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Child Star to Author: Melissa Gilbert's Multifaceted Career
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Melissa Ellen Gilbert, born on May 8, 1964, is an American actress best known for her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder on the NBC series "Little House on the Prairie" from 1974 to 1983. Throughout her career, Gilbert has also served as President of the Screen Actors Guild and appeared in numerous television films and series.
Early Life as an Adopted Child Star
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Melissa Gilbert was born on May 8, 1964, in Los Angeles, California, and was adopted the next day by actor Paul Gilbert and dancer Barbara Crane.
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Her early life was steeped in the entertainment industry, with her grandfather being the creator of "The Honeymooners." Gilbert began her career as a child actress, appearing in numerous commercials from the age of two.2
Her big break came at age nine when she was cast as Laura Ingalls in "Little House on the Prairie," beating out over 500 other young actresses for the role.3
The show's creator and star, Michael Landon, took an immediate liking to Gilbert, becoming a significant mentor in her early career.3
Throughout her childhood, Gilbert balanced her acting career with her education, often filming television films during the show's off-seasons.1
Her on-screen family, including Karen Grassle who played her mother, became like a second family to her during her formative years on set.3
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"Little House on the Prairie" Breakthrough Role
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Melissa Gilbert's breakthrough came with her iconic role as Laura Ingalls Wilder in NBC's "Little House on the Prairie," which she portrayed from 1974 to 1983.
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At just nine years old, Gilbert beat out over 500 other child actresses for the part, with Michael Landon, who played Charles Ingalls, immediately recognizing her talent.2
The series catapulted Gilbert to stardom, allowing her to work alongside seasoned actors like Karen Grassle, who played her on-screen mother.2
During the show's run, Gilbert also appeared in numerous television films, expanding her acting repertoire beyond the prairie setting.1
Her ability to connect emotionally with Landon on screen created a symbiotic relationship that would define their performances throughout the series.3
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Melissa Gilbert (Photos)
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Melissa Gilbert's Filmography
Melissa Gilbert's acting career lasts several decades, encompassing a wide range of roles in television series, films, and made-for-TV movies. Here is a selection of her notable works:
Gilbert's filmography showcases her versatility as an actor, from her iconic role as Laura Ingalls to more mature characters in television films and series
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974-1983 | Little House on the Prairie | Laura Ingalls Wilder | TV Series, 191 episodes |
| 1979 | The Miracle Worker | Helen Keller | TV Movie, Emmy nomination |
| 1980 | The Diary of Anne Frank | Anne Frank | TV Movie |
| 1983 | Choices of the Heart | Jean Donovan | TV Movie |
| 1985 | Sylvester | Charlie | Feature film |
| 1993 | With Hostile Intent | Miranda Berkley | TV Movie |
| 2005 | Fat Actress | Herself | TV Series, 1 episode |
| 2015 | The Night Shift | Lindsay | TV Series, 1 episode |
| 2019 | When We Last Spoke | Ruby | Feature film |
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. Her work on "Little House on the Prairie" laid the foundation for a successful career that has spanned multiple decades3
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Melissa Gilbert's Awards and Honors
Melissa Gilbert's portrayal of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her subsequent acting career have earned her numerous accolades and nominations. Here's a summary of her most significant awards and honors:
Gilbert's performances in television films and series have been widely recognized by the industry. Her work alongside cast members in "Little House on the Prairie" formed the foundation for many of these honors.
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Primetime Emmy | Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or a Special | The Miracle Worker | Nominated |
| 1981 | Golden Globe | Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama | Little House on the Prairie | Nominated |
| 1983 | Young Artist Award | Best Young Actress in a Drama Series | Little House on the Prairie | Won |
| 1984 | Young Artist Award | Best Young Actress in a Drama Series | Little House on the Prairie | Won |
| 1985 | Star on the Walk of Fame | Television | - | Received |
| 1998 | Western Heritage Awards | Hall of Great Western Performers | - | Inducted |
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Melissa Gilbert's Interviews (Videos)
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Personal Life: Marriages and Motherhood
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Melissa Gilbert's personal life has been as eventful as her on-screen career. She has been married three times, first to Bo Brinkman from 1988 to 1992, then to Bruce Boxleitner from 1995 to 2011, and currently to Timothy Busfield since 2013
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. Gilbert has two children and three stepchildren, balancing family life with her acting career2
. Throughout her life, she has maintained close relationships with her "Little House on the Prairie" co-stars, particularly Michael Landon, who served as a mentor and father figure3
. Gilbert has been open about her struggles with alcoholism and drug abuse, which she detailed in her 2009 autobiography "Prairie Tale: A Memoir"4
. In 2015, she made headlines when she decided to have her breast implants removed for health reasons, demonstrating her commitment to personal well-being over Hollywood standards4
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Closing Thoughts on Melissa Gilbert
Melissa Gilbert's career, spanning from her iconic role as Laura Ingalls to her numerous television films and commercials, exemplifies the journey of a child star who successfully navigated the challenges of Hollywood. Her enduring partnership with Michael Landon on "Little House on the Prairie" not only shaped her acting career but also influenced her personal growth. Gilbert's versatility as an actor is evident in her diverse roles across multiple seasons of television series and films, working alongside talented co-stars like Karen Grassle. Her experiences, both on and off-screen, have made her a respected figure in the entertainment industry, from her early days as Laura Ingalls to her later collaborations with actors like Julie Zahn and Nicole Haase. Gilbert's legacy extends beyond her acting, encompassing her advocacy work, brief political aspirations, and candid reflections on her life in Hollywood, making her a multifaceted personality who continues to captivate audiences long after her days on the prairie
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Related
How did Michael Landon influence Melissa Gilbert's career
What were some of Melissa Gilbert's favorite scenes to film on "Little House on the Prairie"
How did Melissa Gilbert prepare for her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder
What other television films did Melissa Gilbert appear in during her career
How did Melissa Gilbert's role in "Little House on the Prairie" shape her personal life
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