'Little House On The Prairie': All About Melissa Gilbert's Life

Melissa Ellen Gilbert was born on May 8, 1964 in Los Angeles, California. She began her career as an actress when she was only a few years old, which is unsurprising seeing as her adoptive parents were both in the industry! 

Melissa has two younger siblings who are also actors! Her sister Sara Gilbert has become known for starring in The Conners as "Darlene Conner". Meanwhile, her brother Jonathan Gilbert only has a few acting credits, but appeared alongside Melissa in Little House on the Prairie, known for his role of "Willie Oleson". 

After having small roles in several series, Melissa Gilbert became famously known for playing "Laura Ingalls" in Little House on the Prairie. Based on the books written by her character's real-life counterpart, Laura Ingalls Wilder, the show began airing in 1974 and lasted for 9 seasons. She also reprised the role in several television movies!

Melissa was also in a serious relationship with another actor for some time. She and Rob Lowe were together for about 6 years and even briefly engaged. However, Melissa's pregnancy caused the engagement to be called off and brought their relationship to an end, since Lowe did not want to commit to fatherhood.

After breaking up with Rob Lowe, Melissa sadly suffered a miscarriage. But just a few years after their relationship ended, she welcomed her son Dakota, who she shares with now-ex husband Bo Brinkman. In 1995, she married Bruce Boxleitner, who she also later divorced. The two share son Michael and as two stepchildren. As of today, Melissa is married to Timothy Busfield, having tied the knot a third time in 2013.

Melissa also continued on with her career, taking on roles in various made-for-television movies and shows. Some of the series she appeared on in the '90s and early '00s include Sweet Justice, Touched by an Angel, and Nip/Tuck. She also voiced "Barbara Gordon" in several episodes of Batman: The Animated Series!

Melissa Gilbert has also become an author since her time on Little House on the Prairie. Her first book Prairie Tale: A Memoir came out in 2009, and she has penned a children's book called Daisy and Josephine! Published in 2014, it tells the story of a shy young girl and her enthusiastic dog.

Melissa has continued acting even today! Some of her most recent roles include "Lisa Daley" in Secrets and Lies, and "Lindsay" in The Night Shift. She was last seen on-screen in 2019's When We Last Spoke as "Ruby".

Melissa has aged gracefully over the years. While she looks noticeably older and her once-vibrant hair has started to go grey, she looks gorgeous at the age of 60! 2021 saw the actress  take on an exciting new role in her own life, becoming a grandmother! Her son Michael welcomed his daughter Ripley back in June, and Melissa has been gushing over her since.

Melissa Gilbert uses social media to keep fans updated on her life— and of course, post about her granddaughter! The star is active on Instagram under the username @melissagilbertofficial. Sometimes she shares selfies, while other times she posts funny images or things that are important to her. In 2025, it seems like the former actress of' Little House on the Prairie' is still doing very well for herself!