Melissa Gilbert Net Worth, Husband, Kids, Age, Wiki, Bio

Introduction

Melissa Gilbert is an American actress, director, producer, politician and former president of the Screen Actors Guild. She is best known for playing Laura Ingalls Wilder on the NBC series Little House on the Prairie (1974–1984).

Melissa Gilbert in media conference

Bio/Wiki

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Full NameMelissa Ellen Gilbert
Also Known AsMissy Gilbert
Profession(s)Actress, Director, Producer, Politician
Date of BirthMay 8, 1964
Age59 years old (As of 2023)
Place of BirthLos Angeles, California, United States
NationalityAmerican
Zodiac SignTaurus
Ancestry & HeritageAshkenazi Jewish, Scottish, Swedish

Physical Stats

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Height5′ 4″ (163 cm)
Weight60 kg (132 lbs)
Body Measurements34-26-35 inches
Eye ColourGreen
Hair ColourRed
Melissa Gilbert with Patrick Duffy

Family & Relationships

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ParentsPaul Gilbert, Barbara Crane
SiblingsSara Gilbert, Jonathan Gilbert
AffairsRob Lowe, Tom Cruise
RelationshipDivorced
Partner/SpouseBruce Boxleitner (m. 1995–2011), Bo Brinkman (m. 1988–1992)
ChildrenDakota Brinkman, Michael Boxleitner

Education & Early Life

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SchoolingAttended elementary school with Drew Barrymore
Higher EducationStudied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute
Early LifeDropped out of school to focus on acting career
Early InfluencesHer adoptive grandfather, Harry Crane, was a comedian who introduced her to show business
Melissa Gilbert in kitchen

Career

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DebutAppeared in TV commercials at age 5
Significant WorksLittle House on the Prairie (1974-1984), Stand By Your Man (1981)
Awards & NominationsNominated for two Golden Globe Awards and an Emmy Award
FilmographyThe Miracle Worker (1979), Ice House (1969)
Voice WorkBatman: The Animated Series (1992-1995)
Tours & Live ShowsPerformed in Love Letters on Broadway (2002)
CollaborationsAppeared with Tom Cruise in The Last Picture Show (1971)
DocumentariesHalf Pint: Growing Up Little House on the Prairie (2021)

Net Worth & Assets

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Net Worth$500 thousand
PropertiesPreviously owned a ranch in Malibu, CA
Business VenturesCo-founded a food company “Foodstirs”

Trivia & Miscellaneous

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Hobbies & InterestsHorseback riding, knitting
ControversiesDivorce from Bruce Boxleitner
Philanthropy & ActivismSupporter of PETA, works with the Epilepsy Foundation
Public ImageWholesome “girl next door” image from Little House days
Personal ChallengesBattled alcoholism and drug abuse
Notable InterviewsThe Oprah Winfrey Show (2009)
Publications & BooksPrairie Tale (Autobiography, 2009)
Personal AnecdotesBroke her nose during a stunt on Little House
Quotes“In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.”
Melissa Gilbert in a brunch party

Social Media & Online Presence

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Instagram Handle@melissaellengilbertbusfield
Twitter Handle@MEGBusfield
Facebook Handle@melissaellengilbertbusfield
Youtube ChannelMelissa Gilbert

Legacy & Influence

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Cultural ReferencesReferenced in movies like Shrek 2 (2004)
Achievements Outside Primary ProfessionServed as President of the Screen Actors Guild
MentorshipGuided younger actors on Little House like Alison Arngrim
LegacyInspired generations of young girls and women as Laura Ingalls Wilder

Melissa Gilbert is considered an icon of American television for her memorable portrayal of Laura Ingalls in the beloved family drama Little House on the Prairie. Her wholesome on-screen presence and eventful personal life off-screen have made her a household name for over four decades.