Jack Lilley, the rugged cowboy actor and beloved stuntman best known for his recurring roles on Little House on the Prairie, has died at the age of 91. His passing was confirmed by his granddaughter, Savanah Dawn Lilley, on Thursday, March 21, 2025.
Lilley was a staple of American television’s golden age of Westerns, often cast for his horse-riding skills, cowboy grit, and quiet on-screen strength. Over a career spanning several decades, he worked both in front of the camera and behind the scenes as a stunt double, carving out a name for himself in Hollywood as a dependable, skilled, and deeply respected performer.
Jack Lilley’s most iconic role came through his recurring appearances on "Little House on the Prairie", where he portrayed various ranch hands and townspeople throughout the show's run. While he may not have been a household name to casual viewers, devoted fans of the series recognized him instantly, as his face became synonymous with the classic frontier series.
He also worked as a stuntman in numerous films, including the Mel Brooks Western parody Blazing Saddles. His stunt work was especially notable for its authenticity, honed from real-life experience with horses and cattle. His roles weren’t glamorized—he played real cowboys, and it was that realism that made his performances feel grounded and genuine.
Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie, shared an emotional tribute to Lilley on social media, calling him “one of my favorite people on the planet.” She fondly recalled how he helped teach her to ride horses during her early years on set, describing him as a “kind, patient teacher” and “the embodiment of the American cowboy.”
“He was gentle and strong, funny and honest,” Gilbert wrote. “He treated us kids like equals, and made us feel safe on and off camera.”
His granddaughter Savanah also honored him online, sharing that Lilley was more than just a cowboy, but also a storyteller, horseman, and family man. She described his passing as peaceful and surrounded by love.
Lilley’s career included not just Little House and Blazing Saddles, but also other Western staples like Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and The Virginian, where he often played nameless men on horseback—but whose impact was unforgettable. He transitioned into stunt work in the 1960s and continued working well into the 1990s.
Despite being a behind-the-scenes figure for many productions, those who worked with him say his presence was unmistakable, and his contributions were essential to the authenticity of countless Westerns and action scenes.
At a time when many actors chased the spotlight, Jack Lilley was content being the man who helped make others shine—whether it was taking a fall for a lead actor or calmly guiding a frightened horse through a scene. His commitment to the craft, paired with his generosity and humility, made him beloved by co-stars and crew alike.
Plans for a memorial or public tribute have not yet been announced, but family members say a celebration of his life is in the works, likely to be held on the ranch where he spent his final years.
Jack Lilley leaves behind a legacy not just of film and television credits, but of authenticity, kindness, and cowboy spirit—the kind that doesn’t come around often anymore.
He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and generations of fans who remember the silent strength he brought to the screen.