Hersha Parady, Celebrated Actress of ‘Little House on the Prairie,’ Passes Away at 78.

Hersha Parady, widely recognized for her portrayal of schoolteacher Alice Garvey in the beloved NBC series “Little House on the Prairie,” has passed away at the age of 78.

Parady’s depiction of Alice Garvey has left an indelible impression, particularly due to the character’s poignant and tragic storyline. She passed away on Wednesday at the residence of her son, Jonathan Peverall, in Norfolk, Virginia. The news was confirmed by Jonathan Peverall to The Hollywood Reporter. Parady had been contending with a brain tumor, prompting the establishment of a GoFundMe page to aid with the related expenses.

Paired alongside former NFL star Merlin Olsen, Hersha Parady made her entrance into the “Little House on the Prairie” narrative as Alice and Jonathan Garvey, a married couple, during the opening episode of the fourth season titled “Castoffs,” which aired in September 1977.

However, it was Parady’s performance in the two-hour sixth-season episode titled “May We Make Them Proud,” aired in February 1980 during a sweeps ratings period, that etched a lasting memory. The episode portrayed Alice’s courageous endeavor to rescue children trapped in a blazing fire at the School for the Blind. Despite her valiant efforts, Alice and an infant—Mary and Adam’s child, played by Melissa Sue Anderson and Linwood Boomer, respectively—tragically lost their lives in the devastating blaze.

Parady’s commitment to her role was evident, and her portrayal added depth and emotional resonance to the show. Recollecting the intense scene in an interview for the Little House on the Prairie Memories tribute site, she shared, “The windows were not designed to break easily, and I am not, as Michael Landon often pointed out, a meek or delicate woman. So, when I attempt to break something, I tend to succeed. Michael himself was the first to suggest that it appeared as though I was using Mary’s baby like a battering ram against the window! Since the windows hadn’t been set to ‘break away,’ I was determined to break them at any cost. Despite the impending doom it entailed, at least I went out with a roar, not a whimper! Working with the special effects team and the L.A. fire department was an entirely new experience for me. Surrounded by ‘controlled’ fire and armed fire extinguishers, I was ready to give a captivating performance. I cherished every moment.”

Born as Betty Sandhoff on May 25, 1945, in Berea, Ohio, Parady’s destiny as an actress was evident from a young age. Her inclination towards imagination and make-believe steered her towards a life in theater and on-screen. She embarked on her acting journey at the Cleveland Play House and regional theaters before heading to Los Angeles, where she secured the role of Stella opposite Jon Voight in a touring production of “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

Parady made her on-screen debut in an episode of “Bearcats!” and subsequently appeared in shows like “Mannix,” “The Waltons,” and a Gunsmoke spinoff pilot that didn’t progress to a series. Although she was a contender for the role of Caroline Ingalls on “Little House on the Prairie,” the part was ultimately given to Karen Grassle. Nevertheless, Parady’s talents shone through when she made her first appearance on the show during its third season in 1976 as Eliza Ingalls, the sister-in-law of Michael Landon’s character, Charles Ingalls. Her most prominent role, however, was that of Alice, a character she embodied across 35 episodes.

Following her tenure on “Little House on the Prairie,” Parady delved into the film world with projects like “Raw Courage” (1984) and “The Break” (1995). Her presence also graced various television series, including “Unsolved Mysteries,” “Second Noah,” and “Kenan & Kel,” in which she portrayed Principal Dimly.

Beyond her professional achievements, Parady was married to producer John Peverall, who received the Best Picture Oscar in 1979 for his contribution to “The Deer Hunter.” Her legacy continues through her son Jonathan and surviving siblings Patty, Kenny, and Bobby.

Hersha Parady’s versatile talents and unforgettable performances have left a lasting imprint on the entertainment landscape. She will be remembered for her contributions to the arts and the enduring impact she has left on the history of television.