DEAN BUTLER - I'm VERY GRATEFUL
Closer US|July 01, 2024
The Little House on the Prairie alum looks back with a new memoir
Fortune Benatar
DEAN BUTLER - I'm VERY GRATEFUL

In 1979, Dean Butler joined the cast of Little House on the Prairie as Almanzo Wilder, love interest (and future husband) of Melissa Gilbert’s Laura Ingalls — and his world has never been the same. “Every great thing in my life has a Little House connection to it,” Dean tells Closer. “It’s an incredible gift.”

The actor’s first memoir, Prairie Man: My Little House Life & Beyond, was released on June 25 — just in time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Little House’s television premiere. “What’s interesting about writing something like this is, as you start the process you step into an area, and that opens another door and then another door,” Dean, 68, says. “Things that you haven’t thought about for years suddenly come into focus. To be able to circle back to this very special time in my life through the book makes me feel very grateful.”

How did your upbringing shape the person your are today?

I come from a large, multigenerational family. My family came to California before the Gold Rush, so I’m a fifth-generation Californian. There’s a strong agricultural farming component in my family. I grew up in a country environment in South Bay San Francisco, riding horses. There was no hot water, there was no electricity. We played games at night by coal oil lamps, heating water on the stove for baths twice a week. It was very much a Little House life.

You were 23 when you were cast on the show. How did it happen?

I went and read for Michael [Landon], and he basically offered me the part. It was a pretty momentous four or five days. I celebrated my 23rd birthday, I graduated from the University of the Pacific, and two days later I was on the set of Little House starting this five-year run of a show that would literally impact the rest of my life.

You met your wife Katherine on the set.

This story is from the July 01, 2024 edition of Closer US.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the July 01, 2024 edition of Closer US.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM CLOSER USView All
Simply Delicious ITALIAN DELIGHTS
Closer US

Simply Delicious ITALIAN DELIGHTS

Easy, homey and flavorpacked, these recipes from celebrity chef Alex Guarnaschelli feel like a hug from your kitchen

time-read
2 mins  |
November 04, 2024
JEFF BRIDGES - MY LIFE IN 10 Pictures
Closer US

JEFF BRIDGES - MY LIFE IN 10 Pictures

“I’M A product of nepotism, man,” quipped Jeff Leon Bridges, who, along with his older brother Beau, was drawn into acting by their father, Lloyd.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 04, 2024
My Story, MY WAY
Closer US

My Story, MY WAY

THE OSCAR-WINNING ACTOR LOOKS BACK AT HIS LIFE AND CAREER IN A NEWLY RELEASED MEMOIR

time-read
2 mins  |
November 04, 2024
LISA MARIE PRESLEY'S - BOMBSHELL REVELATIONS
Closer US

LISA MARIE PRESLEY'S - BOMBSHELL REVELATIONS

THE SINGER'S POSTHUMOUS MEMOIR INCLUDES SHOCKING DETAILS ABOUT ELVIS PRESLEY AND HER LIFE

time-read
1 min  |
November 04, 2024
SANDRA BULLOCK How She Got Her SMILE BACK
Closer US

SANDRA BULLOCK How She Got Her SMILE BACK

THE OSCAR WINNER MADE HER FIRST PUBLIC APPEARANCE SINCE LOSING HER LONGTIME LOVE

time-read
2 mins  |
November 04, 2024
CARRIE PRESTON - Do What You LOVE
Closer US

CARRIE PRESTON - Do What You LOVE

The star of CBS'hit mystery series Elsbeth shares her journey

time-read
5 mins  |
November 04, 2024
5 EXERCISES FOR BETTER MOBILITY
Closer US

5 EXERCISES FOR BETTER MOBILITY

MOVING MORE FREELY CAN ADD YEARS TO YOUR LIFE

time-read
1 min  |
November 04, 2024
THE MAN Behind the Laughs
Closer US

THE MAN Behind the Laughs

THE COMEDIAN HAD AN ENORMOUS ROLE IN THE CREATION AND LONGEVITY OF THE THREE STOOGES

time-read
2 mins  |
November 04, 2024
BETTE DAVIS - The Men She Loved and Lost
Closer US

BETTE DAVIS - The Men She Loved and Lost

THE LEGENDARY ACTRESS ADMITTED SHE WAS ALWAYS A FOOL FOR LOVE

time-read
4 mins  |
November 04, 2024
ALAN HAMEL - OPENS UP ABOUT LIFE WITHOUT SUZANNE
Closer US

ALAN HAMEL - OPENS UP ABOUT LIFE WITHOUT SUZANNE

One year after Suzanne Somers' death from breast cancer, her husband of 46 years, producer Alan Hamel, still misses her touch. \"Suzanne and I hugged constantly,\" says Alan, 88.

time-read
1 min  |
November 04, 2024