Jack Lilley, a longtime actor, stuntman, and animal coordinator, has passed away at the age of 91. His career spanned more than 70 years, with roles in movies and TV shows like Little House on the Prairie, Blazing Saddles, and classic Westerns. He also worked on films by legendary director John Ford.

His family shared the news on Instagram but did not reveal when he passed away or the cause of his death. In their post, they described him as a skilled horseman, storyteller, and a man who always had a solution or knew someone who could help. To many, he was a friend, a joker, and a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Who Was Jack on Little House on the Prairie?

Jack was the beloved dog of Laura Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie. He was a scruffy but loyal companion who appeared in almost every episode until his death in the first episode of Season 4, titled Castoffs. Jack was often seen joining the Ingalls family on picnics and community gatherings in Walnut Grove.

Career

Jack Lilley had a long career in Hollywood, working as an actor, stuntman, and animal coordinator. On Little House on the Prairie, he played multiple roles, but his most notable one was as a stagecoach driver, often seen transporting characters between towns. His fellow Little House star, Melissa Gilbert, shared that Lilley was also Victor French’s photo double and appeared in many different roles throughout the series.

Beyond Little House, Lilley worked on several made-for-TV movies in the franchise, including Little House: Look Back to Yesterday (1983), The Last Farewell (1984), and Bless All the Dear Children (1984). He was also featured in the classic comedy film Blazing Saddles.

Melissa Gilbert recalled reconnecting with Lilley in 2002 when they worked together on a western pilot for ABC. She remembered arriving on set and hearing his familiar voice yell, "Hey Halfpint, you old rat-ass!!!" She immediately felt at home, knowing Jack was there as the wrangler for the project.

Cause of Death

Jack Lilley’s family announced his passing on Instagram but did not share the cause of death or the exact date he died.

Wife and Family

Details about Jack Lilley’s wife and family have not been widely shared, but he was remembered as a beloved figure in Hollywood, known for his humor, talent, and storytelling.