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Melora Hardin cherishes her memories from her time on the set of Little House on the Prairie.
"I have vivid recollections, particularly from when I auditioned with Matthew Labyorteaux at the age of 9 for the roles of Young Caroline and young Michael Landon’s character, Charles," Hardin, now 57, recounted on the January 13 episode of the “Still Here Hollywood” podcast. “Charles and Caroline had a dance scene together — and Matthew had already secured his role. He advocated for me to be cast because I didn’t step on his feet, unlike the other girls who auditioned.”
Though Hardin, a classically trained ballet dancer, did not land the role of Young Caroline, she was later offered another part on the show.
“When the new Nelly was introduced, I was 13 and playing the character Belinda,” the actress recalled. “Nelly had locked her in the ice house, and this new Nelly was just as cruel as the one before. Later, I joined the cast when Matthew's character had to leave the series due to his fight with leukemia. I then took on the role of his love interest.”
Hardin and Labyorteaux, both now 58, shared their first on-screen kiss and have kept their friendship alive ever since.
“He remains a dear friend and is the godfather to my second daughter,” the Office alum shared on the podcast. “He’s still a part of my life. My husband Gildart Jackson and I were selective about what our children watched on TV, but our youngest, Piper, became engrossed with Little House on the Prairie — she watched all the episodes repeatedly. It was a fantastic and enjoyable experience.”
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Watching Little House through her daughter’s eyes also brought back memories for Hardin of her time on set.
