IN CONVERSATION WITH CROSBY FITZGERALD

interview by JANA LETONJA

Crosby Fitzgerald is stepping into a major breakout moment with her leading role in Little House on the Prairie, Netflix’s highly anticipated modern adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved books. Already renewed for a second season ahead of its 9th July debut, the series marks a defining new chapter for Crosby, who stars as Caroline Ingalls, the emotional centre and steady matriarch of the Ingalls family. Known for balancing warmth, resilience, and quiet strength, Caroline offers Crosby one of her most layered roles to date. After steadily building an impressive résumé through projects like Palm Royale, Crime 101, and The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox, she now takes centre stage in a series poised to introduce a new generation to one of television and literature’s most enduring stories.

Landing the role of Caroline Ingalls feels like a huge moment. What was your reaction when you got the part?

It definitely feels surreal. Landing a lead role was starting to feel out of the realm of possibility, so when I got the call, I was truly in shock. My mom has always been a massively huge fan of the books, so I’ve had these stories in the back of my head my whole life. I happened to be home in Atlanta when I got the call, so I got to tell her in person. That was huge. I think she had a bigger reaction than I did.

What drew you most to this modern reimagining of Little House on the Prairie? 

The script really surprised me. When I got the audition email for Little House on the Prairie, I was sort of like, “I’m not sure this is for me”. But then I read the script, and I was so impressed by how kaleidoscopic the story was. Joy Gorman, our executive producer, and Rebecca Sonnenshine, our showrunner, are two extremely smart women who both have loved these books their whole lives, so they were extremely purposeful with how they wanted to expand upon them. 

Caroline is such an iconic character for many people. How did you approach honouring that legacy while making the role your own?

Outside of reading the books, I read a lot of what Laura had written about Caroline in other outlets. I also read the book Prairie Fires, which does an incredible job of contextualising the Ingalls family’s journey within history. The scripts alone gave so much guidance into Caroline’s rich history and inner life. She values her roles as wife and mother, but those parts of her are multitudinous. Caroline is as human and complex, and flawed as anyone.

The series had already been renewed for Season 2 before premiering. What does that kind of confidence from Netflix mean to you?

I’m just grateful I got to be a part of this story at all. I try not to think too much about what the network or studio is thinking. It's a fickle business, so I’m trying to take it a day at a time and assume everything’s going to get shut down tomorrow. That might be the Irish in me.

What do you think makes Little House on the Prairie continue to resonate across generations? 

I think it is a fascinating time in history to look back on, especially with how much the world has changed in the past century. Most of all, I think the books are simply a great work of literature. There’s something poignant about looking back on something so extreme through the eyes of a little kid, a little girl, figuring herself as the world turns around her. 

Family, survival, and resilience seem central to the story. Which themes connected with you most personally?

I was most struck by the theme of community. As far as Laura is concerned, every time she meets someone new is an opportunity to make a friend. Sounds cheesy, but it’s also sort of simple, and I feel like the best lessons are simple. 

Looking back, do you feel your previous projects prepared you for carrying a series in this way? 

I was daunted as I hadn’t logged a lot of time on a set before Little House on the Prairie. But the time I did happened to be alongside people like Kristen Wiig, Laura Dern, Halle Berry, and Grace Van Patten, who all led with such generosity and kindness. I knew I wanted to emulate their leadership style: work hard, be kind, and have fun. Luckily, I also had Luke along the way, who is such a pro. He was a huge support for me from the very beginning, and we became real teammates. If I were getting too Capricorn about stuff, he’d be like, “Hey mate, it’s just expensive dress-ups.”  

How has your relationship with acting evolved as your career has grown?

Before I got this audition, I was contending with letting the dream go. I was like, “I’ll give this one more year, then I’m moving back to Atlanta and going to nursing school”. I think making that decision gave me a sense of purpose. I felt like I had nothing else to lose. Then of course, this audition came along, which I did not think I was going to get, and here I am. Finally getting to really work and get to know a character deeply is a whole different ballgame than preparing auditions. I think in some ways I’m still learning what the job is, which I love. Hopefully, I’ll be learning forever. I feel very lucky. 

What kinds of stories or female characters are you most interested in telling moving forward?

Humans are pretty endlessly fascinating. I think it's cute how we all try and fail to be perfect all day, every day. I could never guess what amazing characters are waiting in a script somewhere. I enjoy playing little freaks that are trying to hide their freakiness from the world, be that a bank robber, a superhero or a nun. Playing Caroline has really broadened my idea of what I feel I’m capable of. I’m excited to keep being challenged in big ways. I love to be surprised by what I can bring to something, just like I love stories that surprise the audience. In Bruges is one of my favorite films, and it's so weirdly dark and endearing and mind expanding. Also, comedy is my first love, and I always thought it would be my in, so doing something darkly comedic would be fun.

How do you personally stay grounded while navigating a rapidly growing career?

After so many years of feeling like I’ve been on the outside looking in, I’ve really figured out who I am and what I care about. I don’t get validation from strangers anymore. I’m really close with my family, and I have great friends, and that’s kind of all that matters. Also, actors are such a small part of what makes a great movie or show. You learn that quickly on a set. I try to just focus on doing my homework and being a good person. 

Outside of acting, what inspires you creatively the most?

I think ordinary life is pretty inspiring. Once, I wrote a poem about a woman who tripped at the dry cleaners. A beer on a dock is inspiring. I bet if I could get around to finishing this book I’m reading, I’d be really inspired by that. 

What do you hope audiences connect with emotionally when they watch this series?

Caroline’s mind expands alongside Laura’s. I hope the audience's does too. 

TEAM CREDITS:

photography MAX MONTGOMERY