Little House on the Prairie fans are in mourning following the death of Victor French Jr., the son of Victor French, who portrayed Isaiah Edwards on the show for several years.
Victor Jr.'s death was announced by the Little House on the Prairie 50th Anniversary Podcast via social media on Monday. "We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Victor French Jr.," the post began, alongside a smiling black-and-white photo of him.
"A beloved member of the Little House community, Victor worked tirelessly to keep his father's legacy alive through his kindness and dedication to the fans. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family. Thank you, Victor, for the joy you brought to us all."
© InstagramThe post did not detail the cause of death. Fans of the show took to the comment section to share their memories of Victor Jr. "He was a dear, dear man. I enjoyed every time I had with him, just as recently as December in Simi. Sending condolences to his wonderful sister and their entire family. May his memory be a blessing," wrote one fan.
"He was so welcoming and friendly. He will be missed. May his family, friends and fans find comfort in all their happy memories of him," said another.
Alison Arngrim, who portrayed the villainous Nellie Oleson on the show, shared her grief on Facebook. "Aw….man. Our dear Victor Jr. has left us," she wrote. "He was a purveyor of joy. A recruiter for happiness. He lit up the room. We will miss him very much. Ol Dan Tucker has sung his last chorus."
© FacebookVictor's father, Victor French, passed away in 1989 from lung cancer at the age of 54. He was also a dad to Tracy and Kelly, and shared his three children with his first wife, Judith Schenz. He and Judith split in 1975, and Victor then married Julie Cobb in 1976, yet the pair went their separate ways two years later.
Victor was an integral part of the Little House world, having starred in more than 50 episodes and three TV movies, including Look Back to Yesterday, The Last Farewell and Bless All the Dear Children. He also directed several episodes of the show, and Alison recalled his prowess behind the camera on the Little House: Fifty for 50 Podcast.
© NBCUniversal via Getty Images"He was really good about how things should build," she explained. "His thing was, it didn't really matter how you got there or what the hell you were thinking about. You could be method. It didn't matter as long as you just went somewhere with this thing."
© NBCUniversal via Getty ImagesThe father of three also appeared in Get Smart, Gunsmoke and Charro! opposite Elvis Presley, and shared a close bond with Little House executive producer, writer, director and star, Michael Landon.
© NBCUniversal via Getty Images"I met Michael Landon on Bonanza," he said in a 1986 interview. "He had been on the show for, by that time, maybe 12 years, and I had done seven or eight with him, but the last couple were humorous. Luckily, Michael Landon saw that side of me…I'm able to do that thanks to Michael Landon."
After Little House wrapped in 1983, Victor and Michael went on to star in Highway to Heaven together from 1984 to 1989. Michael passed away from pancreatic cancer two years after his friend had died from lung cancer in 1989.
