A former child star, known for her iconic role in “Little House on the Prairie,” has made a surprising life transformation. After years in the Hollywood spotlight and the pressures of maintaining a youthful appearance, she chose a radically different path.
The young actress as Laura Elizabeth Ingalls Wilder on the set of “Little House on the Prairie” in 1975 | Source: Getty Images
The young actress as Laura Elizabeth Ingalls Wilder on the set of “Little House on the Prairie” in 1975 | Source: Getty Images
She left Los Angeles behind, gave up beauty procedures, and moved to a quiet mountain home. Far away from fame and glamor, she began to reconnect with herself and embrace the natural aging process. It was a drastic change, but it allowed her to focus on her well-being and redefine what aging meant to her.
The young actress as Laura Elizabeth Ingalls Wilder with Melissa Sue Anderson as Mary Ingalls Kendall, on the set of “Little House on the Prairie” in 1977 | Source: Getty Images
The young actress as Laura Elizabeth Ingalls Wilder with Melissa Sue Anderson as Mary Ingalls Kendall, on the set of “Little House on the Prairie” in 1977 | Source: Getty Images
Early Life and Career Success — From Child Star to Hollywood Icon
Her journey in show business began early. Born in Los Angeles, she got her start in acting as a toddler, appearing in commercials. At nine years old, she landed the role of Laura Ingalls Wilder in “Little House on the Prairie,” which became a hit series.
The show depicted the trials and adventures of the Ingalls family in the nineteenth-century Midwest. Premiering in the mid-1970s, it became a staple of American television. The fame she garnered from the show opened doors to a dazzling Hollywood life.
The former child star as Laura Elizabeth Ingalls Wilder on the set of “Little House on the Prairie” | Source: Getty Images
The former child star as Laura Elizabeth Ingalls Wilder on the set of “Little House on the Prairie” | Source: Getty Images
She would remain a regular on the Hollywood scene for decades, even appearing on “Dancing with the Stars,” at the age of 47. Reflecting on her childhood in the industry, she once said, “I had an incredible time growing up.”
The former child star with Maksim Chmerkovskiy on “Dancing with the Stars” on April 23, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
The former child star with Maksim Chmerkovskiy on “Dancing with the Stars” on April 23, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
By the ’80s, she was a familiar face at red-carpet events, mingling with top stars and dating notable figures like Billy Idol and Rob Lowe. Her personal life also made headlines, starting with her marriage to actor and director Bo Brinkman in 1988. The couple had a son together, but their relationship was rocky, ending in divorce in 1994.
The former child star and Bo Brinkman at the “End of the Line” premiere on February 28, 1988 | Source: Getty Images
The former child star and Bo Brinkman at the “End of the Line” premiere on February 28, 1988 | Source: Getty Images
Not long after, she married her second husband, Bruce Boxleitner, a prominent actor known for his roles in the “Tron” franchise and various TV series. The two shared a long marriage of 16 years and had a son before divorcing in 2011.
The former child star and Bruce Boxleitner attending the screening of “Fallen Champ: The Untold Story of Mike Tyson” on January 2, 1992 | Source: Getty Images
The former child star and Bruce Boxleitner attending the screening of “Fallen Champ: The Untold Story of Mike Tyson” on January 2, 1992 | Source: Getty Images
It was a whirlwind experience, filled with the highs and lows of life in the spotlight. As she got older, though, she faced new challenges. Hollywood’s beauty standards became harder to keep up with, pushing her to take steps she would later regret.
The actress with sons Michael and Dakota during “The Powerpuff Girls Movie” premiere | Source: Getty Images
The actress with sons Michael and Dakota during “The Powerpuff Girls Movie” premiere | Source: Getty Images
Breaking Free from Hollywood’s Beauty Standards
In her younger years, the young actress felt the pressure to keep up with Hollywood’s idea of beauty. Wanting to fit in, she turned to cosmetic enhancements in an attempt to look younger, opting for breast implants, fillers, and regular Botox injections.
The actress photographed on January 27, 1982 | Source: Getty Images
The actress photographed on January 27, 1982 | Source: Getty Images
For a while, it seemed like part of the job. However, the procedures began to take a toll on her both physically and mentally. “I looked at myself in the mirror several years back,” she shared in an interview. “I had overfilled my face and my lips. My forehead didn’t move.”
The actress posing for a portrait in 1987 | Source: Getty Images
The actress posing for a portrait in 1987 | Source: Getty Images
“I was still dyeing my hair red. I was driving a Mustang convertible. I was a size two in an unhealthy way,” she reflected. “I looked like a frozen version of my younger self, and that’s not who I was.”
