You know her as Laura Ingalls from Little House on the Prairie, but there’s so much more to Melissa Gilbert than her iconic role. Born into a family of entertainers, Melissa's journey through Hollywood has been nothing short of remarkable. From her early days in commercials to her thriving acting career, Melissa has become a household name. So, what happened after she left the prairie? Let’s dive in and find out. Keep reading to uncover Melissa’s life post-fame and her latest adventures.
How Did Melissa’s Acting Journey Begin?
Melissa Gilbert was adopted by Paul Gilbert and Barbara Crane in 1964, both of whom had deep roots in the entertainment world. Paul, an actor himself, came from a vaudeville background, starring in the 1954 comedy series The Duke on NBC. Barbara, meanwhile, was no stranger to showbiz either. Her father, Harry Crane, was the mastermind behind the legendary The Honeymooners in 1955.
From a young age, Melissa was surrounded by the magic of acting. As a toddler, she started appearing in commercials, and by 1972, she had already made appearances in episodes of Gunsmoke and Emergency!. But it was in 1974 when everything changed for the young actress. She landed the role of Laura Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie, alongside the legendary Michael Landon, Karen Grassle, and her adopted brother, Jonathan Gilbert. This role wasn’t just a job—it was a second home. Melissa cherished her time on set, reminiscing about the authentic costumes and the camaraderie among the cast.
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"As a child, it was the best game of dress-up anyone has ever played in the history of the world," Melissa told Closer in September 2020. "But not just the costumes. I had actual high-button shoes and I had to learn how to use a button hook to do them up. All of our costumes were authentic." It’s clear that Melissa’s love for her craft began with these unforgettable experiences.
What Did Melissa Do After ‘Little House on the Prairie’?
When Little House on the Prairie wrapped up in 1983, Melissa was just 19 years old. But she didn’t let the end of the show slow her down. Instead, she dove headfirst into new projects, proving that her talent wasn’t tied to one role. She starred in several television films, including the gripping 1984 drama Family Secrets and the thought-provoking 1986 film Choices. In the early '90s, Melissa even stepped into the world of animation, voicing Batgirl in the beloved animated Batman series on Fox.
While Little House on the Prairie undeniably launched Melissa’s career, she made it clear in a November 2017 interview with Closer that she had no interest in revisiting the series. “Little House went into syndication while it was on the air and is still on the air every day all over the world, so there’s no need to reboot it,” she explained. Despite her stance on reboots, Melissa did return to the world of Little House in 2008, this time portraying Caroline ‘Ma’ Ingalls in the musical adaptation of the show. And let’s not forget her impressive tenure as the president of the Screen Actors Guild from 2001 to 2005, where she advocated for actors’ rights and continued to make her mark in the industry.
Is Melissa a Mom?
Melissa’s personal life has been just as rich and varied as her professional one. In 1985, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame while dating actor Rob Lowe. Though their relationship was intense, they eventually parted ways in the late '80s. Melissa then found love with Bo Brinkman, marrying him in 1988. Together, they welcomed their son, Dakota Paul Brinkman, in 1989. Unfortunately, the marriage didn’t last, and they parted ways in 1994.
In 1995, Melissa married Bruce Boxleitner, expanding her family even further. They welcomed their son, Michael Garrett Boxleitner, the same year. Melissa also embraced her role as a stepmother to Bruce’s
