Veteran TV star Katherine MacGregor passes away

Veteran actor Katherine MacGregor of 'Little House on the Prairie' fame passed away at the age of 93.

MacGregor, who was best known as television's Harriet Oleson, passed away at the Motion Picture Fund Long Term Nursing Care facility in Woodland Hills, California on Tuesday, confirmed People.

A graduate from Northwestern University, MacGregor landed her 'Little House on the Prairie' role after meeting with producer Michael Landon. To prepare for her role, she reportedly read through Laura Ingalls' popular book series, only to find out that Mrs. Oleson was barely mentioned. However, owing to her improvisation of the character, Mrs Oleson became a regular on the show.

Condolences poured in for MacGregor from a number of her co-stars from 'Little House on the Prairie', which is known to be one of the longest-running TV series.

"I just got word that Katherine MacGregor passed away yesterday. This woman taught me so much... about acting... vintage jewelry...life. She was outspoken and hilariously funny. A truly gifted actress as she was able to play a despicable character but with so much heart. Her Harriet Oleson was the woman our fans loved to hate. A perfect antagonist. The thing people outside of our prairie family didn't know, was how loving and nurturing she was with the younger cast. I really loved her and I find great comfort knowing that she is at peace and, per her beliefs, her soul has moved on to its next incarnation. Farewell Scottie. I hope with all my heart we meet again next time," read an Instagram post by Melissa Gilbert, who played the role of Laura Ingalls on the TV show.

MacGregor's on-screen daughter Arngrim, who essayed the character of Melissa Oleson, also posted a picture on Twitter with her reel mother.

Actor William Shatner also extended condolences to the bereaved family. " She was deliciously wicked in Little House. Condolences to her family," he wrote on Twitter.