Ma From Netflix's Little House On The Prairie Couldn't Be More Stunning In Real Life

"Little House on the Prairie" was a memorable show, an adaptation of a series of novels by  Laura Ingalls Wilder, based on her life in the American Midwest in the late 19th century. The show made its mark in the '70s, with legendary actors like Michael Landon. But this franchise is one of the classic books getting a fresh on-screen adaptation in 2026 by Netflix, and dare we say it, the casting choices have been on point. And while we may be awash with nostalgia regarding the stunning evolution of "Little House on the Prairie"'s original leading ladies, actor Crosby Fitzgerald has taken over as Caroline 'Ma' Ingalls, expertly channeling the kind, calm matriarch with a spine of steel. 

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Although she is undoubtedly beautiful on-screen, it comes as no surprise that Fitzgerald is even more stunning in real life. As seen above, at a screening of "Little House on the Prairie" in 2026, she looked fabulous despite her dressed-down appearance. Fitzgerald kept her long, wavy red hair loose, while keeping her outfit casual with a long-sleeved button-up sweater and a pair of jeans. She completed the look with open-toed heels and a glowing smile as she posed for the cameras. 

Despite having the acting chops to excel in any role, Crosby Fitzgerald confessed that she wasn't sure she could take on such an amazing and iconic character. In an exclusive interview with People in July 2026, the "Palm Royale" star detailed the internal struggle she experienced while tackling the role. "What I knew of her even from the books was, 'I'm not sure that I can do this person.' I consider myself sort of brash and loud and annoying," Fitzgerald explained to the publication, before adding, "And she's so poised and elegant from what I remember from the books."

Eventually, Fitzgerald decided to accept the role of the Ingalls matriarch, and it gradually got easy for her, to the point she was able to fully immerse herself within her character. In fact, the star revealed that Ma reminded her of her late grandmother. "I'm emotional because I feel like Caroline has actually helped me understand [my grandmother], and women in general who go through ... these sort of silent battles," Fitzgerald said. As the series is set during the Old West era, Fitzgerald's perspective is understandable due to how different life was in America more than a century ago, and how the women of that era must be as tough as nails to survive. And with her quick ability to understand her character, Netflix certainly made the right choice to cast Fitzgerald.