Does this name ring a bell? The die-hard fans of the series will describe her as the pest of pests, the shrew of shrews, the one who tormented Laura Ingalls in a small town in Kansas, Walnut Grove.
Do you remember her? Alison Arngrim is none other than the wonderful actress who played Nellie Oleson, aka the mean girl. This character was even voted “TV’s number one shrew” in the United States, France, and Switzerland. A major survey organized by TV8 in August 2006 placed her ahead of all the current TV shrews. Even Edie Britt (Nicollette Sheridan) from “Desperate Housewives” has to bow down! She finishes in second place…
“But, indeed, Nice Première, is the real Nellie like what we saw on TV, such a pest?”
Dear readers, we confirm to you that during this festival, we did not meet the Nellie Oleson from the early episodes of the series but rather, Alison Arngrim, a warm, welcoming, and very smiling woman who loves people. Moreover, apart from her acting career, Alison Arngrim is a woman with a heart; she is an ambassador in the fight against AIDS and incest.
But, dear readers, remember that Nellie Oleson is not an eternal pest. In the final episodes of the series, her behavior changes when she finds love. Could love have the power to transform a shrew into a generous woman?
Created in 1975, “Little House on the Prairie” has stood the test of time without aging. Many of you grew up watching this series: the Ingalls, the Olesons, Reverend Alden, Doctor Baker, Almonzo Wilder, Mr. Edwards, etc. But what has become of the actors and actresses?
In the Oleson family, we found Nellie, the most famous TV pest, not far from the Monegasque rock.
Nice-Première: Alison Arngrim, you are an American that the French have seen grow up on their TV screens. Today you’re here at the Monte-Carlo Festival, and tomorrow you’ll be on France’s big screens. What attracts you here?
Alison Arngrim: There was an American anecdote that said when you die, you go to France. France is a mythical country that attracted Americans. I’ve always dreamed of France.
N-P: Do you know our TV shows?
A.A.: I came to do “La Méthode Cauet” and “Les enfants de la télé” with Arthur.
N-P: Soon, we will see you on the big screen?
A.A.: Yes. I shot a film called “Le deal” by Jean-Pierre Mocky with Jean-Claude Dreyfus, Jackie Berroyer, and Jean-François Stévenin. (Currently on screens)
N-P: What role will you be playing?
A.A.: I play in French the role of Edith. Jean-François, my brother in the film, is a “stupid” and “very crazy” criminal. When I did a scene saying my husband is dead, I had to laugh. I play a sarcastic woman.
N-P: You also did a one-woman show in French: “Confession d’une garce de la prairie”
A.A.: Yes. It’s a very bizarre show in French. I tell anecdotes from the filming of “Little House on the Prairie,” Michael Landon, etc.
My French friends, Doc Gyneco, Jamel Debbouze, Alain Chabat, Sébastien Cauet (Sébastien Cauet is very cute) I find young comedians sexy and adorable.
N-P: How does the public react?
A.A: The public applauds me, but I know you hate me. Everyone hates me, it’s true. Saddam Hussein? His thirst for power, his sexual drive, his passion for “Little House on the Prairie.” Saddam Hussein loves Nellie Olson! He loves Nellie.
N-P: And what did your friends think?
A.A.: In Los Angeles, all my friends called to tell me it was my fault, they teased me. They even asked me to call him to stop him from doing that kind of thing.
Doc Gyneco is also a big fan of Nellie, just like Jean-Pierre Mocky. Because Nellie is a strange character.
N-P: But then doesn’t Nellie stop being a pest in the TV movie?
A.A.: Yes, thanks to her husband Perseval. Nellie finds love.
N-P: Generations know and love “Little House on the Prairie,” how do you explain that?
A.A.: It’s incredible. In this TV movie, there are a lot of emotions. A poor family with many children… People identify with it. Even in the poorest families, “Little House” is watched. And the fact it comes out on DVD, it’s incredible!
N-P: How do you feel?
A.A.: It drives me crazy! (Laughs) I’ve met a lot of people in every country who tell me they grew up with this TV movie, in Argentina, Iraq… in the jungle (laughs). This TV movie never goes out of style. It’s something that is always current. There were a lot of series that were in fashion at the time like “Happy Days” but today… “Little House” is eternal!! But if when I was 14 years old, I had said I would end up here in Monaco, they would have thought I was crazy! It was impossible! (Laughs)
NP: What attracts you to Monaco?
A.A.: It’s the first time I’ve come to Monaco and the fourth to France. It’s beautiful. When I saw the list of stars at this festival, I said wow! My name is there too! I never thought I would be here among so many actors, artists, stars. (Laughs)
The others are still filming, and since 1983, we have done nothing. And we’re still here! The soap opera is timeless! It’s incredible! Maybe it’s the best soap opera in the world (Laughs)!
N-P: Do you watch French TV series?
A.A.: No, but films, yes. “Amélie Poulain,” It’s beautiful! “Le roi des cœurs” and all of Mocky’s films
N-P: Who is Alison?
A.A.: (Laughs) It’s so much! It’s Nellie, comedy, cinema, the fight against AIDS, a lot of things… Alison, I don’t really know who she is! (Laughs)
N-P: You are very sociable?
A.A.: She is very involved in charity work because it’s natural for me.
N-P: If I say “First,” what do you think of?
A.A.: The first time I went on stage in France! It’s a big challenge!
Websites:
- Alison Arngrim: https://alisonarngrim.free.fr/
