Melissa Sue Anderson (Mary Ingalls, Little House on the Prairie) Exclusive Interview!

1. Wow, it's been over 30 years since "Little House" first aired on TV. What do you think of its success after so many years?

Little House has been so successful because of the family values instilled within each episode, which are as relevant today as they were when the show started. There is always an audience craving something they can watch with their children.

2. In your book, you share how you had read the "Little House" books before you landed the role of Mary. Going into this role, what were your thoughts about playing a part that would eventually have your character go blind?

That would have been putting the cart before the horse. Getting the part first was my main objective. And, of course, I never thought about Mary going blind then.

3. How was the audition for Mary Ingalls? Was it very competitive?

There were 200 girls for each of the principal roles, Mary and Laura, so it was very competitive. In my book I relate the complete audition process.

4. Who would you say on the "Little House" set made the biggest impression on you personally?

I was impressed by Michael Landon, for the obvious reasons -- by Victor French, because he was so different from the role he played and was such an interesting and fun person -- and Bill Claxton, who was my favorite director.

5. Before you landed the role as Mary, you made a guest appearance on "The Brady Bunch" and gave Mike Lookinland, Bobby Brady his first on-screen kiss. Years later, Mike Lookinland made a guest appearance on "Little House" and made an encounter with your character on a train. What was that like to work with him again? I always wondered if this scene was just a coincidence or one of those Hollywood trivia things.

In my book I talk about this scene with Mike Lookinland in the episode "Times of Change," which was purely coincidental, but surely serendipitous.

6. What was it like to growing up on the "Little House" set and wearing pioneer clothes?

Growing up on Little House as a teenager in the 70s, the wardrobe was extremely unappealing to me. The only thing that was comfortable were the custom-made boots, but even they were black and miserably hot in the summers in Simi Valley.

7. My favorite episode of the "Little House" series is "I'll Be Waving As You Drive Away" I'd like to compliment you on your amazing performance in this episode! Many people don't know this, but you actually went to a blind school and studied other blind people for your performance. What was that like for you?

I devote a complete chapter to the two-part episode "I'll Be Waving As You Drive Away" in my book. I spent time at the Foundation for the Junior Blind observing students and working with teachers there.

We also had one of the teachers on the set to answer technical questions during those episodes.

8. In 2005, Disney released a new "Little House" mini series. Did you see it? If so, what were your thoughts of the show and the young actress, Danielle Chuchran who played Mary?

I didn't see the 2005 mini-series version, but I believe I saw a photo of the family.

I think it was a futile effort to try to reinvent Little House in the 21st Century, and especially without Michael Landon.

9. Do you have a favorite episode of "Little House?"

"I'll Be Waving As You Drive Away Parts I and II" and "The Collection" with Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash.

10. Your new book, "The Way I See It: A Look Back at My Life on Little House" is an amazing book and I enjoyed it very much and I learned a lot about you that I never knew. For those who haven't read your book and are thinking about purchasing it what could you share about it?

I would like people to know that my book is warm and conversational, entertaining -- even funny at times.

I've been told by readers that they feel like they're experiencing the shooting of the episodes right along with me. This is not a down and depressing, "tell-all" memoir.
 

Thanks very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer my questions.
 

To purchase Melissa Anderson's book click here.

Click here to read our biography on Melissa Anderson.