Who is Melissa Gilbert?
Melissa Gilbert is an American actress, best known for her iconic role as Laura Ingalls Wilder on the beloved television series Little House on the Prairie. Born on May 8, 1964, in Los Angeles, California, Gilbert began her career as a child actress in the late 1960s. Over the years, she expanded her career into a wide range of acting roles and has ventured into writing, serving as a member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), and even briefly pursuing a political career. She is an influential figure in Hollywood and has earned recognition both for her acting and leadership in the industry.
Early Life and Education
Melissa Gilbert was born on May 8, 1964, in Los Angeles, California, to actors Barbara Crane and Paul Gilbert. Growing up in a showbiz family, she was surrounded by the entertainment industry from a young age. She attended Los Angeles public schools and later pursued a career in acting. Though she didn’t attend college, Gilbert received a strong education in acting, participating in acting classes and the development of her craft through early roles in television.
Personal Life
Melissa Gilbert’s personal life has been widely publicized, with a series of high-profile relationships and personal challenges. She was married to actor Bo Brinkman from 1988 to 1992, followed by a marriage to actor Bruce Boxleitner in 1995. They share one son, Michael Boxleitner, born in 1995, but divorced in 2011. Gilbert has been an advocate for various causes, including political activism, particularly in relation to the rights of actors in the entertainment industry.
Family
Melissa Gilbert comes from a family with deep ties to the entertainment world. Her mother, Barbara Crane, was an actress, and her father, Paul Gilbert, was also involved in the entertainment industry. Her adoptive brother, Jonathan Gilbert, was also a child actor, known for his role as Willie Oleson on Little House on the Prairie. Despite her parents’ turbulent marriage, Gilbert maintained a close bond with her family members throughout her life.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Melissa Ellen Gilbert |
| Date of Birth | May 8, 1964 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Height | 5’1″ (155 cm) |
| Parents | Paul Gilbert (father), Barbara Crane (mother) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $500,000 (as of 2025) |
Career
Melissa Gilbert’s career began at the age of nine when she was cast as Laura Ingalls Wilder in the television series Little House on the Prairie (1974-1983). Her role as the spirited and resilient young girl became iconic, earning her recognition across the world. Gilbert continued to act in various television films, series, and stage productions. She later expanded her career into producing, writing, and activism, including a successful stint as the President of the Screen Actors Guild. Her work continues to impact both the entertainment industry and political realms.
Social Media Accounts Table
| Platform | Official Link |
|---|---|
Latest News About Melissa Gilbert
As of January 2025, Melissa Gilbert has been in the spotlight for her involvement in a new memoir she is releasing that focuses on her journey in the entertainment industry, personal growth, and challenges. The memoir has been gaining attention due to its candid nature and reflection on her career, her time on Little House on the Prairie, and her time as President of the Screen Actors Guild.
Height and Physical Appearance
Melissa Gilbert stands at a height of 5’1″ (155 cm), with a petite frame that has been a part of her public persona since her childhood stardom. She has brown hair, which she has worn in various styles throughout her career, and her eyes are a striking blue. Her appearance has often been described as youthful, which she continues to maintain even into her 60s.
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Melissa Gilbert’s estimated net worth is around $500,000. Much of her wealth comes from her acting career, which includes numerous television films and her role in Little House on the Prairie, as well as her later career endeavors in writing, producing, and her involvement with the Screen Actors Guild. Gilbert has also published several books, which have contributed to her earnings.
FAQs
- Are Sara and Melissa Gilbert biological sisters? No, Sara Gilbert and Melissa Gilbert are not biological sisters. They share a close bond, but they are not siblings by blood.
- What was Melissa Gilbert diagnosed with? Melissa Gilbert was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2011, a chronic illness that affects the central nervous system.
- What is Melissa Gilbert’s net worth? As of 2025, Melissa Gilbert’s estimated net worth is around $500,000.
- What did Melissa Gilbert have surgery for? Melissa Gilbert underwent spinal surgery in 2016 to alleviate pain and improve mobility due to her struggles with her multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
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