Little House on the Prairie actor Jack Lilley has died at 91, the show’s co-star Melissa Gilbert confirmed on Friday. The actor, who played a variety of roles on the long-running drama, was also known for his performance in the Mel Brooks film Blazing Saddles. “The Little House family has lost one of our own," Gilbert wrote in an Instagram post announcing his death, calling him “one of my favourite people on the planet.” She added: “He taught me how to ride a horse when I was just a wee little thing. He was so patient with me. He never said no when I would bound up to him squealing, ‘Can we go ride? Please, please, please?’” Gilbert also revealed the pair had reconnected while filming a pilot 20 years ago, and while it didn’t get picked up, the experience brought back fond memories of their time together on Little House. “Jack always felt like home to me. He lived quite a life,” she said. “I am so lucky that he was my friend. All my love and prayers go out to his family and especially Clint (Burkey) Lilley.”
