Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Melissa Gilbert
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Melissa Gilbert made an impact.
Melissa Gilbert is an American actress best known for her childhood role as Laura Ingalls Wilder on the NBC series *Little House on the Prairie* (1974-1983). She began her career appearing in commercials and guest roles before landing her iconic role. During and after *Little House*, Gilbert starred in numerous television films, including *The Diary of Anne Frank* and *The Miracle Worker*. Later in her career, she played "Ma" Ingalls in the *Little House on the Prairie, the Musical* touring production. She also participated in *Dancing with the Stars* in 2012.
1973: Pilot shot for Little House on the Prairie
In 1973, the pilot episode for Little House on the Prairie was shot and became a ratings success.
1974: Starts in Little House on the Prairie
In 1974, Melissa Gilbert began starring as Laura Ingalls Wilder on the NBC series Little House on the Prairie.
1979: Appearance in The Miracle Worker
In 1979, Melissa Gilbert appeared in the television film The Miracle Worker.
1980: Appearance in The Diary of Anne Frank
In 1980, during the run of Little House on the Prairie, Melissa Gilbert appeared in the television film The Diary of Anne Frank.
1983: Appeared in Choices of the Heart
In 1983, Gilbert appeared in television film Choices of the Heart.
1983: End of Little House on the Prairie
In 1983, Melissa Gilbert's role as Laura Ingalls Wilder ended with the conclusion of the NBC series Little House on the Prairie.
1996: Appearance on Babylon 5
In 1996, Melissa Gilbert appeared as Anna Sheridan in three episodes of Babylon 5 with then-husband Bruce Boxleitner.
2001: President of the Screen Actors Guild
In 2001, Melissa Gilbert served as president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG).
2003: Re-election as president of the Screen Actors Guild
In 2003, Melissa Gilbert was re-elected as president of the Screen Actors Guild.
July 2005: Announcement not to seek a third term
In July 2005, Melissa Gilbert announced that she would not seek a third term as president of the Screen Actors Guild.
2005: End of SAG presidency
In 2005, Melissa Gilbert's tenure as president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) concluded.
2006: Guest appearance on Nip/Tuck
In 2006, Melissa Gilbert appeared as Shari Noble in an episode of Nip/Tuck.
2008: Gilbert played "Ma" Ingalls
In 2008, Melissa Gilbert played Caroline "Ma" Ingalls in the musical adaptation of Little House on the Prairie.
2009: Appearance in Little House on the Prairie, the Musical
In 2009, Melissa Gilbert appeared as Caroline "Ma" Ingalls in the touring production of Little House on the Prairie, the Musical.
2009: Touring as "Ma" Ingalls
In 2009, Melissa Gilbert continued as Caroline "Ma" Ingalls in the musical adaptation of Little House on the Prairie and commenced a US National tour.
June 2010: Tour of Little House on the Prairie ended
In June 2010, Melissa Gilbert's tour of Little House on the Prairie concluded at Starlight Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri.
2010: Appeared in Little House on the Prairie, the Musical
In 2010, Melissa Gilbert continued appearing as Caroline "Ma" Ingalls in the touring production of Little House on the Prairie, the Musical.
March 2012: Joins Dancing with the Stars
In March 2012, Melissa Gilbert joined the cast of celebrity contestants on season 14 of Dancing with the Stars, paired with Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
2012: Contestant on Dancing with the Stars
In 2012, Melissa Gilbert was a contestant on season fourteen of the reality dance competition show Dancing with the Stars on ABC.
August 10, 2015: Announcement of campaign for Michigan's 8th congressional district
On August 10, 2015, Melissa Gilbert announced her campaign for Michigan's 8th congressional district in the 2016 elections to the United States House of Representatives.
May 2016: Withdrawal from congressional race
In May 2016, Melissa Gilbert dropped out of the race for Michigan's 8th congressional district, citing health issues.
2016: Congressional Candidacy Withdrawal
In 2016, Melissa Gilbert briefly ran for the U.S. Congress, but withdrew her candidacy before the election.
April 2018: Starred in My Brilliant Divorce
In April 2018, Melissa Gilbert starred in an Off-Off-Broadway, limited-run production of Geraldine Aron's 2001 one-woman play My Brilliant Divorce.
2022: Launch of Modern Prairie app
In 2022, Melissa Gilbert launched a lifestyle app aimed at women called Modern Prairie.
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