“Little House On The Prairie” Star Dean Butler Mourns The Death Of His Beloved Mother
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Dean Butler knows he wouldn’t be the man he is today if it weren’t for his mother, Marianna.
Sadly, Dean took to social media on Wednesday (August 19) to share the heartbreaking news that Marianna had passed away. The Little House on the Prairie star told his followers that his mother died “this past Saturday” at the age of 91.
Dean shared the news alongside two photos. The first shows himself, his brother Scott, and his sister Meg with their mother when they celebrated her 90th birthday in December 2024. The second picture in the slideshow captured a sweet moment when Dean appeared to be delivering a toast to his mom.
Writing about the crucial role his mother played in his life, Dean said:
“As is the case with so many of us, our mothers are the foundation of our character and values, and they shape the way we move through the larger world. It is impossible for me to overstate her impact on me, my siblings, and our entire family.”
Dean said all of the qualities that made him stand out to Little House casting director Susan Sukman McCray and co-star/co-director Michael Landon were instilled in him by his mom.
Dean ended his heart-tugging tribute by writing:
“My mother and father gave me life. My mother is my spirit. She is my conscience. She was my friend. She is the best of me. She will be with me always. I could not love her more.”
His post received kind comments and condolences from his followers, including his Little House co-star Alison Arngrim. Alison, who played Nellie Oleson on the series, commented on their family photo, writing, “She looks so regal here! The queen posing for her official portrait with the royal family!”
See Dean Butler’s tribute to his mother, Marianna, below.
Who Is Dean Butler, & Who Did He Play On Little House On The Prairie?
Dean Butler was born in Prince George, British Columbia, on May 20, 1956, although he grew up in Piedmont, California. He began acting in the 1970s, and appeared in his first movie, Forever, in 1978.
The following year (1979), Dean landed his career-defining role when he was cast as Laura Ingalls’ eventual husband, Almanzo “Manly” Wilder, in Little House on the Prairie. He was a recurring character in Seasons 6 through 8, and became a member of the main cast during Season 9.
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After the series ended in 1983, Dean reprised his role as Almanzo in three Little House TV movies: Look Back to Yesterday, The Last Farewell, and Bless All the Dear Children.
Beyond that, Dean is known for playing Jeff “Moondoggie” Griffin in all 44 episodes of the sitcom The New Gidget. He also had a recurring role on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and appeared on popular series such as Murder, She Wrote, The Love Boat, and Diagnosis: Murder.
Dean began acting onstage in 1988, playing Tony on an international tour for the musical West Side Story. He later performed in the Broadway musical Into the Woods.
Today, Dean remains an active member of the Little House community and can often be seen at events and reunions celebrating the series. Watch him take a tour through the real-life Almanzo Wilder’s boyhood home in the video below.
