Who is Melissa Gilbert? See Net-worth, Quote, Awards, Fact, Wiki

Melissa Gilbert Wiki Biography

Melissa Ellen Gilbert was born on 8th May 1964, in Los Angeles, California USA, and was adopted immediately after birth, her name being that of her adoptive parents. Melissa is an actress as well as a television director which are the main sources of her net worth. She rose to prominence as a child actress, becoming well known for her role of Laura Ingalls Wilder in the series “Little House on the Prairie” (1974 – 1983). Gilbert is the winner of three Young Artist Awards, (1982, 1983 and 1984), Golden Boot Award (2000) and TV Land Award (2006).

Is the person who began her career in early childhood wealthy enough? Estimations show that currently Melissa Gilbert’s net worth is as much as $500,000. It has been reported that because of financial difficulties she owes $360,000 in federal income taxes (2015). Previously, she had financial problems and had debts of $112,000 in 2013.

Melissa Gilbert Net Worth $500,000

Regarding the background information, Melissa’s adoptive parents were both celebrities: the actress Barbara B. Crane and actor Paul Gilbert. As a child actress she began her career taking parts in various commercials. Later, she was invited to audition for the Laura Ingalls role together with another 500 applicants. Winning the role, Gilbert appeared in the series for almost 10 years. Afterwards, she starred mainly in television films, including “The Miracle Worker” (1979), “Choices of the Heart” (1983), “Blood Vows: The Story of a Mafia Wife” (1987), “With a Vengeance” (1992), “Shattered Trust: The Shari Karney Story” (1993), “Seduction in a Small Town” (1997), “Then Came Jones” (2003), “Thicker than Water” (2005), “Sacrifices of the Heart” (2007) and many others. What is more, Gilbert landed roles in the feature films “Sylvester” (1985) directed by Tim Hunter and “Safe Harbour” (2007) directed by Bill Corcoran. Melissa Gilbert increased her net worth while acting in television series, including the main roles in the sitcom “Stand By Your Man” (1992), and drama television series “Sweet Justice” (1994 – 1995). As a contestant she took part in the reality competition series “Dancing with the Stars” (2012), which she finished in fifth place overall.

It is worth to mention the fact that Melissa Gilbert served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild for two terms from 2001 to 2005. She refused to take part in the elections for the third term. Undoubtedly, this prestigious position indirectly increased her popularity as well as her net worth.

Melissa also became an author, as a consequence of suffering from drug abuse as well as alcoholism, both of which she overcame. Her struggle with addictions is described in her autobiography “Prairie Tale: A Memoir” (2009). As an author, Melisa Gilbert has added to her net worth by also publishing a book for children “Daisy and Josephine” (2014), and the cookery book “My Prairie Cookbook: Memories and Frontier Food from My Little House to Yours” (2014).

In the rest of her personal life, Melisa has been married three times and given birth to two children. She was married to Bo BrinkmanBo Brinkman,  from 1988 to 1992. Afterwards, she married actor and writer Bruce Boxleitner in 1995, but they divorced in 2011. Currently she has been married to actor and film director Timothy Busfield since 2013. Recently, rumours have circulated about Melisa having a number of plastic operations. It can be neither confirmed nor denied but the look of the actress certainly isn’t natural.



