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Synopsis
Melissa Gilbert, born on May 8, 1964, in Los Angeles, California, gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Laura Ingalls on the beloved television series Little House on the Prairie, which aired from 1974 to 1982. Gilbert continued to build her acting career through various television roles during her childhood and adolescence, and she has remained active in the industry into adulthood. In 2001, she was elected as president of the Screen Actors Guild, a position she successfully held for two consecutive terms, including a second two-year term starting in 2003.
Early Life
Melissa Gilbert was born into the entertainment world, the adopted daughter of actor Paul Gilbert and actress/dancer Barbara Crane (now Barbara Gilbert Cowan). Her biological parents, both of whom had children from previous marriages, placed her for adoption immediately after her birth, as they feared they wouldn’t be able to provide for her. Gilbert’s siblings also pursued careers in acting; her sister, Sara, is best known for her role as Darlene in the sitcom Roseanne, and her brother, Jonathan, played Willie Oleson on Little House on the Prairie.
‘Little House on the Prairie’
Gilbert’s breakthrough came when she was cast as Laura Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie, an NBC period drama that ran from 1974 to 1983. Out of nearly 500 auditioning girls, Gilbert was selected for the role, a testament to her talent and presence. Her heartfelt portrayal of Laura earned her widespread acclaim and recognition, making her the youngest person ever to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1985.
The series also featured her brother, Jonathan Gilbert, who played Willie Oleson, as well as Michael Landon (Charles Ingalls), Karen Grassle (Caroline Ingalls), and Melissa Sue Anderson (Mary Ingalls). After the passing of her father, Paul Gilbert, in 1975, Landon became a significant mentor and friend to Gilbert. However, their relationship became strained, and the two reportedly did not speak for several years following the end of the series, not reconnecting until 1991.
Film Work
Melissa Gilbert’s career spans a diverse range of roles, with a notable focus on television, where she has made the most significant impact. Her early career saw her portraying suffering, historically significant teenage characters in productions such as The Miracle Worker (1979), The Diary of Anne Frank (1980), and Splendor in the Grass (1981). These roles showcased her ability to capture the emotional depth of complex characters. Over time, Gilbert transitioned to more mature roles, including Choices (1986) and A Family of Strangers (1993).
Despite some unsuccessful attempts at launching new television series, such as Little House: A New Beginning (1982), Stand By Your Man (1992), and Sweet Justice (1994), Gilbert maintained a steady presence in the industry. In 2001, she was elected president of the Screen Actors Guild, serving two terms and influencing the entertainment industry from a leadership position.
Recent Work
Gilbert revisited her iconic role as “Ma” in Little House on the Prairie: The Musical, a touring production based on the beloved series. In 2009, she also published A Prairie Tale, a memoir that shared insights into her personal and professional life.
Returning to television, Gilbert starred in the 2011 film The Christmas Pageant and explored new territory in 2012 by joining Dancing with the Stars. Partnered with Maksim Chmerkovskiy, she competed against celebrities such as Sherri Shepherd, Gladys Knight, and Martina Navratilova.
Personal Life
Throughout her life, Gilbert’s personal relationships have been highly publicized. During her teenage years, she was romantically linked to actors Tom Cruise and Rob Lowe. In 1988, she married actor and producer Bo Brinkman, with whom she had a son, Dakota Paul (Cody). The couple later divorced. In 1995, Gilbert married actor Bruce Boxleitner, and they had a son, Michael Garrett, in honor of the late actor Michael Landon. Their marriage ended in 2011.
In 2013, Gilbert married actor Timothy Busfield, known for his role as Eliot Weston on Thirtysomething. The couple wed in a private ceremony at San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, California. Busfield, who had been married twice before, has three children from previous relationships.
Politics
Although Gilbert was born in California, she relocated to Michigan with her husband in 2013. In August 2015, she announced her candidacy for Congress in Michigan’s 8th district, running as a Democrat with a platform focused on improving the lives of working-class families. However, in May 2015, Gilbert withdrew from the race due to health concerns related to a previous spinal injury, which had been exacerbated by physical challenges during her campaign.
In an interview with People, Gilbert shared that she had been dealing with neck and spine issues since 2003 and had suffered multiple injuries over the years, including whiplash and concussions from accidents in 2012. Although disappointed by her decision to withdraw from the race, Gilbert expressed her commitment to public service, stating, “I will continue on this road of being of service.” She emphasized her resolve to explore future opportunities in the realm of public service, leaving her options open for whatever path may come next.