News Article

The Brat: Alison Arngrim

A look at the actress' work since her role as Nellie Oleson on ''Little House on the Prairie''

Distinguishing Feature: Naughty by nature. ''I went to work, screamed at people, broke things, acted hideous, and got paid. It was incredible. Nellie still lives — every morning before my coffee.''
Life After Cancellation: Does stand-up comedy and regional theater in L.A., where she lives alone. Arngrim, 31, is also very active in AIDS organizations.
If There Had Been AIDS on the Prairie: ''Mrs. Oleson would have worn rubber gloves and a face mask. Laura and Pa Ingalls would have opened a hospice in the barn. Doc Baker would have been working on a cure. And Miss Beadle would have taught a safe-sex class.''
Other Classic Brats: Ken Osmond as Leave It to Beaver's Eddie Haskell, Jeannie Russell as Dennis the Menace's Margaret Wade, Christopher Shea as The Odd Couple's kid next door.

Originally posted Jul 30, 1993 Published in issue #181 Jul 30, 1993 Order article reprints

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