Farewell to hersha parady Little House on the Prairie
Farewell to Hersha Parady, Beloved Actress from Little House on the Prairie
The entertainment world lost a bright light this week with the passing of Hersha Parady, best known for her role as Alice Garvey on the hit TV series Little House on the Prairie. Parady died on August 23, 2023 at the age of 78 after battling a brain tumor.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Hersha Parady was born Betty Sandhoff on May 25, 1945 in Berea, Ohio. She attended Berea High School and began acting locally at age 14 in Cleveland area theatrical productions. In the early 1970s, Parady moved west to further her acting career and landed a role opposite Jon Voight in a touring production of A Streetcar Named Desire.
Parady began making appearances on TV in the early 1970s, guest starring on shows like Mannix, Bearcats! and The Waltons. She was considered for the role of Caroline Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie, but ultimately lost out to Karen Grassle. However, Parady made her mark on the show by playing Charles Ingalls' sister-in-law Eliza Anne Ingalls in the 1976 episode "Journey in the Spring".
Breakout Role on Little House on the Prairie
In 1977, Hersha Parady landed the role she became best known for - Alice Garvey on Little House on the Prairie. She played the warm-hearted wife of Jonathan Garvey from 1977-1980. Her character met a tragic end when she died in a fire accidentally set by Albert Ingalls.
Parady had great chemistry with her on-screen husband and son, Patrick Labyorteaux who played Andrew Garvey. She remained close friends with Labyorteaux and his brother Matthew Labyorteaux who played Albert Ingalls on the show.
After Little House, Parady only made rare TV appearances including a guest spot on the 1990s sitcom Kenan & Kel. But her three seasons as Alice Garvey left an indelible mark on the show and generations of viewers.
Later Years and Battle with Brain Tumor
In her personal life, Hersha Parady was once married to Oscar-winning producer John Peverall and had one child with him. She also stayed close with several Little House co-stars over the years including Katherine MacGregor (Harriet Oleson), Richard Bull (Nels Oleson) and Dabbs Greer (Reverend Alden).
In July 2023, Parady's son Jonathan started a GoFundMe indicating she was battling a brain tumor known as meningioma. On August 23rd, her Little House co-star Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson) shared news of Parady's passing on Facebook.
Remembering a Prairie Legend
While Caroline Ingalls may have been the mother figure and central female character on Little House, Alice Garvey provided a warm maternal presence during her time on the show. Hersha Parady's kindness and sensitivity in the role resonated with many fans. She will be remembered fondly by Little House devotees as well as her colleagues and co-stars.
Hersha Parady leaves behind not only her work on Little House, but a legacy of being a caring person dedicated to her craft. Her contributions to one of TV's most beloved family shows will not be forgotten. All who enjoyed her portrayal of the kind-hearted Alice Garvey will miss Hersha Parady greatly.
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