Nancy Ol(e)son: The Facts of Life/Little House Connection

[RetroGuy2000]

In 1979, we were introduced to Nancy Olson, boy-crazy Eastland girl. We saw this Nancy Olson on a semi-regular basis until 1982. She was played by Felice Schachter, as we all know.


Nancy Olson (Felice Schachter)

In September 1981, another show, Little House on the Prairie, introduced a far less likeable character named Nancy Oleson.


Nancy Oleson (Alison Balson)

Nancy Olson was a likeable, funny, bright girl at Eastland School. Nancy Oleson was an unlikable, cruel girl at the Walnut Grove school. At first glance, they don't seem to have a lot in common aside from their similar names.

And yet, there are other similarities: both characters appeared on TV during the 1981-1982 season. Both appeared on NBC. Both appeared as schoolchildren. By '81, Nancy Olson was occasionally rude to others on the show, something Nancy Oleson delighted in.

And interestingly enough, Melissa Gilbert, who starred on LHOTP, was good friends with Felice Schachter.

Is it possible that the character of Nancy Olson influenced the naming of the character Nancy Oleson?

['80sSitcoms]

Wait a minute, there were TWO Nancy Olesons on LH?? I'm only familiar with Alison Arngram, who wrote that book, Confessions of a Prairie Bitch, lol.

Say, maybe the actress behind our Nancy Olson could write a book: Confessions of a School Shadow, lol.

I just hope people didn't yell at Felice in public and throw things or spit at her!

[RetroGuy2000]

Originally Posted by '80sSitcoms

Wait a minute, there were TWO Nancy Olesons on LH?? I'm only familiar with Alison Arngram, who wrote that book, Confessions of a Prairie Bitch, lol.

No, you're thinking of Nellie Oleson, her sister. Nellie was portrayed by Allison Arngram. Nancy Oleson was portrayed by Alison Balson. Nancy Olson was portrayed by someone not even named Alison or Allison!

Say, maybe the actress behind our Nancy Olson could write a book: Confessions of a School Shadow, lol.

Ha! But I think she'd be better off writing about her steamy off-screen relationship with Roger!

I just hope people didn't yell at Felice in public and throw things or spit at her!

Heck, I hope they didn't do that to the girls who played Margo or Dina or Boots!

['80sSitcoms]

Originally Posted by RetroGuy2000

No, you're thinking of Nellie Oleson, her sister.

Ooohhh, that's right, Nellie Oleson...why, that little... (lol)...I wasn't a LH watcher, I only saw it sometimes when my older sister would be watching it, and she had the remote since she was older, lol.

Originally Posted by RetroGuy2000

Heck, I hope they didn't do that to the girls who played Margo or Dina or Boots!

Well, at least not to Boots. (lol)