Full Name Melissa Gilbert
Net Worth $500,000
Date Of Birth May 8, 1964
Place Of Birth Los Angeles, California USA
Height 5 ft 2 in (1.6 m)
Profession American actress, Television director
Nationality American
Spouse Bo Brinkman (m. 1988–92), Bruce Boxleitner (m. 1995–2011), Timothy Busfield (m. 2013)
Children Dakota Brinkman, Michael Boxleitner
Parents Barbara B. Crane, Paul Gilbert
Siblings Jonathan Gilbert, Sara Gilbert, Claudia Cowan
Nicknames Melissa Ellen Gilbert , Melissa Gilbert Brinkman , Melissa Gilbert-Boxleitner , Melissa Gilbert-Brinkman , Missy
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GilbertForMichigan
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/melissaegilbert
IMDB http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001271
Allmusic www.allmusic.com/artist/melissa-gilbert-mn0002154329
Awards Young Artist Awards, (1982, 1983, 1984), Golden Boot Award (2000), TV Land Award (2006), Hollywood Walk of Fame (1985)
Nominations Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress (1980), Golden Globe Award Best Actress – Television Series Drama (1981), Young Artist Award for Best Young Actress in a Television Series
Movies “The Diary of Anne Frank”, “The Miracle Worker”, “The Love Boat” (1978), “The Miracle Worker” (1979), “Choices of the Heart” (1983), “Blood Vows: The Story of a Mafia Wife” (1987), “Stand by Your Man” (1992), “With a Vengeance” (1992), “Shattered Trust: The Shari Karney Story” (1…
TV Shows “Little House on the Prairie” (1974-1984), “Stand By Your Man” (1992), “Sweet Justice” (1994-1995), “Dancing with the Stars” (2012)
Trademark
1 High-pitched voice
Title Salary
Little House on the Prairie (1974) $75,000 per week
Quote
1 Women in their twenties are beautiful. But women in their forties? There’s something magical there.
2 [Of Michael Landon]: I wanted him to be my father substitute. I loved that man and I loved the way I always felt safe, crying with him. Now, granted, it was on film. But generally, I was crying about what was going on with me for real when I was with him. And he was always there to hold me. That’s the only time I let that stuff out. So, he was there in most of these scenes, comforting me. It was sort of a father/daughter relationship in my eyes.
3 [on her on- and off-screen chemistry with Michael Landon, who played Charles Ingalls]: He was very much like a ‘second father’ to me. My own father passed away when I was 11, so, without really officially announcing it, Michael really stepped in.
4 [on her own journey]: I saw an opportunity at a time in my career when, like many female actors my age, opportunities are drying up left and right. So for me to have a chance to do something new and create a new facet to my career at 45 is a blessing I just couldn’t ignore.
5 [on what it’s like to be famous]: For months you’ve referred to me as your hero, but it’s easy to be brave when I have you to come home to, and hide behind, and hold on to. I wish you the happiest birthday ever… . Let’s eat!
6 [on comparing her co-star’s, Karen Grassle’s, “Caroline Ingalls” character to her own]: Karen’s “Ma” always reminded me of Grace Kelly. My Ma’s a little more feisty, a little more earthy, I’m a redhead. So is Ma in this show. So there’s some fire under those petticoats.
7 It reminds people of what we as humans and Americans are capable of if we do it together. We tend to live in bubbles. … There is very little real sense of community anymore. This show reminds people of that.
8 [About Little House on the Prairie (1974)]: Not a day goes by that I don’t think about it and burst into tears. It’s like stepping through a looking glass. There’s a part of me that’s always going to be Laura. I think every girl has a Laura in them.
9 Thank God I have four sons. The mother/daughter relationship is one of mankind’s great mysteries, and for womankind, it can be hellaciously complicated. My mother and I are quintessential examples of the rewards and frustrations, and the joys and infuriations it can yield.
10 We take pride in each other – we were meant to be together.
Fact
1 Highly praised Michael Landon for her stardom to acting.
