Steve Tracy was a talented and popular actor who played Percival Dalton on the hit TV show Little House on the Prairie. He was also one of the first celebrities to die of AIDS-related complications in 1986, shocking his fans and co-stars. In this article, we will explore his life, career, and tragic death.
Early Life and Education
Steve Tracy was born as Steven Crumrine on October 3, 1952, in Canton, Ohio. He came from an Irish-German family and had a passion for acting since childhood. He attended Kent State University in Ohio, where he studied theater and drama. He later moved to Los Angeles, California, to pursue his acting career. He enrolled in the Theatre Department at Los Angeles City College and also took classes at the Harvey Lembeck Comedy Workshop.
Career Highlights
Steve Tracy made his film debut in 1977 with the movie Heavy Equipment, a comedy about a group of friends who run a pornographic film studio. He then appeared in several TV shows, such as James at 15, Quincy, M.E., and The Jeffersons. He also starred in the cult classic Beneath the Valley of the Ultra-Vixens, a sexploitation film directed by Russ Meyer.
However, his most famous role was that of Percival Dalton on Little House on the Prairie, a historical drama based on the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. He joined the show in 1980 as a love interest for Nellie Oleson, played by Alison Arngrim. The two characters had a tumultuous relationship that eventually led to marriage and parenthood. Tracy and Arngrim had a great chemistry on screen and became close friends off screen as well. Arngrim was one of the few people who knew that Tracy was gay and supported him throughout his career.
Tracy continued to work in film and TV after leaving Little House on the Prairie in 1981. He appeared in movies such as Desperate Moves, National Lampoon’s Class Reunion, Party Games for Adults Only, and Say Yes. He also guest-starred in shows like The A-Team, Murder, She Wrote, and Tales from the Darkside.
Personal Life and Death
Steve Tracy was openly gay and had several relationships with men throughout his life. He was diagnosed with HIV in 1984, at a time when there was little awareness and treatment for the disease. He decided to go public with his diagnosis in 1986, hoping to raise awareness and reduce stigma. He also participated in a theater piece called AIDS/US: Portraits in Personal Courage, where he shared his story along with other people affected by AIDS.
Unfortunately, his health deteriorated rapidly and he died of AIDS-related complications on November 27, 1986, in Tampa, Florida. He was only 34 years old. His ashes were scattered under the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles, under the letter “D”. His death saddened his fans and co-stars, especially Alison Arngrim, who became an AIDS activist after losing her friend.
Legacy and Impact
Steve Tracy was one of the first celebrities to die of AIDS and one of the first to speak openly about his condition. His courage and honesty helped to shed light on the epidemic and inspire others to fight for their rights and dignity. He also left behind a legacy of memorable performances that entertained millions of viewers around the world. He is remembered as a talented actor and a compassionate human being who touched many lives with his charm and humor.
