Katherine MacGregor

Born Dorlee Deane McGregor in Glendale, California, Katherine MacGregor grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado before moving to New York City. There she taught dancing lessons and began to study acting with legendary teachers Sanford Meisner and Stella Adler , among others. Using the stage name Scottie MacGregor, she spent the early part of her career playing guest starring roles on shows like " Mannix " (CBS , 1967-1975), " Emergency !" (NBC , 1972-77), and " Ironside " (NBC, 1967-1975). In 1974, MacGregor changed her name to Katherine MacGregor and premiered on " Little House on the Prairie " (NBC, 1974-1983). On the screen adaptation of the Laura Ingalls Wilder classics, MacGregor played the matriarch of Oleson clan, foils to the good-hearted Ingalls' family. The show stayed on the air for 9 seasons, wrapping up with a poignant finale in 1983. Once the show ended, MacGregor decided to stay away from on screen appearances. She passed away in November 2018.