Former child star Melissa Gilbert has announced the passing of a longtime “Little House on the Prairie” cast member in a touching social media message.

Melissa Gilbert has shared the heartbreaking news of the passing of her “Little House on the Prairie” co-star, Jack Lilley. In an Instagram post on Friday, March 21, 2025, Melissa revealed that Jack had passed away at the age of 91.

“The little house family has lost one of our own,” she wrote. “He also happened to be one of my favorite people on the planet.”

She expressed her deep admiration for Jack, recalling the bond that was formed when he taught her how to ride a horse as a child. “He was so patient with me. He never said no when I would bound up to him squealing, ‘Can we go ride? Please, please, please?’”

Jack, a well-respected stuntman and actor, served as Victor French’s photo double and appeared in various roles on “Little House on the Prairie.” He also had a notable role in the classic film “Blazing Saddles.”

He was born on August 15, 1933, in Santa Clarita, California. Throughout his career, he appeared in several well-known films, including “Planet of the Apes” (2001), “Sudden Impact” (1983), and “The Legend of Zorro” (2005).

Jack’s journey in the entertainment industry began at a young age. His father, originally from Texas, moved to Los Angeles and became involved in renting horses to movie studios.

This work naturally led him to perform stunts in Westerns. Following in his father’s footsteps, he helped build the family’s Movin’ On Livestock business, which his son, Clay Lilley, now operates in New Mexico….