‘The Office’ Star Melora Hardin Talks About Her Time on ‘Little House on the Prairie’

Lauren Novak January 15, 12:44 pm

Melora Hardin Little House on the Prairie — John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images; NBC/Everett Collection

While you may know Melora Hardin for her role as Jan in The Office, you may not realize that she started her career as a child actor on one of the most beloved shows of all time: Little House on the Prairie. During an episode of Still Here Hollywood with Steve Kmetko, Hardin opened up about her time on the series, including working with the late Michael Landon.

Hardin originally auditioned for the series when she was just nine years old, reading with Matthew Labyorteaux for the roles of the younger versions of Charles and Caroline Ingalls. The duo ended up coming back for Season 5, when they were cast as Albert Ingalls and Belinda. Belinda was one of Albert’s classmates and was bullied by Nancy, the adopted sister of Nellie Oleson.

Unspecified - 1980: Melora Hardin appearing in the ABC tv series 'ABC Afterschool Specials', episode 'What Are Friends For?'

Jim Britt /American Broadcasting Companies via Getty Images

“My character was Belinda, and she got locked in the ice house by the new Nellie [a.k.a. Nancy], who was just as mean as the old Nellie,” Hardin explained.

Years later, Hardin and Labyorteaux reunited once again for the 1983 TV movie Little House: Look Back to Yesterday. This time, Hardin played Michele, a schoolteacher and Albert’s love interest. They both had their first onscreen kiss together and it sparked a lifelong friendship. “He’s still a very good friend of mine and the godfather of my second daughter,” she added.

Melora Hardin attends A24's "We Live in Time" New York Screening at Crosby Street Hotel on September 09, 2024 in New York City

Marleen Moise/Getty Images

Hardin looks back on her time on Little House on the Prairie, however brief, as wonderful, mainly because of the sense of community that Landon fostered with the cast and crew. “He was just so warm,” she recalled about Landon. “He was so sweet. He made all the kids and adults, everybody, feel like he had really chosen you. And he just let you do your thing.”

“When he ever gave you direction, you never felt admonished by him,” she continued. “He just was lovely.”