Melissa Gilbert is an American actress, director, and entrepreneur, best known for her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder on the popular TV series “Little House on the Prairie.” In this article, we will explore the life, career, and net worth of Melissa Gilbert.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Career
Melissa Gilbert was born on May 8, 1964, in Los Angeles, California. She was adopted by actors Paul Gilbert and Barbara Crane, who named her after the novel “All of a Kind Family” by Sydney Taylor. Gilbert grew up in show business, as both her parents were actors.
Gilbert began her acting career at a young age, appearing in numerous television commercials and small roles in television shows such as “The Love Boat” and “Fantasy Island.” In 1974, at the age of ten, she landed the role that would make her a household name: Laura Ingalls Wilder on the TV series “Little House on the Prairie.” The show, which aired from 1974 to 1983, was a huge success and made Gilbert a beloved child star.
Career Successes
After “Little House on the Prairie,” Gilbert continued to work in television and film, appearing in a variety of roles. She starred in the TV movie “The Miracle Worker” in 1979, for which she received a Golden Globe nomination, and in the TV movie “Choices of the Heart” in 1983, which earned her an Emmy nomination.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Gilbert focused on her personal life, marrying actor and director Bo Brinkman in 1988 and having a son, Dakota, the following year. She returned to acting in the mid-1990s, appearing in a number of television movies and series, including “Sweet Justice” and “Babylon 5.”
In addition to her acting career, Gilbert has also been active in politics, running for Congress in Michigan’s 8th congressional district in 2016 as a Democrat. She ultimately lost the race to Republican incumbent Mike Bishop.
Gilbert has also had success as an entrepreneur, founding the children’s clothing line “Little House on the Prairie” in 2009. The line features clothing inspired by the clothing worn by the characters on the show, and has been a popular choice among fans of the series.
Net Worth
Melissa Gilbert’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000. While this may seem low for a well-known actress, it is important to note that Gilbert has faced financial struggles throughout her life. In her memoir, “Prairie Tale,” she revealed that she had to file for bankruptcy in 2013 due to overwhelming debt.
Despite her financial setbacks, Gilbert remains an admired figure in the entertainment industry and an inspiration to many. Her determination and resilience in the face of adversity have earned her the respect and admiration of her peers and fans alike.
Personal Life
In addition to her son Dakota, Gilbert has been married three times. Her first marriage, to actor and director Bo Brinkman, ended in divorce in 1992. She married actor Bruce Boxleitner in 1995, with whom she had a son, Michael, before their divorce in 2011. Gilbert married actor Timothy Busfield in 2013, and the couple currently resides in Michigan.
Gilbert has been open about her struggles with addiction and mental health, speaking out about her experiences in the hopes of helping others who may be going through similar struggles.
Conclusion
Melissa Gilbert is a talented actress, director, and entrepreneur who has made a significant impact on the entertainment industry. From her beloved role as Laura Ingalls Wilder on “Little House on the Prairie” to her work in politics and entrepreneurship, Gilbert has proven herself to be a multifaceted and resilient individual. Her net worth is $500K.