Matthew Labyorteaux - A Look Back at His Acting Path
For anyone who grew up watching television in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the name Matthew Labyorteaux probably brings to mind a very familiar face, that of Albert Ingalls from the beloved series "Little House on the Prairie." This young performer, you know, captured many hearts playing one of the children on what was then a hugely popular show, and his work left a lasting impression on viewers who followed the stories of the Ingalls family.
It's interesting, really, to think about how a person starts their working life so early, and for Matthew Labyorteaux, that's exactly what happened. He began his acting career at a very young age, appearing in various television programs and motion pictures before he was even a teenager. This early start, it seems, set the stage for a career that would stretch over many years, showing his ability to perform in front of cameras and also lend his voice to different characters.
While a certain prairie farm might be where most folks remember him from, Matthew Labyorteaux, as a matter of fact, has done quite a bit more in the entertainment world. His career includes not just on-screen appearances but also a significant amount of work behind the scenes, using his voice to bring characters to life in various projects. So, while his time on the prairie was definitely a big part of his story, it was just one chapter in a rather full professional life.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Matthew Labyorteaux
- Personal Details and Early Life
- Who is Matthew Labyorteaux?
- What was Matthew Labyorteaux's Big Role?
- Life After the Prairie - What Did Matthew Labyorteaux Do Next?
- Did Matthew Labyorteaux Return for "The Last Farewell"?
- The Enduring Mystery of Albert Ingalls and Matthew Labyorteaux
- Beyond the Screen - Matthew Labyorteaux's Voice Work
Biography of Matthew Labyorteaux
Matthew Charles Labyorteaux, you know, came into the world on December 8, 1966, in Los Angeles, California, which is a place, really, that has always been a hotbed for people who perform for audiences. From a very early age, he started his journey in the world of acting. He appeared in various television shows and films, showing a natural ability to step into different characters. His work, actually, began when he was just seven years old, which is quite young to be starting a professional career in any field, let alone one as public as entertainment. This early start meant that by the time he was a teenager, he already had a good deal of experience under his belt, shaping his path in the public eye. His family name, Labyorteaux, sometimes appears spelled a bit differently in his credits, like Laborteaux, which is just a little interesting quirk about his professional records.
Personal Details and Early Life
Matthew Charles Labyorteaux, born on December 8, 1966, in Los Angeles, California, USA, started his acting career when he was quite young. His family includes his brother, Patrick Labyorteaux, who also became a performer. This family connection, you know, meant that the brothers sometimes shared the experience of being in the public eye from a young age. Growing up in Los Angeles, a city synonymous with the entertainment business, probably gave Matthew a unique perspective on his work. He was, in a way, immersed in that particular environment from the start, which helped shape his early experiences as a young performer.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Charles Labyorteaux |
| Date of Birth | December 8, 1966 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Profession | Film, Television, and Voice Actor |
| Notable Role | Albert Ingalls in "Little House on the Prairie" |
| Brother | Patrick Labyorteaux |
Who is Matthew Labyorteaux?
Matthew Labyorteaux is, basically, an American performer known for his work in various types of media, including movies, television shows, and as a voice artist. He began his career as a child, which is a common path for many who eventually find lasting work in the entertainment business. His ability to perform for cameras and also use his voice for characters has allowed him to have a career that spans several decades. For many people, his face is immediately recognizable from a very popular show, but his contributions go beyond just that one role, as we will see. He has, in fact, been a part of many different projects, showing a good range in his acting abilities.
He is perhaps most widely recognized for his portrayal of Albert Ingalls on the NBC historical drama series "Little House on the Prairie." This particular part, you know, brought him into millions of homes each week and made him a household name for a generation of viewers. Being on a show that was so widely watched meant that his face became very familiar to many people across the country and even beyond. Beyond this well-known role, Matthew Labyorteaux has continued to work, lending his talents to various other productions, both on screen and through his voice.
What was Matthew Labyorteaux's Big Role?
Without a doubt, Matthew Labyorteaux is best known for portraying Albert Ingalls in "Little House on the Prairie." This character, Albert, became a central figure in the later seasons of the program, and Matthew took on the part from 1978 onwards. It was a role that, in a way, put him squarely in the public eye and cemented his place in the history of television. For a young person, getting to play one of the children on a show that was such a big hit must have felt like a truly wonderful opportunity, almost like a dream come true, you know, for a kid interested in acting.
The show itself, "Little House on the Prairie," was a cultural touchstone for many years, bringing stories of family life and simple living to audiences everywhere. Matthew's character, Albert, was a memorable addition to the Ingalls family, and his storylines often involved situations that resonated with viewers. His performance in this role, you see, was quite impactful, and it's the reason why so many people still connect his name with that particular character and that specific show. Even after all these years, the character of Albert Ingalls remains a significant part of the show's legacy, and Matthew Labyorteaux's portrayal is a big reason for that.
