Hersha Parady, The Actress Known For Playing Alice Garvey On Little House On The Prairie, Dies Following Brain Tumor Diagnosis
Hersha Parady was born on May 25, 1945 in Berea, Ohio. Her passion for acting was evident at a young age, as she appeared in local theatrical productions as a teenager.
Parady continued to act at the Cleveland Play House and in regional theater after graduating from high school. Then, she made the move to Los Angeles.
Upon arriving in Los Angeles, Parady secured a role in a production of A Streetcar Named Desire. She starred alongside Jon Voight in that production.
Hersha Parady, known for playing Alice Garvey on the hit TV series "Little House on the Prairie," has died. She was 78.https://t.co/CwZe0VQFYe
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) August 24, 2023
Of all her projects, Parady is most well-known for starring on The Little House on The Prairie. She was initially considered to play Caroline Ingalls, but the part eventually went to Karen Grassle.
She first played Charles’ Ingalls’ sister-in-law, Eliza, in the 1976 episode “Journey in the Spring.”
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The following year, Parady started playing Alice Garvey on Little House. She portrayed the character from Season 4 through Season 6, when Alice died in a fire.
Today we mourn the loss of Hersha Parady, who brought to life the beloved character of Alice Garvey on Little House on the Prairie. Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and fans during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Hersha Parady. You will be deeply missed. pic.twitter.com/zt7qdLQKKa
— Little House on the Prairie® (@LHPrairie) August 24, 2023
What Was Hersha Parady’s Cause Of Death?
Parady appeared in a select number of projects after Little House. Her last acting role was in Kenan & Kel, in which she played Principal Dimly across three episodes.
The actress was in poor health in the last months of her life. Her son, Jonathan Peverall, set up a GoFundMe page in early July revealing her diagnosis with a brain tumor called meningioma.
According to The Mayo Clinic:
“A meningioma is a tumor that arises from the meninges — the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Although not technically a brain tumor, it is included in this category because it may compress or squeeze the adjacent brain, nerves and vessels. Meningioma is the most common type of tumor that forms in the head.”
The Mayo Clinic states that meningiomas occur more often in women, and tend to be discovered at older ages.
Of his mother’s battle, Peverall said:
“This illness has robbed her of her strength, her memory, and sadly, her vibrant personality. She has become largely bedridden, and it is very difficult to see my Mom, who was once full of life and energy, now struggling with basic daily activities.”
Hersha’s Son Releases Statement About Her Death
Peverall confirmed with The Hollywood Reporter that his mother passed away on Wednesday (August 23) at his home in Norfolk, Virginia. She was 78 years old.
Her son released a more detailed statement on the GoFundMe page, saying:
“She fought a courageous battle against a challenging medical condition, and even in her struggle, she continued to inspire us with her strength and resilience. At one point, a doctor expressed to me her surprise that she had stayed with us for this long, given her condition; I said, ‘If you knew my Mom, you wouldn’t be surprised.'”
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Hersha Parady’s loved ones during this sad time. May she rest in peace.