Before Fame: Hollywood's Surprise 'Little House' Cameos

Over its nine seasons, "Little House on the Prairie" hosted a remarkable array of guest stars, many of whom would later achieve widespread fame. Among them were future Hollywood mainstays like Jason Bateman, who made his on-screen debut as James Cooper Ingalls at just 11 years old, and Shannen Doherty, who portrayed Jenny Wilder at the same age and was recognized for her early determination.

Musical icons also graced the prairie, with country legend Johnny Cash and his wife June Carter Cash appearing as Caleb and Mattie Hodgekiss in the third season premiere. The series provided early exposure for other notable actors, including Melora Hardin, who played Belinda Stevens and later Michele in a TV movie, and Todd Bridges, who appeared before his breakout role on "Diff'rent Strokes."

Sean Penn made his first television appearance in an uncredited role during the first season, with his father directing. Louis Gossett Jr. and Ernest Borgnine, both established actors with long careers, also had guest spots in earlier seasons. Furthermore, Kyle Richards played Alicia Sanderson Edwards for several years while also appearing in the original "Halloween" film, and Patricia Neal featured as Julia Sanderson in a notable two-part episode.