Crosby Fitzgerald, known for her role as Caroline Ingalls in Netflix’s adaptation of Little House on the Prairie, has candidly shared that her real-life personality is far removed from the poised, elegant matriarch she portrays. Despite her own self-description as brash, loud, and troublesome, she managed to land the role that has captured the hearts of a new generation of viewers. Fitzgerald, 36, grew up immersed in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s semi-autobiographical books and always cherished the character of Caroline, often called “Ma.” However, when she first encountered the audition, she doubted her ability to embody the woman she had admired in literature for so long.

She recalls, “I read Little House on the Prairie, and I’ve read all the books. My mom is a huge fan of the books, and my stepmom loves the show,” reflecting how deeply the stories had been part of her life. Even with this connection, the realization that she would audition for Caroline Ingalls initially filled her with apprehension. “I was interested right off the bat by the audition, and then I saw which character I was reading for — Caroline — and I thought, ‘No, wait a minute. Hold on. I don’t know…’” she explains. The elegance and composure of Ma seemed worlds apart from Fitzgerald’s own spirited and outspoken nature, and she worried she might not be the right fit.

Nevertheless, as she delved into the script, her perspective began to shift. She quickly developed a profound appreciation for the depth and resilience of Caroline. “Then I read the script and I was like, oh my God, I really am in love with this person,” she says. Fitzgerald was impressed by the showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine and executive producer Joy Gorman, noting that they had breathed new life into the classic characters while remaining faithful to the source material. “These are all women who grew up reading these books and saw themselves in Laura, and then grew up and could see parts of Ma, Pa, and all the characters that are part of the show,” she observes.

Fitzgerald was particularly struck by the layered nature of Caroline. She admired how the character could remain poised under extreme pressure, displaying both strength and vulnerability simultaneously. “She forges a river and breaks her foot while pregnant, and she handles it on her own. She even pulls a shotgun on a wolf. I thought, okay, I can maybe do this person,” Fitzgerald recalls, highlighting the character’s extraordinary blend of courage, intelligence, and maternal dedication.

When Fitzgerald learned that she had been cast, she was overwhelmed with emotion. “I just fell to my knees and started crying,” she admits. She describes the moment as transformative, saying the opportunity to play Caroline Ingalls has changed her life profoundly. The role allowed her to step into a figure she had long admired and reinterpret her for a contemporary audience, all while bringing her own energy and individuality to the part.

Her co-star, Luke Bracey, who plays Charles Ingalls, had a very different experience during casting. Unlike Fitzgerald, he was unfamiliar with the story and the characters, which allowed him to approach the role without preconceived notions. “I was really unaware of what I was auditioning for. I had no concept of Little House on the Prairie,” Bracey explains. This fresh perspective helped him connect with the character in a unique way. Yet, during the chemistry reads, it was immediately clear to him that Fitzgerald was the perfect fit for Ma. “I really wanted it to be her,” he says, praising their on-screen partnership and the camaraderie they developed off-screen. “We became fast friends and fantastic teammates. I feel so fortunate that Crosby plays Caroline and that she’s my teammate through all of this.”

Bracey emphasizes the depth and authenticity that Fitzgerald brings to her role, noting, “I couldn’t ask for a better Caroline.” Their collaboration, along with Fitzgerald’s nuanced performance, helps bring the classic story to life for Netflix audiences, capturing the balance between the hardships of pioneer life and the enduring warmth and resilience of the Ingalls family.

Now streaming on Netflix, Little House on the Prairie has introduced these beloved characters to both longtime fans and newcomers. Crosby Fitzgerald’s journey from self-doubt to embodying Caroline Ingalls demonstrates how an actor’s personal traits can intersect unexpectedly with the essence of a character, resulting in a portrayal that is faithful, compelling, and transformative. Despite her initial reservations and contrasting personality, Fitzgerald’s performance has proven that authenticity, passion, and understanding of a character’s inner strength can make even the most unlikely casting choices remarkably successful.

In reflecting on her journey, Fitzgerald offers insight into the emotional and creative rewards of stepping into a role that once seemed beyond reach. Her story is a testament to the power of dedication, adaptability, and embracing the challenge of bringing a beloved literary character to life in a way that resonates with audiences today.

Her portrayal captures both the grace and grit of Caroline Ingalls, illustrating how courage, resourcefulness, and unwavering love define a matriarch capable of navigating the trials of pioneer life while remaining an enduring symbol of familial devotion and moral fortitude. Through her work on the series, Fitzgerald not only honors the legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books but also adds her own distinct voice to the character, making Ma both timeless and refreshingly contemporary.