WASHINGTON — Jack Lilley, best known for his role in “Little House on the Prairie,” has died. He was 91.
Lilley’s family announced the actor’s death earlier this week on Instagram.
“The man who started it all. Figuratively and literally. The card shark, the horse trader, the wrangler, the man with a story for everything, he always knew someone who could help if he couldn’t, known to many as friend, storyteller, joker, and a heck of a horseman, and his favorite, PAPA,” the family said in a joint statement on Instagram.
“Jack went to be with his bride, Irene, tonight. He just couldn’t bear another second without her. You left one heck of a mark on this world, Papa,” they added. “Your laugh and spark in your eyes when you saw the ones you loved will stay with us forever.”
Lilley played several characters, including a stagecoach driver, in the classic 1970s television series. Aside from acting, Lilley was also a stuntman and appeared in films like “Texas Ranger.”
“Little House on the Prairie” co-star Melissa Gilbert paid tribute to Lilley on Friday, calling him one of her “favorite people on the planet.
“The little house family has lost one of our own,” Gilbert said on Instagram. ” He taught me how to ride a horse when I was just a wee little thing. 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 always felt like home to me. He lived quite a life. I am so lucky that he was my friend,” she added. “All my love and prayers go out to his family and especially Clint (Burkey) Lilley. Oh Jack….sweet prince…may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. Love always, Your Halfpint.”