Early Life and Education of Melissa Gilbert: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Melissa Gilbert. From birth to education, explore key events.

Melissa Gilbert is an American actress best known for her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder in the television series *Little House on the Prairie* (1974-1983). She began her career as a child actress, appearing in commercials and TV guest roles before landing her iconic *Little House* role. During the show's run, she also starred in TV films like *The Diary of Anne Frank* and *The Miracle Worker*. As an adult, Gilbert continued to work primarily in television films. More recently, she starred as Caroline "Ma" Ingalls in the *Little House on the Prairie* musical tour (2009-2010) and competed on *Dancing with the Stars* in 2012.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

May 8, 1964: Melissa Gilbert is born

On May 8, 1964, Melissa Ellen Gilbert was born. She later became a prominent American actress.

January 29, 1975: Birth of Sara Gilbert

On January 29, 1975, Sara Rebecca Abeles (later known as actress Sara Gilbert) was born to Melissa Gilbert's mother and Harold Abeles.

February 13, 1976: Death of Paul Gilbert

On February 13, 1976, Paul Gilbert died, but 11-year-old Melissa was initially told it was from a stroke, later discovering he died by suicide.

1988: Marriage to Bo Brinkman

In 1988, Melissa Gilbert married Bo Brinkman.

May 9, 1991: Michael Landon appears on The Tonight Show

On May 9, 1991, Michael Landon appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson where he discussed his pancreatic cancer.

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1994: Divorce from Bo Brinkman

In 1994, Melissa Gilbert divorced Bo Brinkman.

October 6, 1995: Birth of son Michael Boxleitner

On October 6, 1995, Melissa Gilbert gave birth to her son with Bruce Boxleitner and named him Michael in honor of Michael Landon.

1995: Marriage to Bruce Boxleitner

In 1995, Melissa Gilbert married Bruce Boxleitner.

2001: President of the Screen Actors Guild

In 2001, Melissa Gilbert served as president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG).

2003: Re-elected president of the Screen Actors Guild

In 2003, Melissa Gilbert was re-elected as president of the Screen Actors Guild.

July 2005: Announces she will not 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 term as president of the Screen Actors Guild

Melissa Gilbert served as president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) until 2005.

July 22, 2010: Undergoes back surgery

On July 22, 2010, Melissa Gilbert underwent surgery to replace a disc and fuse a vertebra in her lower spine.

2011: Divorce from Bruce Boxleitner

In 2011, Melissa Gilbert divorced Bruce Boxleitner.

January 2013: Engagement to Timothy Busfield

In January 2013, Melissa Gilbert's engagement to actor Timothy Busfield was confirmed.

April 24, 2013: Marriage to Timothy Busfield

On April 24, 2013, Melissa Gilbert married Timothy Busfield.

January 2015: Undergoes breast implant removal

In January 2015, Melissa Gilbert decided to have her breast implants removed for health reasons.

August 10, 2015: Announces campaign for U.S. House of Representatives

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: Drops out of congressional race

In May 2016, Melissa Gilbert, the presumptive Democratic nominee, dropped out of the race for Michigan's 8th congressional district, citing health issues.