8 Things You Didn’t Know About ‘Little House on the Prairie’ Star Karen Grassle

Few TV moms were more beloved than Little House on the Prairie matriarch Ma Ingalls, perfectly played by Karen Grassle —who celebrates her 83rd birthday on February 25! Ma was lovely, loving, wise, good-humored and patient, but certainly no push-over. Grassle’s portrayal earned the actress fans worldwide, but there is much more to this talented performer than her time on the prairie. From her early life to her diverse career, here are eight things you might not know about Karen Grassle.

1 She tried several different stage names … before sticking with her real one