Before Melora Hardin starred in “The Office,” she headed over to the Prairie.
The actress, who started out in Hollywood as a child, auditioned for “The Little House of Prairie” at the age of nine. She was later cast in the episode and played Belinda, one of Albert Ingalls' (Matthew Rabyroux).
The 57-year-old girl who recently released a collage style wallpaper line Storyboard by Melora HardinI have memories of helping bring the hit series to life. She told Fox News Digital that Michael Landon, who starred as beloved patriarch Charles Ingalls and directed the series, is respected by fellow “Prairie” children.
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Before Melora Hardin starred as Jan Levinson in “The Office,” she worked with Michael Landon in “The Little House of Prairie.” (Aramie/Getty Images)
“Michael Landon made everyone feel safe,” she recalled. “He trusted us, we trusted him. He was protecting us, and I think that was one of the most important lessons I learned early. [in Hollywood] – Surrounded by people who make you feel safe. ”
“I've always said that acting and making films and television is one of the best team sports,” she shared. “And I think Michael Landon was my first example. I learned quickly from him, and it was amazing to see you around people who made you feel safe about becoming a fool in front of you and failing in front of you.
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“It's about working with great collaborators to tolerate the hole rather than tolerating the A,” she said. “He didn't have a hole in the a-set. And I think that's very important. If you feel safe, you can do a great job.”
Melora Hardin auditioned for “Prairie on the Prairie on the Prairie on the Prairie” when she was nine years old. (Gym Brit via Getty Images/American Broadcasting Company)
When Hardin joined “Little House,” he said, “already already worked in the showbiz “for a long time.” But Landon was different, she shared.
“I worked with people who weren't as nice as he was,” Hardin said. “We had a school on the set. It was a lot of fun working with you and bringing the other kids to school.”
Melora Hardin is busy with her collage wallpaper line. (Storyboard by Melora Hardin)
“A lot of times I was doing a movie or something, and I'm the only one. [kid] In the room, “Hardin continued. And when you were in class with them and then you started working with them, it was a great joy to have other children. It was fun. You play the games too. It was a really fun way to be a child, to be a child actor. It was certainly a highlight.”
Actor Michael Landon on the set of “The Little House of Prairie” circa 1977 (Longalella/Longalella Collection by Getty Images)
Hardin revealed that Landon was “very warm” from the moment she walked on set.
“He worked well with the kids,” she gushed. “He really knew how to feel comfortable with us. He let us do our thing. He wasn't a coping manager. He looked very happy.
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Michael Landon has fun on set with Melissa Gilbert, center and Melissa Sue Anderson. (Arami)
“He had a long-standing relationship with the crew and he surrounded people he really trusted. It was seamless. He was just a joy. I didn't feel he was stressed out. [working behind the scenes]but I have never felt that as a child. He just seemed to have a great time… It seemed like everyone was smiling in my world as a young child. ”
Hardin also immediately combined with Labyorteaux, 58.
From left: Matthew Rabjoto, Michael Landon, Karen Glasle, Melissa Sue Anderson (Arami)
“I remember during our first audition, we had to do this flashback sequence where we danced together,” she recalled. “I was a dancer. I started dancing at the age of five. I was very serious about ballet. He was not cast as Albert yet, but he was cast as a young Charles. [Ingalls]. We danced together and he said he didn't step on his toes like the other girls did and he really wanted me to get that part. ”
Hardin returned to the 1983 TV film Little House: Looking Back on Yesterday. She played the new character, Michele, who was Albert's love interest. They shared their first on-screen kiss.
Matthew Rabjortau (left) is with the cast of today's “Prairie on the Prairie's Little House.” (Photo: Dipasupil/Getty Images for ext.)
“We were in love with each other,” she said. “It was an incredibly sweet moment. I think we were both nervous and we enjoyed it. It's an eternal memory for me. And we became best friends. He is my youngest daughter's godfather.
“The Little House of Prairie” was adapted from the novel by Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867-1957) and starred Michael Landon as Charles Ingalls. (Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)
“The Little House of Prairie” ended after nine seasons in 1983. Landon died in 1991 at the age of 54 from pancreatic cancer. It was a tragic time for the cast.
Watch: “Little House” star Michael Landon was stubborn about his health: daughter
“I was still very young when he passed away, but we all remember being sad,” she said. “…But I was so happy to spend that time with him. At that time, we shared on set and shared the creative experiences we shared. We were able to witness what a lovely person he was.
Today Harden is busy with the wallpaper line.
Melora Hardin said she has always been passionate about collage art. (Storyboard by Melora Hardin)
“My interest in art started to be a real younger,” she explained. “My dad is an actor and an artist. And I think I learned very young from him. Yes, you can be an actor, but it's really important that you have other things that you have passion for. And I've always been passionate about art. I've been passionate about collage. I think I was a great artist.
“When I made my first film, I realized that collazing was something like what I did in the editorial office,” she shared. “It all comes together. I'm a songwriter and it's like collazing, because you're putting together words and melody in a way that belongs together in one way or another. I think I've always been myself.”
Melora Hardin wallpaper collection is currently available. (Storyboard by Melora Hardin)
In January, Netflix confirmed that the classic show reboot was given a green light. The streaming giant described it as a “transformed adaptation.” He will feature Rebecca Sonnenshine and “The Vampire Diaries” from “The Boys.”
Melora Hardin is seen here as Michael Scott in “The Office” around 2007 as Jan Levinson across from Steve Carell. (Byron Cohen/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCuniversal via Getty Images)
Hardin feels that should give him a chance.
“There's certainly a place for sweet and pleasant content,” Hardin said. “I remember the new Hawaii 5-0 was announced. I was like, “When do you remember when I was a kid?”
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Netflix is currently working on a reboot of “The Little House of Prairie.” (via Getty Images via NBCU Photo Bank/NBCuniversal Getty Images)
“I think I feel the same way here too [for fans]. When you live in the original era and experience it, of course you will feel, “they can't do it either.” But that's not trust. ”
“I think this is the best time to enjoy some pleasant content,” Melora Hardin told Fox News Digital. (Marleen Moise/Getty Images)
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“I think this is the best time to enjoy some pleasant content,” she said. “We need sweetness. We need entertainment. We need warmth and stories to celebrate our commitment to our family. I think that's important.”
“I think the good value of those old days is good for young people today to have on television today,” she continued. “Many things these days are disgusting and dark. Still, the 'little house' was filled with so much love, heart and good value. Who doesn't want to experience it today? ”
