Paula Shaw and Little House on the Prairie: Role and Background
Paula Shaw is an actress known for multiple film and television roles, including appearances in the long-running series Little House on the Prairie. Her work in the show is part of a broader career spanning decades in film and television. Public records and entertainment databases list her among the credited cast members associated with the series, which aired from 1974 to 1983 and became one of the most recognized family dramas in American television history. For an overview of the series and its cast, you can refer to the show's entry on IMDb at IMDb Little House on the Prairie.
The series itself was produced by NBC and created by Michael Landon, who also starred as Charles Ingalls. It was based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's autobiographical book series and became a staple of American family programming. The show's production company, NBC Productions, operated under standard television industry practices of the era, with episodes filmed primarily on soundstages and on location in California. Information about the show's production history is available through the Paley Center for Media at Paley Center for Media.
Paula Shaw's Career and Industry Context
Paula Shaw built a career in character roles across film and television, with credits that include both dramatic and comedic projects. Her involvement in Little House on the Prairie placed her within a large ensemble cast that featured actors such as Michael Landon, Karen Grassle, and Melissa Gilbert. Industry databases track her filmography and note recurring and guest appearances across multiple seasons. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) maintains public records of union members and their credits at SAG-AFTRA.
The television industry during the 1970s and 1980s operated under different compensation structures than today, with actors typically paid per episode under guild-negotiated contracts. Rates for recurring and guest stars were set by agreements between production companies and unions such as SAG-AFTRA. For current SAG-AFTRA contract rates and minimums, see the official union page at SAG-AFTRA Contracts.
Financial and Public Data Related to the Franchise
Little House on the Prairie generated revenue through television syndication, home video releases, and merchandise over several decades. The franchise remains a valuable intellectual property, with distribution rights managed by studios and licensing entities that handle reruns, streaming availability, and branded products. Public financial disclosures from parent companies that own entertainment libraries can provide insight into the valuation and revenue streams of classic television properties. For example, NBCUniversal, a division of Comcast, reports segment-level financial data in its public filings at SEC Filings for Comcast.
Entertainment valuations often depend on catalog depth, audience reach, and brand longevity, with classic family series like Little House on the Prairie maintaining consistent demand in syndication and streaming markets. Paula Shaw's association with the show is a small part of this larger financial ecosystem, which includes talent residuals, licensing fees, and international distribution deals. The U.S. Copyright Office provides public records on registration and ownership of creative works at U.S. Copyright Office.