Melissa Gilbert
Melissa Gilbert
Full Name and Common Aliases
Melissa Elizabeth Gilbert is an American actress, author, and former child star. She was born in Los Angeles, California on May 8, 1964.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: May 8, 1964
Nationality and Profession(s)
American Actress, Author
Early Life and Background
Melissa Gilbert grew up in a show business family. Her father, Paul Kent Gilbert, was a television director, and her mother, Barbara Crane, was an actress. Gilbert began performing at a young age, making her screen debut as a guest star on the popular sitcom "The Partridge Family" when she was just three years old.
As a child, Gilbert moved to New York City with her family, where she attended the Professional Children's School and continued to work in television and film. She quickly landed small roles on various shows and made appearances in films such as "The Way We Were" (1973) alongside Barbra Streisand.
Major Accomplishments
Gilbert is best known for her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder, the eldest of the Ingalls sisters, in the long-running television series "Little House on the Prairie." The show was a massive success and aired from 1974 to 1983. Gilbert's portrayal of Laura earned her multiple Emmy nominations and cemented her status as a beloved child star.
In addition to her acting career, Gilbert has also made a name for herself as an author. She wrote several books, including her memoir "Pretty Little Lies," which explores her experiences growing up in the entertainment industry.
Notable Works or Actions
During her time on "Little House on the Prairie," Gilbert was part of a talented ensemble cast that brought to life the Ingalls family's adventures and struggles on the American frontier. Some notable episodes feature Gilbert and her co-stars, including Michael Landon (who played Charles Ingalls) and Karen Grassle (who played Caroline Ingalls).
After "Little House on the Prairie" ended its run, Gilbert continued to work in television and film, landing roles in shows such as "Party of Five" and films like "The Promise" (1986). She also appeared in several made-for-TV movies throughout her career.
Impact and Legacy
Melissa Gilbert's impact on popular culture cannot be overstated. As Laura Ingalls Wilder, she helped bring the beloved Little House series to life for generations of fans. Her portrayal of a strong-willed and independent young woman has inspired many young girls and women around the world.
In addition to her acting accomplishments, Gilbert has also made headlines in recent years due to her high-profile marriage to actor Bruce Boxleitner and their subsequent divorce. She has been an outspoken advocate for various social causes, including child welfare and animal rights.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Melissa Gilbert is widely quoted and remembered as a talented actress who embodied the spirit of her iconic character, Laura Ingalls Wilder. Her dedication to her craft and her enduring legacy in popular culture have made her a beloved figure among fans of "Little House on the Prairie."
Quotes by Melissa Gilbert
It is easier to be cynical, closed off, and angry. It is much harder to be open, loving, kind, and generous of spirit.
Although I was raised Jewish, my upbringing didn’t include any formal religious education or training.
One of the wonderful things about human beings is that we can and often do change, not always gracefully and not often willingly, but occasionally just like that, in a snap, we change. Sometimes slowly, sometimes for no reason at all or maybe an hundred and fifty.
My therapist shared a theory she had come across, and I liked it. It held that before making your next journey in this life, your soul sits at a large, circular conference table and chooses the souls who are going to be a part of your life. As for which particular people would be chosen, I figured they would be individuals from previous lives with whom there was still unfinished business.
My mother, whom I love dearly, has continually revised my life story within the context of a complicated family history that includes more than the usual share of divorce, step-children, dysfunction, and obfuscation. I've spent most of my adult life attempting to deconstruct that history and separate fact from fiction.
Although I was raised Jewish, my upbringing didn't include any formal religious education or training.