Husband of Beloved ‘Little House on the Prairie’ Star Dies at 78

Melissa Sue Anderson, best known for her role as Mary Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie, is mourning the loss of her husband, writer and producer Michael Sloan, who passed away on August 13 at the age of 78.

Sloan was a prolific talent in television, known for co-creating the hit series The Equalizer and contributing to classics like Quincy M.E., The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries, and Battlestar Galactica.

He and Anderson first met in 1989 while working on The New Alfred Hitchcock Presents, where she was guest-starring on an episode. The pair married the following year and went on to share 35 years together, raising two children, Piper and Griffin.

According to his obituary, Sloan “passed away peacefully” and was remembered as a “devoted husband and proud father.” It described him as “larger-than-life,” known for his boundless creativity, charm, and quick wit. “Always quick with a joke, his sense of humor lit up every room he entered,” the tribute read.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked fans and friends to honor Sloan’s “deep love for animals” by making donations to the ASPCA.

Fans of Little House on the Prairie have flooded social media with messages of love and condolences for Anderson and her family. One wrote, “So sorry for your loss. I didn’t realize you had such a famous husband. I loved all the shows he worked on.” Another added, “My condolences on the loss of your husband. He certainly left a wonderful legacy for you and your children. God’s peace and comfort be upon you.”