BELOVED Little House on the Prairie star Jack Lilley has passed away aged 91.
The actor’s death was announced by co-star Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura Ingalls Wilder in the hit TV drama, as she described him as one of her “favorite people on the planet”.
Melissa wrote on Instagram: “The little house family has lost one of our own. Jack Lilley has passed away.
“He was 91 years old. He also happened to be one of my favourite people on the planet.
“He taught me how to ride a horse when I was just a wee little thing. He was so patient with me.”
A heartbroken Melissa added that Jack “always felt like home” as she shared her gratitude to have known the actor.
Her touching tribute ended: “Oh Jack….sweet prince…may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
Shortly after the death of the Hollywood regular, who also helped out as a stuntman across his illustrious career, was confirmed by his family.
Son Clint said: “You left one heck of a mark on this world, Papa.
“Your laugh and spark in your eyes when you saw the ones you loved will stay with us forever.”
Jack’s death comes less than a year after his wife Irene Lilley tragically passed away.
Clint announced that his dad “went to be with his bride”, adding that he “just couldn’t bear another second without her”.
The pair are survived by their two sons, Clint as well as younger brother Cash.
Jack first performed as a cowhand in the 1956 film Gun For A Coward.
His early career saw him feature in small roles, often uncredited, in shows and films such as Drango, Fury At Showdown, The Hard Man, Wagon Train, Ride A Crooked Trail, Cimarron City and Lawman.
His starring role came on Little House on the Prairie in 1974.
Jack played various roles on the series across his nearly 40 episode run up until 1983.
His most memorable saw him play the stagecoach driver in Little House: The Last Farewell – a TV special which was also the show’s finale.
After years perfecting his craft, Jack landed larger roles such as in Dallas and Fantasy Island, as well for films Sudden Impact and Young Guns.
His later years in Hollywood saw him star in 2001s Planet of the Apes as well as The Legend of Zorro in 2005.
Jack’s final role came in 2022 on Spaghetti Western No Name and Dynamite Davenport.
Jack Lilley’s son’s full statement
“He was one of a kind,” Clint Lilley told Fox News Digital of his father, legendary actor Jack Lilley, after his death at age 91.
“We got a glimpse of the old Hollywood because he came out of that and saw the transition. He’s seen so much change in the industry and we were kind of raised around it as little kids. We got to see when it was done back in the day compared to now.
“He taught us we had to work for it and nothing was going to be handed to you. You have to go get it. He made sure [of] that. I’m thankful for that, because he wanted to make sure that we were grounded.
“He wanted to make sure that [we know] it’s a privilege, it’s a blessing to be in the industry. I’m forever grateful for that.
“He’s one of those guys who never forgot where he came from. He came from dirt poor – they moved in 1933. He was born in Texas, grew up in North Hollywood.
“He helped a lot of people in this industry. He could make things happen. He was that guy, and he was always willing to help. Always willing to help out and come up with a solution, make it work, make it happen. That’s a gift.
“He’s a really good father, no doubt about it.”
