“Little House” Star Opens Up About Eliza Jane, And Those Infamous Thick Glasses

Lucy: I got a call from my agent to go to MGM and meet with the casting director, Susan Sukman. I went in and she had me read a scene, and then she said, “I want you to come back. I want you to pull your hair back as severely as you can. No makeup, as plain as can be.” She said, “I want you to meet Michael [Michael Landon].”

I was struck by how comfortable I felt with the material. Usually, I spend a lot of time preparing, but I said to myself, “Don’t overdo it. You’ll lose the connection you’re having.”

I came back; I was all slicked down, no frills, no excess, and I read the scene. Michael was sitting in the corner with his boots on and his blue jeans — he was very good looking! It was rather distracting although he sort of had his hands folded, trying to take attention away from himself. 

I did the scene for him, and there was silence. Then he said, “I want you to do it again, but be more strict.” I did it again, and then I left. I didn’t hear anything for at least two weeks, so I thought, “Well, that’s the end of that.” Apparently, they were trying to finish casting for Almanzo, so they had to get that nailed down before they offered me anything. So it turned out well!