The former child star during the premiere of “TRON Legacy” on December 11, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
The former child star during the premiere of “TRON Legacy” on December 11, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
She realized she was trying too hard to fit into Hollywood’s narrow definition of youth, even though it no longer felt right to her. “I was stuck,” she admitted. It wasn’t just the physical changes that bothered her — it was the feeling of being disconnected from her true self.
The actress at Grand Central Terminal on September 25, 2012 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
The actress at Grand Central Terminal on September 25, 2012 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
So, in 2013, she made a bold choice: she decided to leave Los Angeles and the lifestyle that came with it. This decision marked the start of a significant transformation, not just in her appearance, but in her entire way of living. She knew she needed a fresh start, away from the constant scrutiny and pressure to look a certain way.
The actress pictured during Bright Lights of L.A. Benefiting Starlight Children’s Foundation, in November 2000 | Source: Getty Images
The actress pictured during Bright Lights of L.A. Benefiting Starlight Children’s Foundation, in November 2000 | Source: Getty Images
A New Beginning in Michigan
In 2013, Melissa Gilbert married her third husband, actor Timothy Busfield. The couple wanted a life away from the intense scrutiny of Hollywood, opting instead for the simplicity and slower pace of the Midwest.
For Gilbert, this move was about more than just changing her address — it was a chance to reclaim her sense of self. Gilbert credits her husband for being a strong supporter during this transition.
Timothy Busfield and Melissa Gilbert at the opening night after-party for Irish Rep’s production of “The Seafarer” on April 18, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Timothy Busfield and Melissa Gilbert at the opening night after-party for Irish Rep’s production of “The Seafarer” on April 18, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
The shift away from the constant spotlight gave her the freedom to embrace the aging process naturally. “I had to leave Los Angeles to do that – not Hollywood – Los Angeles specifically,” she explained.
In Michigan, she took a major step in this new direction by halting all cosmetic procedures. By 2015, she decided to remove her breast implants, a choice she described as liberating. She also stopped dyeing her trademark red hair, allowing her natural gray to shine.
“In the five years that I was in Michigan, all of that stopped,” she said, adding that she “focused on being as physically and emotionally healthy as I could.”
Gilbert now finds aging to be a remarkable experience. While she acknowledges the challenges, such as aching ankles and drier skin, she emphasizes that “aging is not for sissies, but it is certainly better than the alternative.”
Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield in Brighton, Michigan, in 2016 | Source: Getty Images
Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield in Brighton, Michigan, in 2016 | Source: Getty Images
She embraced the idea of aging, finding joy in the natural process rather than fighting against it. “Yes, I’m aging, but it’s not a curse — it’s a blessing,” she said. Her time in Michigan marked a turning point, allowing her to reset and focus on what truly mattered to her.
Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield at the opening night of “The Butcher Boy” in 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield at the opening night of “The Butcher Boy” in 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Settling into a Rustic Retreat in the Catskill Mountains
After five peaceful years in Michigan, Gilbert and Busfield decided to continue their journey toward a simpler life by moving to New York. In 2018, they found a rustic cottage on 14 acres in the Catskill Mountains, a place that was far from glamorous but full of potential.
The couple lovingly named their new home “The Cabbage.” It was a fixer-upper, requiring significant work before it could be livable, but that didn’t deter them.
“We bought this place in the winter of 2018,” Gilbert recalled. “It had no heat, and the plumbing was kind of wonky .[..] It was like the people had just wrapped up out of the house and it sat there for decades like that.”
The couple embraced the process of turning the cottage into their home. They spent their first night there on a mattress on the floor, huddled in front of a wood-burning stove for warmth. “I just remember thinking at that moment, ‘This is home. This is going to be our home,’” Gilbert said.
Over time, they renovated the space, putting in a heating system and tackling countless repairs. Busfield even took on the task of scrubbing the ceilings with hydrogen peroxide and Clorox. The work was hard, but it was exactly what they had hoped for — a project they could dive into together, creating a home that was entirely their own.
Timothy Busfield and Melissa Gilbert at the 34th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, in 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Timothy Busfield and Melissa Gilbert at the 34th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, in 2019 | Source: Getty Images
The move to the Catskills represented a continuation of their commitment to live authentically and embrace a slower, more natural way of life. Gilbert’s connection to her new surroundings deepened as she began growing her own food, raising chickens, and embracing a self-sustained lifestyle.
Embracing the Farm Life — A Simple, Fulfilling Routine
Life in the Catskills brought Gilbert a new kind of joy, rooted in simplicity and self-sufficiency. Her days are not what she was used to in Hollywood, but they are filled with activities that connect her to nature and her home.
