A Little House on the Prairie family member is dead, and fans of the beloved historical drama series mourned the devastating loss on social media.
On Monday, April 6, the Little House on the Prairie 50th Anniversary Podcast took to Instagram with the news of the death of Victor French Jr., the son of Victor French, who played Mr. Edwards.
“We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Victor French Jr.,” the post began. “A beloved member of the Little House community, Victor worked tirelessly to keep his father’s legacy alive through his kindness and dedication to the fans.”
To conclude the post, the podcast shared, “Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family. Thank you, Victor, for the joy you brought to us all.”
We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Victor Allen French, the son of beloved Little House actor, Victor French.
A beloved member of the Little House community, Victor used his gentle spirit to keep his father’s legacy alive through his kindness and devotion to the characters, stories, and values fans have loved for more than half a century.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family. Thank you, Victor, for the joy you brought to us all.
What Was Victor French Jr.’s Cause of Death?
The cause of death and exact death date for Victor Jr. was not shared in the Little House on the Prairie 50th Anniversary Podcast post. However, Dean Butler—who played Almanzo Wilder in the series—revealed in an April 7 Instagram post that Victor. Jr. died after a battle with cancer. He did not share the specific type of cancer.
In 1989, the elder Victor died at 54 in following a battle with lung cancer. In addition to Victor Jr., Victor Sr. welcomed twin daughters, Tracy French and Kelly French, with his first wife, Judith Schenz.
‘Little House on the Prairie’ Fans Reacted to the News on Social Media
In the comments of the death announcement, LHOTP fans mourned the death of Victor Jr. and shared fond memories of their interactions with him at events.
One Instagram user wrote, “He was a dear, dear man. I enjoyed every time I had with him, just as recently as December in Simi. Sending condolences to his wonderful sister and their entire family. May his memory be a blessing.”
Another follower pointed out, “Oh no! He looked just like his dad…rest in peace❤️.”
Someone else echoed, “I saw him at the event in Simi Valley, oh no. 😢 Rest in peace 🙏🏻🙏🏻,” as yet another follower wrote, S”o sorry 😞 praying for all his family and friends.🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼.”
A different fan shared, “Sending love to all who knew and loved him. He gave the best hugs. I’m so blessed to have spent time with him in Simi❤️❤️.”
Meanwhile, yet another Instagram user commented, “My heart is shattered. The Little House family has lost a beautiful soul.💔 I’m so grateful I was able to spend a considerable amount of time with Victor this past December in Simi Valley. I’ll miss his bigger-than-life smile and his ginormous warm hugs. I can only imagine the reunion he’s having with his dad and other loved ones. ❤️.”
