#25: Richard Bull as Nels Oleson
Nels Oleson was the calm in the storm — patient, kind, and endlessly tolerant of his wife Harriet’s dramatic outbursts. As the owner of Oleson’s Mercantile, he was practical and soft-spoken, often serving as the voice of reason in Walnut Grove. His quiet humor and gentle decency made him one of the show’s most relatable and endearing characters.
Richard Bull brought warmth and subtlety to Nels. He played him not as a pushover, but as a man who understood that peace was worth more than pride. His dry wit balanced Harriet’s theatrics perfectly, creating one of television’s most beloved married duos. Fans saw in him a reminder that kindness could be strength.