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Little House On The Prairie actor Richard Bull dies at 89... and his co-star Melissa Gilbert pays tribute

PUBLISHED: 17:12 EST, 4 February 2014 | UPDATED: 18:28 EST, 4 February 2014

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Richard Bull, who is best known for starring on the '70s TV series Little House On The Prairie, has died at age 89.

According to People, the actor passed away on Monday in Calabasas, California but the cause of death has not been revealed.

He played shop owner Nels Oleson on Prairie and appeared for the show's entire run, from 1974 to 1983.

Sympathy: Little House On The Prairie actor Richard Bull died on Monday at the age of 89

Condolences: His co-star Melissa Gilbert tweeted a photo of him with some nice words

His former co-star Melissa Gilbert, who played protagonist Laura Ingalls Wilder on the series, tweeted her condolences along with a photo of him.

'This man will be missed', the 49-year-old actress posted.

'Goodbye Richard working with you was such a joy but nearly as joyful as being your friend.'

Back in the day: Melissa as Laura Ingalls Wilder on the TV series

Memories: The 49-year-old actress, seen here on January 23 promoting her new book, stayed friends with her former co-star

Mr. Oleson: The cause of Richard's death has yet to be revealed

Happily married: Richard is survived by wife Barbara, who he married in 1948

Little House was set in Minnesota in the 1870s and Richard's character was a patient, kind man who ran the local general store with his intolerable wife, Harriet.

Some of the Illinois native's other TV credits include Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea and Highway To Heaven, which also starred his Little House cast mates Michael Landon and Victor French.

His most recent acting credit was on the Kelsey Grammer series Boss in 2011.

Richard is survived by his wife of 65 years, actress Barbara Collentine.

Little House: The actor played shop owner Nels Oleson for the entire run of the series, 1974-1983

The Ingalls: The series was set in Minnesota during the 1870s

Little House on the Prairie Actor Richard Bull Dies

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Lorna, Glasgow, United Kingdom, 3 hours ago

Awwww. Loved that show and Mr Olson was lovely,

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KyliesSparklyTiarra, Formby, 3 hours ago

I loved this show when I was a child. Nels Olsen was a great character and what a lovely, heartfelt tribute by Melissa Gilbert. RIP.

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Dr Kanega, Moulin Rouge, United States, 3 hours ago

Great actor. RIP.

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Andrew_59, Richmond VA, United States, 3 hours ago

had the patience of a saint to be stay married to that woman on Little House...... RIP...

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padvghn, cheboygan, United States, 4 hours ago

Aw....I still watch the re-runs of little house. 89 Wow! RIP Mr. Oleson.

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Mollie, Stockholm, Sweden, 5 hours ago

R.I.P! Throughout my childhood you were Nels Olsen on Saturdays. The few occasions you stood up against your wife we all cheered. You will always be remembered.

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Mr Biner, Mid Missouri USA, 5 hours ago

His character was so nice and gentlemanly! Thanks and RIP!

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Nancy Hayes, Newark, United States, 5 hours ago

That is sad news. But he did live to a nice old age, and hopefully he passed peacefully. I loved his character. I don't know what his real life relationship(s) were like, but in LHotP the man was a SAINT! R.I.P. Mr. Bull, you were very much appreciated!