Child actress Melissa Gilbert, best known for her role in “Little House on the Prairie“, has recently opened up about the transformations under which she’s gone throughout different phases of her life. Once obsessed with staying young, she’s now taken the time to really cherish the many blessings in her life as she ages. Here are some of her most notable accomplishments, including coming to terms with, and celebrating the aging process.
Melissa Gilbert was born in Los Angeles on May 8, 1964. Her biological parents were afraid they wouldn’t be able to provide for her financially. As a result, she was adopted by actor, Paul Gilbert, and actress, Barbara Crane, now Barbara Gilbert Cowan. Despite the biological differences she and her family shared, she went on to make her own mark in Hollywood, nonetheless. Moreover, her siblings Johnathon and Sarah Gilbert have also made several television appearances, solidifying their family’s place as Hollywood royalty.
Melissa Gilbert Finds Her Way
At just 10 years old Melissa Gilbert made her way onto the television screen. She portrayed Laura Ingalls in “Little House on the Prairie“. Apparently being one of five hundred girls to audition, her talent was obvious from the very beginning. Melissa Gilbert spent almost 10 years playing the beloved character based off of Laura Ingalls Wilder herself. In 1935, Laura wrote and published the first of nine books in the beloved series. A series which follows her own life as a young girl living the homesteader life with her pioneer parents, 2 sisters, and a beloved pet dog, Jack. The autobiography has been sold over 60 million times across 100 countries since the time of its first publication.
Melissa Gilbert was the perfect blend of sweet and spice to portray a spunky lovable little girl growing up in the Midwest. Although the show stopped in 1983, Melissa Gilbert was awarded a Hollywood star in 1985, 2 years later, for her memorable performance. At the time, she was just 21 years old. Additionally, she was the youngest Hollywood star to be granted such a prestigious award. She later went on to make several appearances in movies. Her preferred role, seemingly, meaningful and hoping to make an impact. Roles in movies such as “The Miracle Worker” and “The Diary of Anne Frank“, as well as a few other powerful roles, would be her contribution to the world of entertainment, leaving a legacy that was, and is, powerful and moving.
Experiencing the Joys of Hard Work
She has since made several other guest appearances. Perhaps one of her most recognizable and recent roles was the role she took on as an active and fit dancer in the hit television show, “Dancing with the Stars”. Melissa Gilbert, was 47 years old and competing on the show, obsessed with being active and looking great, in an attempt to stave off aging for as long as possible. Melissa Gilbert has since opted for a “sweeter, simpler, more comfortable life.” Now living with her husband, Timothy Busfield in a quiet and cozy cabin in New York, she has opted to embrace aging and enjoy the simplistic life she’s chosen.
“I had to get out of Los Angeles to actually age, which I wanted to do,” she explained. “I’m excited about this. I love all these changes and watching what’s happening and getting to know this new person.“
Melissa Gilbert Finds a Sense of Tranquility
The couple then moved from Michigan to New York to a “run-down hunting cabin in the middle of 14 acres.” The former actress shared that she and her husband have restored the property, primarily by themselves. She now says the things she’s most excited to experience are more simplistic, even relevant to homesteading tasks, like learning to quilt. It seems the actress hasn’t strayed far from the little girl she portrayed in her break through role.
In 2022, Melissa Gilbert did an interview with Good Morning America, in which she pointed out that both she and her current husband are on their third marriage. “I think we were both craving just a more peaceful partnership or [to] be alone,” she shared. “We’re just very much equals and we treat each other that way, and I think that’s what makes the difference. He’s my blanket. He’s my comfort place.”
Living Her Best Life
Further divulging that She and Timothy have a blast together. “We laugh all day long. We constantly crack each other up. He’s one of the funniest people I know. I mean, he will walk into a door just to make me laugh.” She said. Interestingly, Timothy has also made some on screen appearances, further proving that Melissa Gilbert was destined to be surrounded by the Hollywood elite throughout her entire life.
However, the simplistic life the 59 year old leads, is truly inspiring to women everywhere. Those whom aren’t sure what to expect as they age. In fact, Melissa Gilbert is on a mission to reach out to other women approaching Menopause to help them feel supported and encouraged now that she is on the other side of the change. Recently, she started, Modern Prairie. She partnered with retail and merchandising expert Nicole Haase, and together they took the “lifestyle brand” to new heights. Creating a “space where women can connect”, the brand offers clothing and home goods, made by women owned or run businesses.
Melissa Gilbert, along with her family, have created a huge legacy that is relatable to audiences of all ages and phases of life, proving that it’s possible to age gracefully and happily with the right supports and resources in place.
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Sources
- “Melissa Gilbert.” Biography. September 14, 2022.
- “Little House Books.” Little House on the Prairie.
- “Laura Ingalls Wilder.” NPS
- “‘Little House on the Prairie’ star Melissa Gilbert talks embracing aging, finding love later in life.” Good Morning America. Carson Blackwelder. May 10, 2022
- Little House on the Prairie Star Melissa Gilbert on ‘Half Pint’ Hitting Menopause — and Why It’s a ‘Gift’ to Grow Old (Exclusive).” People. Eileen Finan. November 6, 2023.