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 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.
May 8, 1964: Melissa Gilbert Born
On May 8, 1964, Melissa Ellen Gilbert was born. She is an American actress.
January 29, 1975: Sara Gilbert Born
On January 29, 1975, Melissa Gilbert's half sister, Sara Rebecca Abeles (known professionally as Sara Gilbert) was born.
February 13, 1976: Death of Paul Gilbert
On February 13, 1976, Paul Gilbert died. Melissa Gilbert later learned he had taken his own life.
May 9, 1991: Michael Landon on The Tonight Show
On May 9, 1991, Michael Landon appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and discussed his pancreatic cancer.
October 6, 1995: Birth of Son Michael Boxleitner
On October 6, 1995, Melissa Gilbert gave birth to her son Michael, with Bruce Boxleitner, named in honor of Michael Landon.
July 22, 2010: Underwent Back Surgery
On July 22, 2010, Melissa Gilbert underwent surgery to replace a disc and fuse a vertebra in her lower spine.
January 2015: Had Breast Implants Removed
In January 2015, Melissa Gilbert decided to have her breast implants removed for health reasons.
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.
2018: Moved to New York City and Purchased a Cottage
In 2018, Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield moved to New York City and also purchased a cottage in the Catskill Mountains.
