• The real Charles Ingalls died at the age of 66
  • The fate of "Charles Ingalls" in 'Little House on the Prairie' worked out differently 
  • Did Charles Ingalls die in the series too?

How did "Charles Ingalls" die and how does his fate end in the series 'Little House on the Prairie'? The character is the husband of "Caroline Ingalls" (Karen Grassle) and the father of four daughters "Mary" (Melissa Sue Anderson), "Laura" (Melissa Gilbert), "Carrie" (Lindsay and Sidney Greenbush) and "Grace". (Wendi and Brenda Turnbaugh). 

"Charles" had a good relationship with his family - he was particularly close to his daughter "Laura". "Laura" isn't just a character on the show. Laura Ingalls Wilder was a writer who chronicled her life in the 'Little House on the Prairie' book series. 

This means, that "Laura" existed in real life too. The books later became a popular series. The relationship portrayed on the show between "Laura" and "Charles" is based on the real relationship between the father and daughter.  

How Charles Ingalls Died in 'Little House on the Prairie'

But how did "Charles Ingalls" die? The real man died at the age of 66 from cardiovascular disease. The series however chose not to end Charles Ingalls' life on screen. 

Also interesting:

The last episode of 'Little House on the Prairie' ended with the burning of Walnut Grove. When the village is about to be bought by the president, the residents decide that they would rather destroy their village than leave it to the authorities. 

The family members start a new life in new places. "Charles Ingalls" moved to Bur Oak (Iowa) with his wife after the marriage of his daughter "Laura". As a visitor, however, he often returned to Walnut Grove.

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Michael Landon played family man Charles Ingalls in Our Little Farm
(© IMAGO / United Archives)

Charles Ingalls doesn't die in the series 

So "Charles Ingalls" didn't die in 'Little House on the Prairie'. The character was portrayed by Michael Landon. The actor died just a few years after the series ended in 1991 at the age of 54. 

Michael Landon is one of the 'Little House on the Prairie' stars who have passed away. The cause of death of the actor was pancreatic cancer.