Dean Butler, who played Almanzo Wilder in "Little House on the Prairie," opens up about the challenges he and co-star Melissa Gilbert faced in filming their iconic first kiss, which sparked controversy due to the age gap between the actors.
Dean Butler, who played Almanzo Wilder in the beloved television series "Little House on the Prairie," has recently shared intimate details about the challenges he and co-star Melissa Gilbert faced in filming their iconic first kiss. The kiss, which aired in the episode titled "Sweet Sixteen," raised eyebrows due to the significant age gap between Butler, who was 23 at the time, and Gilbert, who was just 15.
In his newly released memoir, "Prairie Man," Butler recalls the trepidation both he and Gilbert felt in attempting to bring the scene to life. He emphasizes the importance of Gilbert's trust in her TV father, Michael Landon, who carefully supervised the scene and guided them throughout the process.
Overcoming the Age Gap: Dean Butler and Melissa Gilbert's Controversial Kiss
"That was a very powerful relationship Melissa had in her life, the one she had with Michael Landon," said Butler. "When Michael said, ‘This is the guy for you,’ she was prepared to suspend all of her anxieties and just step into it."
However, not everyone was as supportive of the casting choice. Butler recalls an August 1979 article in the Knight-Ridder newspaper chain that criticized the age gap, suggesting it could potentially send the wrong message to young viewers.
Overcoming the Age Gap: Dean Butler and Melissa Gilbert's Controversial Kiss
Despite the concerns, Butler and Gilbert remained determined to portray the scene with sensitivity and respect. Butler made a conscious effort to put Gilbert at ease by being a gentleman, while Gilbert overcame her initial hesitations and embraced the opportunity to embody the character of Laura Ingalls with authenticity.
"I think a lot of young actresses might’ve folded under the pressure," said Butler. "Melissa had no experience. She’d never been on a date. Never kissed anyone. Never did anything like that. That was still all ahead of her. So to ask her to step into that when she had no real life experience? It does speak to Melissa’s gumption and her courage. She just did it. She put all of her anxieties aside and just stepped in."
Overcoming the Age Gap: Dean Butler and Melissa Gilbert's Controversial Kiss
The episode aired to mixed reactions, with some viewers expressing outrage over the age difference. Butler recalls one particular letter from an upset mother who demanded that casting director Susan Sukman be "burned at the stake" for pairing Gilbert with "a grown man."
Despite the controversy, Butler believes that viewers ultimately understood the context of the scene and appreciated the care and sensitivity with which it was handled. He points out that in the original book series, there was also an age difference between Laura Ingalls and Almanzo Wilder.
Overcoming the Age Gap: Dean Butler and Melissa Gilbert's Controversial Kiss
Today, Butler and Gilbert have a respectful and friendly relationship, acknowledging the significance of their shared experience in creating an unforgettable moment in television history. Butler reflects on the impact the show has had on his life, particularly the realization that he was the first crush for many young viewers.
"It’s incredibly flattering," he said. "It’s also humbling. I take that very seriously, to be the guy they fell in love with. . . . I am still that person. I will always be that person. And I’m happy about that."
Overcoming the Age Gap: Dean Butler and Melissa Gilbert's Controversial Kiss