Life After the Prairie - What Did Matthew Labyorteaux Do Next?
While his time on "Little House on the Prairie" was certainly a defining period, Matthew Labyorteaux's acting work did not stop there. His time on the prairie, as a matter of fact, was done before he was even twenty years old, which means he had a whole career ahead of him. He continued to find success both during and after his tenure on the popular show. His film work includes appearances in movies like "A Woman Under the Influence" from 1974, which was an early credit, and "King of the Gypsies." These roles, you know, showed his versatility and his ability to work in different kinds of productions.
Beyond live-action roles, Matthew Labyorteaux also built a considerable reputation as a voice artist. This is a part of his career that many people might not be as familiar with, but it's where he has done a lot of work. He has lent his voice to various projects, including animated shows and video games. For example, he was involved with the GX series from 2005 to 2008, which shows his continued presence in the entertainment field, even if it's not always in front of the camera. This kind of work, you see, allows performers to bring characters to life in a different way, relying solely on their vocal abilities.
Did Matthew Labyorteaux Return for "The Last Farewell"?
When "Little House on the Prairie" wrapped up its regular run, there were a few television films that followed, tying up storylines for the beloved characters. One of these was the 1984 TV film titled "Little House: The Last Farewell." It's a question many fans have wondered about, you know, whether Matthew Labyorteaux returned to play his character, Albert, in this particular movie. The answer is that Matthew did not come back to portray Albert in "The Last Farewell." This absence, naturally, led many viewers to make their own assumptions about what happened to the character of Albert, with a common belief being that Albert had passed away.
The decision for an actor not to return for a follow-up project can be for many reasons, and in this instance, it left a bit of a question mark for those who had followed Albert's story so closely. For fans who had invested in the character's journey, the lack of a definitive on-screen resolution for Albert's fate in that particular film was, in a way, something that lingered. It shows how much viewers can connect with characters and how they desire to see their stories through to the very end, even when the actor might move on to other things.
The Enduring Mystery of Albert Ingalls and Matthew Labyorteaux
For many who watched "Little House on the Prairie," the fate of Albert Quinn Ingalls, the character Matthew Labyorteaux played, has remained somewhat unclear. This has, you know, been a point of discussion and curiosity for fans of the show for a long time. The way his character's story ended, or rather, the way it wasn't fully resolved on screen in later productions, left a lasting impression and a desire for more information. This kind of lasting interest in a character's story really speaks to the power of a television show to connect with people on a deep level.
It's interesting, too, how the public's curiosity about a character can sometimes extend to the performer who played them. So, for fans of "Little House on the Prairie," the details about what happened to both Albert Ingalls and Matthew Labyorteaux himself have often seemed a bit hard to find. People, naturally, want to know what became of the person who brought such a memorable character to life. This ongoing interest highlights how much the audience cares about the stories and the people who tell them, even years after the show has finished its run. It's almost as if the characters become part of our own personal histories, and we want to know how their journeys continued, or how they ended.
Beyond the Screen - Matthew Labyorteaux's Voice Work
While many people recognize Matthew Labyorteaux from his on-screen roles, especially his time on the prairie, a significant part of his professional life has been dedicated to voice acting. This kind of work, you see, allows performers to create characters using only their vocal talents, bringing them to life in animated shows, video games, and other projects where their physical appearance isn't needed. It's a different kind of performance, one that relies on the subtle shifts in tone, pitch, and emotion that can be conveyed through sound alone.
Matthew Labyorteaux has, in fact, been quite active in this area. His voice roles are numerous, spanning a good range of projects. For instance, he contributed to the GX series from 2005 to 2008, which is just one example of his work in the voice booth. This ongoing work demonstrates his continued presence in the entertainment industry, adapting his skills to different mediums. It shows, too, that his talent goes beyond just being in front of a camera; he has a distinct ability to use his voice to create memorable characters for various productions, keeping his career active and interesting.
Matthew Labyorteaux, who played Albert Ingalls on 'Little House on the Prairie,' found success both before and after the show. He started acting at a young age, appearing in films like 'A Woman Under the Influence' and 'King of the Gypsies.' He was recognized by fans as a child, even being swarmed at a Renaissance fair. After his time on the prairie, he did not return for the 1984 TV film 'Little House: The Last Farewell,' which left the fate of his character, Albert, unclear for many viewers. Matthew Labyorteaux also built a career as a voice artist, contributing to numerous projects, including the GX series. His work spans film, television, and voice acting, showing his lasting presence in the entertainment world.
