It’s incredibly remarkable to see kid performers mature before our eyes. We root for them as they rise to prominence, believing that their accomplishments are our own. Melissa Gilbert, who played the popular character Laura Ingalls in the iconic television series Little House on the Prairie, is one such exceptional talent.
Melissa was born on May 8, 1964, in Los Angeles, California, and was placed for adoption by her birth parents, who already had three children from previous marriages at the time.
Fortunately, she found a loving home with her adoptive parents, actor Paul Gilbert and actress/dancer Barbara Crane. Melissa’s interest in the entertainment world began with them.
Melissa worked in commercials and had tiny roles in films such as The Diary of Anne Frank and The Miracle Worker before winning the role on Little House on the Prairie. While working on the show, she also appeared in other projects.
In recent years, she has appeared in the short films One Smart Fellow, Secrets and Lies, and The Night Shift. Melissa is also a skilled writer, and her book, Prairie Tale: A Memoir, chronicles her adventures in the entertainment industry.
Melissa recalls having a great time with the rest of the actors and crew while filming Little House on the Prairie. The character of a girl living on a farm sounded intriguing at the time, and she developed a love for it.
Melissa and her husband, actor-director Timothy Busfield, made the decision to leave Michigan and relocate to New York. They also bought a hunting cottage and explored raising chickens and constructing a stable for goats and horses. Unfortunately, the epidemic derailed their plans, but they remain committed to their passion for rural living.
Melissa and her husband are currently enjoying picture-perfect days in their small Catskill cabin. The property required considerable modifications, but they addressed the problems straight on, determined to make it a comfortable home. They began by clearing out what the previous owners had left behind before addressing issues such as rodent infestation and mildew. They refinished the cupboards, installed red vinyl chairs, and now keep the house warm with a wood fire.
Melissa and Timothy, who live in the Catskills, have taken on the satisfying task of cultivating their own produce. Melissa finds comfort in the tranquility of her house and accepts each responsibility with a grin. At the end of each day, she sips a cup of tea, relishing in the sense of success that comes from living simply and in tune with nature.
Melissa Gilbert continues to inspire and enchant audiences, whether through her famous performances as Laura Ingalls or her rewarding life in the Catskills.
Her journey from Hollywood to a quiet cottage life exemplifies the joys and rewards of embracing the peace and natural beauty that surrounds us. Let us share her inspirational tale on Facebook with our friends and family!
