NORFOLK, VIRGINIA: 'Little House on the Prairie' star Hersha Parady died at 78 after battling a brain tumor for a long period of time. She is fondly remembered for appearing on the beloved show for three seasons as Walnut Grove school teacher Alice Garvey.
Parady died Wednesday in the Norfolk, Virginia, home of her son, Jonathan Peverall, reports Hollywood Reporter. Her contributions to the show helped her maintain popularity with her fans until her final days.
What happened to 'Little House on the Prairie' star Hersha Parady?
Parady's son Jonathan Peverall announced the heartbreaking news of his mother's death. He had previously set up a GoFundMe page titled Helping Hersha to raise funds for his mother's treatment. Jonathan explained that his mother's illness robbed her of her usual vibrant personality and memory, and cost her all her strength.
According to Peverall, his mother had always been an active person. It was all the more difficult to see her go to bed because of her illness. In her final days, she struggled with basic daily activities. She suffered from a critical brain tumor called meningioma.
Who was Hersha Parady's husband John Peverall?
Peverall was a British film producer and director who was married to Parady until his death in 2009. He tied the knot with Parady in 1994 when he was 64 years old. They welcomed a child together.
Peverall was known for working on films such as 'The Deer Hunter' (1978) and 'The Man Who Fell to Earth' (1976). He also worked as a producer on television programs such as 'The Far Pavillions' and 'Arthur of the Britons.' He shared the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1979 for his contribution to 'The Deer Hunter.'
Fans pay tributes to Hersha Parady
Several users expressed their grief and loss in a Facebook post shared by actress Alison Arngrim.
One user commented, "Loved her so much! She was a wonderful human being!" Another user said, "So sorry for your loss Alison. Hersha was a wonderful actress. May she Rest In Peace."
One user wrote of Parady's legacy, "Of course she’s a star! She’s a part of our childhood for many of us. And a part of our children’s childhood as well."
Another user stated, "Beautiful lady! My condolences to her family and friends."
Where is the cast of 'Little House on the Prairie' now?
The popular NBC show narrated the tale of the Ingalls family in the late 1800s living on their farm in Walnut Grove, Minnesota. Michael Landon appeared as the family patriarch. Two years after the season finale, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died on July 1, 1991.
Melissa Gilbert starred as the second oldest child in the show and continues acting to this day, having recently featured in Marvel's 'Westlanders', a podcast story.
Actress Karen Grassie reconnected with her theater roots after the show's finale and recently starred in the film 'Not to Forget' (2021). Melissa Sue Anderson started her career as a child actress on the show.
She has since retired from her Hollywood career to raise her family. Jason Bateman starred as James Cooper Ingalls on the show and was recently featured in the hit TV series 'Ozark.'
Who was Hersha Parady?
Parady was born Betty Sandhoff on May 25, 1945, in Berea, Ohio. She had ambitions for the silver screen since her childhood.
She was originally slated for the role of Carolie Ingall in 'Little House on the Prairie' but eventually ended up playing the character of Eliza, Charles Ingall's sister-in-law. She appeared in 35 episodes during her time with the show.
