Jack Lilley, Beloved Stunt Performer from “Little House on the Prairie,”Passes Away at 91
Jack Lilley, a renowned stunt performer and actor who left an indelible mark on the iconic NBC series Little House on the Prairie, has passed away at the age of 91. Having been a significant part of the show’s journey across all nine seasons, Lilley’s contributions to the series are fondly remembered.
Lilley succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease on Wednesday, October 4th, at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, California. His granddaughter, Savanah Lilley, shared the news with The Signal, a news outlet based in Santa Clarita.
A Stunt Legacy in Film and Television
Lilley’s career began in 1961 with Bonanza, where he worked closely with Michael Landon. This partnership eventually paved the way for his role in Little House on the Prairie, which began in 1974. Throughout the show, he often doubled for actor Victor French, handled various stunts, and served as the stunt coordinator, showcasing his extensive skill set.
Fond Memories from the Cast
Melissa Gilbert, who starred in Little House, took to Instagram to honor Lilley, describing him as “one of my favorite people on the planet.” She reminisced about how he patiently taught her to ride horses when she was a young girl, responding to her enthusiastic requests with kindness.
Additional Career Highlights
From 1981 to 1983, Lilley continued to make his mark as both an actor and stunt coordinator on Father Murphy, another creation of Landon that served as a spinoff of Little House.
Born John Elwin Lilley on August 15, 1933, in Hughes Springs, Texas, he lived in the same room where both his grandfather and father were born. Lilley relocated with his family to the San Fernando Valley at the age of 2, where his father’s career involved renting horses for movie studios. This connection to the film industry profoundly influenced Lilley’s career path.
From Stunts to Acting
His journey in entertainment began at 14 during the filming of a Durango Kid movie, followed by roles involving both stunts and acting in popular series like Zorro and Rawhide, where he formed a lasting association with Clint Eastwood. Lilley’s impressive film credits included classics such as The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) and Young Guns (1988).
An accomplished animal trainer, Lilley contributed to numerous television Westerns like Gunsmoke and The Virginian, earning a reputation as a trusted professional in the industry.
His Enduring Legacy
Throughout his extensive career, Lilley sustained minimal injuries, claiming that the most significant was merely a broken nose over five decades as a stuntman. His legacy continues through his family, with sons Clay and Clint also involved in the stunt business, alongside five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Lilley was predeceased by his wife, Irene, who passed away in May 2023 at the age of 95.
For further insights into his illustrious career, please refer to the Hollywood Reporter.