Melissa Gilbert is an American actress best known for her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder on the television series “Little House on the Prairie.” Born on May 8, 1964, in Los Angeles, California, she began her acting career as a child in the late 1960s, appearing in commercials and television guest roles. From 1974 to 1983, she portrayed Laura Ingalls on “Little House on the Prairie,” a role that earned her critical acclaim and several award nominations.
Beyond acting, Gilbert served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild from 2001 to 2005. She also ventured into politics, running for the U.S. Congress in Michigan’s 8th congressional district in 2016, though she withdrew due to health concerns.
In 2013, seeking respite from Hollywood’s emphasis on youth and appearance, Gilbert and her husband, actor Timothy Busfield, relocated to Michigan. This move allowed her to embrace aging naturally and led to the launch of “Modern Prairie,” a lifestyle brand celebrating women in later life.
Gilbert has been married three times and has two sons: Dakota Brinkman, born in 1989, and Michael Boxleitner, born in 1995. She maintains a strong presence on social media, sharing aspects of her personal and professional life with her followers.
As of March 2025, at 60 years old, Melissa Gilbert continues to be celebrated for her contributions to television and her advocacy for embracing aging with grace.