“It’s not glamorous at all,” she confessed. “Mornings usually start around 7 a.m. with a cup of tea and some peaceful meditation.” One of her first tasks each day is tending to her chickens. Gilbert has fully embraced her role as a caretaker on the small farm.
She cleans out the coop, collects fresh eggs, and makes sure the “girls,” as she calls them, have their treats. After finishing her chores with the chickens, she moves on to her garden. Gilbert grows a variety of vegetables and enjoys checking on her plants, though she admits there’s always something that needs fixing or adjusting.
“There’s usually something that goes wrong or is broken and needs to be fixed. And we’ve all got projects to start,” she explained. By the late afternoon, she and Busfield wrap up their projects, take showers, and settle down for a home-cooked dinner before relaxing on the couch.
Living this way, Gilbert has also rejected the pressure for further cosmetic enhancements. Instead of spending time in a dermatologist’s office or a stylist’s chair, she now focuses on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“I just take care of myself. I try to eat as well as I can. I drink a lot of water,” she shared. Embracing her natural gray hair, free of dyes and treatments, is part of her journey toward authenticity. This new way of living also led her to start a project that would help others embrace the aging process just as she has.
Melissa Gilbert speaks at the Women In Business Breakfast With Melissa Gilbert on April 22, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
Melissa Gilbert speaks at the Women In Business Breakfast With Melissa Gilbert on April 22, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
Launching Modern Prairie — A Brand for Mature Women
In 2021, Gilbert co-founded Modern Prairie, a lifestyle brand created specifically for mature women. The idea behind it was to offer a supportive space where women could celebrate aging, share their stories, and learn from one another, focusing on health, wellness, and creativity.
Gilbert partnered with Nicole Haase, a former Williams Sonoma executive, to bring the project to life. Together, they developed a brand that emphasizes authenticity and connection. They cater to women who, like Gilbert, are navigating the changes that come with age.
The goal, she explained, is to “support one another as we go through all the incredible changes we are experiencing at this phase in our lives, both physically and emotionally.”
Modern Prairie offers a variety of products that reflect Gilbert’s own lifestyle, from home goods to wellness items. But beyond the merchandise, the brand also features workshops, community events, and discussions aimed at empowering women to feel confident in themselves.
It’s a space where women can come together, ask questions, and share their experiences, breaking down the stigma around aging. In addition to its everyday offerings, Modern Prairie has also aligned itself with causes close to Gilbert’s heart.
For Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in November, the brand launched a special collection featuring the color purple, with all proceeds going to support PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network).
“I finally found my feet as a woman, fully, 100 percent strong in my own knowledge and my own accomplishments,” she said proudly. Her brand’s message is a continuation of the lifestyle she’s adopted in the Catskills, about simplicity, self-acceptance, and joy.
Growing Old Together — A Love That Deepens with Time
Gilbert has often spoken about how her relationship with Busfield has been a crucial part of her journey. The couple’s move to their cottage in the Catskills brought them closer than ever. “I think as I’ve aged, we’ve just fallen more and more in love with one another, which is such an extraordinary gift,” she shared.
Gilbert found a partner who understood her completely and accepted her for who she was. “For him, I am much more myself and so much more comfortable in my own skin,” she explained. It’s a partnership built on mutual respect, understanding, and a shared love for their quieter, rural lifestyle.
Life in the mountains has given them the chance to slow down and appreciate the little things. Whether it’s enjoying a sunset on their porch or working together on a project around the house, they’ve found happiness in the simplicity of everyday moments.
In addition to her fulfilling marriage and new lifestyle, Gilbert has embraced a role she cherishes deeply — being a grandmother. She lights up when she talks about her grandkids, and it’s clear that family is at the heart of her happiness today.
“I have nine extraordinary grandchildren,” she shared with pride. She spends as much time as she can with them, despite the distance that separates her from some of her family members still based in Los Angeles.
The bond she maintains with her grandkids is a major source of joy, often sharing stories about their special moments together. Despite being a grandmother, Gilbert hasn’t given up acting and has some projects lined up. “It just never ends, and I am thoroughly enjoying my life,” she said, beaming.
“I don’t think I’ll ever not have ‘Half Pint’ inside of me,” she added, referring to her famous TV character, Laura Ingalls Wilder. “That little plucky, feisty, fiery girl is still in there and is very much the driver of everything I do. Sometimes she gets me in a little trouble, but she never goes away. I have a youthful spirit, but a wise old brain.”
Her zest for life and her deep connection with her family shows that. Even as she ages, Gilbert remains as spirited as ever. The love she shares with her grandchildren and the wisdom she’s gained from her experiences have given her a new perspective on what it means to live fully and joyfully.
