Acting
Katherine MacGregor
Katherine "Scottie" MacGregor, originally named Dorlee Deane McGregor, was born on January 12, 1925, in Glendale, California. She grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado, and later pursued her passion for acting by graduating from Northwestern University with a degree in drama. In 1949, she moved to New York City, taking on a role as a dance instructor at Arthur Murray Dance Studios while honing her craft under esteemed teachers like N. Richard Nash, Sanford Meisner, and Stella Adler. Transitioning to the stage, she adopted the name Scottie MacGregor, later opting to be known as Katherine.
MacGregor's career flourished in the 1950s, with performances in notable plays such as *The Seven Year Itch* and *Handful of Fire*. She appeared in films like *On the Waterfront* and *The Traveling Executioner*, as well as a multitude of television shows, including *Love of Life*, *Mannix*, and *All in the Family*. However, she is most famously recognized for her portrayal of Harriet Oleson on NBC's *Little House on the Prairie*, a role she held from 1974 to 1983, delighting audiences with her comedic flair.
After the series concluded, MacGregor shifted her focus to local theater and embraced Hinduism, teaching acting to children at the Wee Hollywood Vedanta Players. Despite her struggles with alcoholism, she found solace in her faith and dedicated her later years to community theater. MacGregor passed away on November 14, 2018, at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a passion for the arts.
