Alison Arngrim revisits her iconic role as Nellie Oleson in Netflix’s new “Little House on the Prairie” reboot. Known for her portrayal of one of television’s most memorable villains, Arngrim offers advice to Willa Dunn, the young actress taking up the role.
Advice for the New Nellie
Arngrim emphasizes the importance of self-awareness for portraying such a character. She advises not to take negative audience reactions personally, stressing that such reactions are a testament to a successful performance.
“You’ve got to have a solid sense of who you are,” says Arngrim. “If people say ‘I can’t stand her,’ that means you’re doing it right.”
Embracing the Role of a Villain
Having played Nellie for all nine seasons of NBC’s original series, Arngrim is familiar with the love-to-hate reception from fans. Despite some bizarre encounters, like having a soda thrown at her, she maintains a positive perspective on the experience.
Reflecting on her experience, Arngrim shares her amusement at the lasting impact Nellie had: “People still yell at me about things I did to Laura 52 years ago.” She advises Dunn that the role might bring similar reactions if executed effectively.
A New Cameo
Arngrim returns to the “Little House” universe with a cameo role, playing a mysterious woman in the woods. She humorously recounts the transformation the makeup team gave her, deliberately making her look disheveled.
Legacy of ‘Little House’
Arngrim believes that original showrunner Michael Landon would appreciate modern technology’s role in storytelling and jokes that he would want more creative control over the reboot.
She encourages fans to embrace the new series, drawing a comparison with the multiple iterations of the “Star Trek” franchise.
Enduring Popularity
Arngrim fondly recalls her time on set and looks forward to meeting the new cast. She assures fans that, much like Landon predicted, “Little House on the Prairie” continues to capture imaginations and inspire new audiences.
Stephanie Nolasco reports for Fox News Digital and shares insights into the entertainment industry.