with the Ingalls family leaving the titular little house. While the series was officially cancelled after that season, the legacy continued with three television films released in the following years. The enduring appeal of the series remains, not only through its original episodes but also as Netflix prepares to launch its own interpretation of the much-loved story.

This glimpse into Roylance’s experience highlights the pressures actors often face in Hollywood, especially regarding body image. The strides made over the years towards inclusivity and acceptance in the industry reflect the changing landscape, but stories like those of Roylance remind us of the challenges that many still confront in pursuit of their dreams.