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 role as Laura Ingalls Wilder in the long-running NBC series Little House on the Prairie (1974-1983). Beginning her career as a child actress, she appeared in numerous commercials and TV guest roles before landing her iconic role. During and after Little House, she starred in several television films, including The Diary of Anne Frank and The Miracle Worker. Later in her career, she continued working primarily in television, appeared in the touring musical production of Little House on the Prairie, and was a contestant on Dancing with the Stars in 2012.
1973: Pilot Shot for Little House on the Prairie
In 1973, Melissa Gilbert shot the pilot for Little House on the Prairie, and it was a ratings success.
1974: Starred 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: Appeared in The Miracle Worker
In 1979, during the run of Little House on the Prairie, Melissa Gilbert appeared in the television film The Miracle Worker.
1980: Appeared 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: End of Little House on the Prairie
In 1983, Little House on the Prairie ended during the 1983-1984 season.
1983: Starred in Choices of the Heart
In 1983, Melissa Gilbert starred as Jean Donovan in the biopic Choices of the Heart.
1983: End of Little House on the Prairie and Choices of the Heart
In 1983, Melissa Gilbert's role in Little House on the Prairie ended and she starred as Jean Donovan in Choices of the Heart.
1985: Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 1985, Melissa Gilbert received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
1996: Appeared in Babylon 5
In 1996, Melissa Gilbert appeared as Anna Sheridan in three episodes of Babylon 5 with then-husband Bruce Boxleitner.
1998: Inducted into Western Performers Hall of Fame
In 1998, Melissa Gilbert was inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
2001: President of Screen Actors Guild
In 2001, Gilbert served as president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG).
2003: Re-elected President of SAG
In 2003, Melissa Gilbert was re-elected as president of the Screen Actors Guild.
July 2005: Did Not Seek Third Term as SAG President
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) came to an end.
2006: Appeared on Nip/Tuck
In 2006, Melissa Gilbert appeared as Shari Noble on Nip/Tuck.
2008: Played Caroline Ingalls in Musical Adaptation
In 2008, Melissa Gilbert played Caroline "Ma" Ingalls in the musical adaptation of Little House on the Prairie.
2009: Appeared as Caroline Ingalls in Musical
In 2009, Gilbert began appearing as Caroline "Ma" Ingalls in the touring production of Little House on the Prairie, the Musical.
2009: Played Caroline Ingalls in Musical Adaptation
In 2009, Melissa Gilbert played Caroline "Ma" Ingalls in the musical adaptation of Little House on the Prairie.
June 2010: Little House Musical Tour Ended
In June 2010, the US National tour for Little House on the Prairie ended at Starlight Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri.
2010: Appeared as Caroline Ingalls in Musical
In 2010, Gilbert continued appearing as Caroline "Ma" Ingalls in the touring production of Little House on the Prairie, the Musical.
March 2012: Joined Dancing with the Stars
In March 2012, Melissa Gilbert joined the cast of season 14 of Dancing with the Stars.
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: Announced Campaign for Congress
On August 10, 2015, Melissa Gilbert announced her campaign for Michigan's 8th congressional district in the 2016 elections.
May 2016: Dropped Out of Congressional Race
In May 2016, Melissa Gilbert dropped out of the race for Michigan's 8th congressional district, citing health issues.
2016: Withdrew from Congressional Run
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: Launched Lifestyle App Modern Prairie
In 2022, Melissa Gilbert launched a lifestyle app aimed at women called Modern Prairie.
