Fitzgerald Finds Family in Prairie Role

Crosby Fitzgerald, initially hesitant about portraying Caroline Ingalls in Netflix's "Little House on the Prairie," found unexpected depth in the matriarchal role. Fitzgerald, 36, initially felt her own "brash and loud" personality clashed with the character's remembered poise. However, upon reading the scripts, she discovered Caroline's layered strength and resilience, particularly her ability to overcome immense hardship while pregnant and protecting her family.

This portrayal offered Fitzgerald a profound personal connection, allowing her to better understand her late maternal grandmother, whom she felt she hadn't fully grasped during her lifetime. Fitzgerald described the role as a "gift," enabling her to comprehend the silent battles and protective sternness often misunderstood in women, particularly mothers. The series, which has already been renewed for a second season, represents Fitzgerald's first continuous lead role after previously appearing in brief roles on other productions.