Little House on the Prairie continues to captivate audiences and maintain its popularity through syndication and streaming services.
Michael Landon created the series after his time on Bonanza, and he asked his friend Victor French to play the character of Isaiah Edwards when the show started in 1974. The two actors had a long-standing friendship, working together on NBC's Highway to Heaven following the conclusion of Little House.
At the memorial service for French, who passed away from lung cancer in 1989, he left a surprising farewell for those in attendance. Michael Landon and Victor French shared a deep connection French skillfully embodied the role of Isaiah Edwards, a fictional character specially crafted for the show. Landon was starring on Bonanza when he encountered French on the series.
"When [Landon] embarked on Little House on the Prairie, he expressed his desire to have me on the show," French shared with the Washington Post in 1985, playfully recalling how the two collaborated on Highway to Heaven. "We spend a significant amount of time together, comparable to that of a married couple."
It was evident that French was grateful for Landon's efforts in advocating for him to portray the role of Mr. Edwards. According to a 1989 Los Angeles Times article, he mentioned that the network desired a well-known actor, but Michael remained steadfast in his decision. That role had a significant impact on my career. Michael is truly a blessing in my life.
'Little House' star described Victor French as 'charming and funny'
Charlotte Stewart, who played the role of school teacher Eva Beadle in the first four seasons of Little House, reflects warmly on her time with French.
"He was absolutely fantastic!" In 2016, Stewart mentioned her former co-star in an interview with Smashing Interviews. "He was truly a delightful and humorous individual, with a kind and compassionate nature."
The Little House alum graciously attended French's funeral, where she kindly shared the specific location that the actor had requested for his service. Stewart explained that Victor met with his attorney to discuss the guest list for his funeral service. The event took place at the Gene Autry Museum in Griffith Park. The museum has a charming cowboy theme and is situated in an open-air setting. He was fully aware of his actions.
The final words of Victor French
During French's memorial, Stewart remembered a touching moment when the guests were given some last words from the actor. "His attorney kindly shared, 'And now a message from Victor,'" Stewart disclosed. As we gazed skyward, a plane passed overhead carrying a message that read, 'Eat it - Love, Victor.' He meticulously planned all of that.
The well-thought-out gesture was greeted with hearty laughter and fond recollections of the cherished – and undeniably clever – actor and companion. "That was quite unexpected at his funeral," Stewart commented. We found it quite amusing.
While this was happening, I found myself standing alongside Michael Landon. Indeed, there were no cellphones in that era. There was a single pay phone on the patio, and it seemed like everyone hurried to use it, eager to call someone and exclaim, 'Please, take a look at the sky!' I had a great affection for Victor.
Source: cheatsheet.com
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