Jack Lilley, Actor And Stuntman For Western Films And TV Shows Such As ‘Blazing Saddles’ And ‘Little House On The Prairie, Dies At 91

Jack Lilley, an actor, stuntman, and animal coordinator who performed in numerous movies and TV shows, notably Westerns including Blazing Saddles and Little House On The Prairie, has passed away at the age of 91, Deadline reports.

Born in Hughes Springs, Texas, on August 15, 1933, Lilley began his career in the late 1940s, working in stunt, animal-coordinating, and background actor roles on early-era Western television shows such as Wagon Train, Death Valley Days, and Zorro.

This would soon grow to include notable series, such as Maverick, Rawhide and Gunsmoke, and films such as John Ford’s The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence, How the West Was Won and The Shootist.

One of Lilley’s most extensive roles was on the Emmy-winning series adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House On The Prairie, working behind the scenes on over three dozen episodes as stunt performer and coordinator, but also in front of the camera as well, often appearing as a stage or wagon driver, townsman and other bit roles.

Little House star Melissa Gilbert paid tribute to Lilley on Instagram, saying, “Jack always felt like home to me. He lived quite a life. I am so lucky that he was my friend. All my love and prayers go out to his family.”

Lilley’s wife Irene passed away in May 2024 at age 95, after 67 years of marriage. He is survived by his three sons, Clay, Clint, and Ben, five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.