Alison Arngrim transitioned from child star known for her portrayal of Nellie Oleson in “Little House on the Prairie” to an author, comedian, and activist, advocating for child protection and AIDS awareness. After rising to prominence in 1974, Alison Arngrim quickly became a household name for her iconic portrayal of the antagonist Nellie Oleson in the beloved television series ‘Little House on the Prairie.’ Arngrim starred in the role for seven seasons, from 1974 to 1982, establishing Nellie as a notable cultural reference for a spoiled character throughout the 1970s. During this period, she also recorded the comedy record album ‘Heeere’s Amy’ in 1977, further showcasing her comedic talent. Following her impactful television work, Arngrim expanded her career into comedy and live performance.
She also served as Program Manager at Tuesday’s Child, an organization supporting children and families affected by HIV and AIDS, and produced comedy events to raise funds for the cause. Arngrim is also a prominent advocate for child protection laws, serving as California Chair, National Spokesperson, and a Founding Board Member on the National Advisory Board of The National Association to Protect Children (PROTECT.org). She has presented before the California Senate and actively contributed to legislative campaigns focused on improving child protection. In a powerful 2004 interview on Larry King Live, Arngrim publicly shared her personal experiences as an incest survivor, underscoring her deep commitment to this advocacy.
Her more recent work includes co-producing the film ‘Even in Dreams’ in 2021.