Nov. 15 (UPI) — Katherine MacGregor, the actress who portrayed Harriet Oleson on NBC’s “Little House on the Prairie,” has died at the age of 93.
MacGregor died Tuesday in Woodland Hills, Calif., her representative confirmed to NBC News.
The Hollywood Reporter also confirmed the television star’s death. She was residing at the Motion Picture and Television Fund’s retirement home.
No cause of death was announced.
MacGregor portrayed the gossipy and mean-spirited Harriet across all nine seasons of “Little House on the Prairie” on 153 episodes. Her character was the wife of general store owner Nels Oleson, portrayed by Richard Bull.
MacGregor was unable to appear on the final episode of the series in 1983 due to being on a pilgrimage in India. She retired from acting after the show ended and only acted again in a 2014 short film.
The actress also appeared in film “On the Waterfront” and had guest-starring roles on “East Side/West Side,” “Mannix,” “Emergency!,” “All in the Family” and “Ironside.”
Melissa Gilbert, who portrayed Laura Ingalls Wilder on “Little House on the Prairie,” paid tribute to MacGregor on Instagram.
“This woman taught me so much… about acting… vintage jewelry…life. She was outspoken and hilariously funny. A truly gifted actress as she was able to play a despicable character but with so much heart. Her Harriet Oleson was the woman our fans loved to hate. A perfect antagonist,” Gilbert said.
“I really loved her and I find great comfort knowing that she is at peace and, per her beliefs, her soul has moved on to its next incarnation. Farewell Scottie. I hope with all my heart we meet again next time,” she continued.
