America's Favorite 'Ma' Became a Parent of Two Despite Infertility – See Her Now at 83

This "Little House on the Prairie" star turns 83! The actress became a mom, just like her character Caroline, with a slight difference.

This actress, known for portraying Caroline Ingalls—fondly called "Ma"—on "Little House on the Prairie," has just turned 82! Born during World War II in Albany, California, not far from where she currently resides, she has enjoyed a long, accomplished career and a life full of memorable experiences.

By the time she entered first grade, her family had moved to Ventura. She looks back on her childhood with fondness, remembering how she and her sister would ride their bikes to the beach or explore the hills around them. Their parents frequently reminded them how lucky they were.

Although her life has been filled with wonderful memories, she has encountered obstacles along the way. While her career flourished, she experienced difficulties with co-star and producer Michael Landon. When she first joined "Little House on the Prairie," Landon welcomed her warmly.

The actress recalled that he was a superb director who helped her feel at ease in her very first TV role. They had an outstanding rapport and took pleasure in each other’s company on set.

However, things shifted during the show’s second season. At that point, she felt underpaid, given the importance of her character. Although she was hesitant to stir up trouble, she believed she deserved a fair wage and decided to speak up.

She had her first taste of child-rearing with her second husband, Alan Radford.

She reached out to the higher-ups, asking for a salary boost. Landon chose to handle it personally, holding several one-on-one meetings where he tried to persuade her to back down. Yet she stood firm.

Landon argued that producers wouldn’t raise her paycheck because her character supposedly wasn’t a “favorite.”

Despite his resistance, she eventually received the pay increase, but with unintended consequences. She ended up with fewer scenes, and Landon became distant and curt. She reflected:

"I felt insulted as his costar on a hit series. I didn't want to gouge anybody, but I expected a fair wage. But, as a woman in the 1970s film industry, I was so accustomed to these putdowns, it never occurred to me to sharply rebuke him."

She shared that the atmosphere on set became tense, but both of them remained professional. Fortunately, they mended fences before Landon passed away, and she bore him no ill will. She also confessed she missed their friendly exchanges after it was all over.

Even after the series concluded, she applauded Landon for his excellence as both actor and director. She admired how dedicated he was to uniting families through wholesome shows that everyone could enjoy, saying, "I am very grateful that we mended our fences."

Becoming a Mom Like Caroline, but in Another Way

This actress is Karen Grassle, who is still going strong at 82. She reflected on her life at 78, remarking on the many wonderful moments she has enjoyed and expressing pride in her life story.

Grassle said she has plenty to be thankful for. Being part of that hit TV show was only one part of her list of blessings.

These days, Grassle remains the strong, confident woman her mother taught her to be.

These days, Grassle continues to embody the resilience and self-assurance instilled in her by her mother.

Looking back, Grassle spoke fondly of her early years, crediting her mom and dad with showing her real love. She drew inspiration from her mother’s “strength and wisdom” to portray Caroline on "Little House on the Prairie," and later used those qualities in her own parenting. However, becoming a parent wasn’t always simple for her.

She had three marriages in total. Grassle’s first brush with motherhood came through her second husband, Alan Radford, who had children from a previous marriage—kids she adored.

Hoping for a child together, Grassle and Radford struggled to conceive, so they decided to adopt. Grassle said:

"We were on the verge of beginning fertility treatment and started contacting people we knew about adoption. [A friend] referred me to her [adoption] attorney [who knew of] a young woman looking for a couple to adopt her child. It really felt like destiny."

They adopted two children as a couple. Grassle acknowledged her son Zachary Radford’s birthday on Instagram in 2021. Although she and Radford eventually split, they stayed on friendly terms. She spoke warmly about her time raising his kids.

Though Grassle didn’t have a large biological family like Caroline did, she cherished the children who ended up under her care.

Being a single mom could be taxing, but she clung to the values her mother had given her and enjoyed every moment. She said, “[...] I did the best I could. Much of the time I was a single mom, and that has its own challenges, [yet] I love so much about being a mom.”

Karen Grassle posted another picture with her agent, Jackie Stander. The actress is hugging her longtime friend, writing, “It was so lovely to see her and catch up. Looking great, Jackie!!!” One follower reacted that Grassle looked “great” herself.

Additionally, in 2024, Grassle gave an interview that prompted praise for both her legacy and her enduring attractiveness. “Karen Grassle will always be America’s Ma,” wrote one social media user.

Karen Grassle Is Still Close to Her Ex

In 1966, Grassle tied the knot with actor Leon Russom. Both were aiming to break into the industry, and their wedding was a “leap of faith.”

In the end, they decided to part ways in 1970. Soon after, Russom landed a role on the soap “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing.”

Over time, Russom’s career took off as he appeared in “Another World,” “Matlock,” “Prison Break,” and “NYPD Blue.” He also featured in the 2019 blockbuster “A Quiet Place.”

While Russom’s star rose, Grassle found major success of her own. In 1982, she married Radford, whom she divorced in 1987, though she later spoke of him with affection:

"I called Alan yesterday because I heard he wasn't feeling well. I just came across this beautiful butterfly box given to me by my three stepchildren many years ago. It was so touching. He helped them pick it out."

Karen Grassle and Radford brought up their two adopted kids, Zachary and Lily. Grassle has also mentioned that she formed a tight bond with Radford’s three other children. Then, in 1991, she wed her third husband, Dr. Scott Sutherland, but they ended that union in 1997.