Jack Lilley, ‘Little House on the Prairie’ alum and stuntman, dies at 91

Jack Lilley, beloved actor and stuntman from 'Little House on the Prairie', has died, Melissa Gilbert paid tribute.


Pop Culture & Art March 21, 2025
Photo: Peacocktv

Jack Lilley, the veteran stuntman and actor best known for his roles in Little House on the Prairie, has passed away at the age of 91.

His former co-star Melissa Gilbert confirmed his death on social media, calling him “one of my favorite people on the planet.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Melissa E. Gilbert (@melissagilbertofficial)

Lilley, a respected horse wrangler and stunt double, frequently appeared on Little House on the Prairie, notably as a double for Victor French. Gilbert, who played Laura Ingalls, shared heartfelt memories of how Lilley taught her to ride horses as a child.

“The Little House family has lost one of our own,” Gilbert, 60, wrote on Instagram. “Jack was so patient with me. He never said no when I begged him to go riding.”

Beyond Little House, Lilley’s career included work on Blazing Saddles and Then Came Jones, where he and Gilbert reunited. She recalled their emotional first day on set, where he greeted her warmly, bringing back memories of their time together on Little House.

Lilley is survived by his sons, Clint and Cash, whom he shared with his late wife, Irene Lilley, who passed away in May 2024.

Fans and Hollywood colleagues have expressed their condolences, remembering Lilley as a talented performer and kind-hearted mentor in the entertainment industry.

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