2 Delivered the eulogy at the memorial service for her friend and mentor, Patty Duke, on April 16, 2016. Duke was “Annie Sullivan” to Gilbert’s “Helen Keller” in the 1979 production of The Miracle Worker (1979). Similarly, in June 2005, Patty Duke gave the eulogy at Anne Bancroft’s memorial service. Bancroft was “Annie Sullivan” to Duke’s “Helen Keller” in the original The Miracle Worker (1962) in 1962.
3 On August 14, 2015, she announced that she is running for a seat in Congress from Michigan.
4 In her autobiography she lists Charlie Brill as her godfather and his wife, actress/comedienne Mitzi McCall, as her godmother.
5 Revealed that she had a wonderful working relationship with Michael Landon on Little House on the Prairie (1974).
6 As of August 2013 was residing in Howell, MI.
7 Release of her book, “Prairie Tale: A Memoir”. [2009]
8 On April 24, 2013, she married her longtime boyfriend Timothy Busfield (her third marriage) following a three-month-long engagement.
9 Gave birth to her second child at age 31, son Michael Garrett Boxleitner, on October 6, 1995. Child’s father is her second ex-husband, Bruce Boxleitner.
10 She appeared in 191 of the 205 episodes of Little House on the Prairie (1974), more than anyone else.
11 Gave birth to her first child at age 24, son Dakota Brinkman, on May 1, 1989. Child’s father is her first ex-husband, Bo Brinkman.
12 Her acting mentors were the late Michael Landon and the late Patty Duke.
13 Childhood idol was Shirley Temple.
14 Her production company is “Half-Pint Productions”.
15 Youngest stepsister of Claudia Cowan. Stepdaughter of Warren Cowan.
16 Best known by the public for her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder on Little House on the Prairie (1974).
17 Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6429 Hollywood Blvd.
18 Aunt of Sara Gilbert’s son Levi and daughter Sawyer.
19 Ranked #31 in VH1’s list of the “100 Greatest Kid Stars”.
20 Both her ex-husbands (Bo Brinkman and Bruce Boxleitner) played Confederate officers in Gods and Generals (2003).
21 Inducted (as a cast member of Little House on the Prairie (1974)) into the Hall of Great Western Performers of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in 1998.
22 Michael Landon Jr. took her to her senior prom in 1981.
23 Was one of 500 young girls who auditioned for the role of Laura Ingalls Wilder in the TV series Little House on the Prairie (1974) and she was the only one whose screen test was sent to be considered by NBC. It was Michael Landon’s daughter Leslie Landon who told Melissa that she had won the role of Laura when the two of them stood in line at their school cafeteria.
24 Had a combined family with her ex-husband, Bruce Boxleitner: Bruce had two sons, Sam Boxleitner (b. 1980) and Lee Boxleitner (b. 1985). Melissa became a mother when her first child, Dakota Brinkman (Dakota Paul Brinkman), was born on Monday, May 1, 1989, while she was married to Bo Brinkman. She had one son with Bruce, Michael Garrett Boxleitner, who was born on Friday, October 6, 1995.
25 Was introduced to last ex-husband Bruce Boxleitner by his ex-wife, Kathryn Holcomb.
26 In national voting completed on Friday, 2 November 2001, she was elected president of the Screen Actors Guild, taking the position held since November 1999 by William Daniels, who declined to run for another term. She held the position until 2005, when she was replaced by Alan Rosenberg.
27 Goddaughter of Charlie Brill and Mitzi McCall.
28 Adopted half-sister of Sara Gilbert. Sara is the natural daughter of Barbara Cowan and Harold Abeles. Cowan and late husband Paul Gilbert together adopted Melissa and Jonathan Gilbert (they are not biologically related to each other). Sara took her stepfather’s surname when she began acting in 1984.
29 Had a highly publicized relationship with Rob Lowe during the 1980s, and they were reportedly at one time engaged.
30 Granddaughter of Harry Crane.

Actress

Title Year Status Character
One Smart Fellow 2015 Short Ellen
The Night Shift 2015 TV Series Lindsay
Secrets and Lies 2015 TV Series Lisa Daly
The Christmas Pageant 2011 TV Movie Vera Parks
Safe Harbour 2007 Video Ophelia MacKenzie
Sacrifices of the Heart 2007 TV Movie Kate Weston Anne Weston
Nip/Tuck 2006 TV Series Shari Noble
7th Heaven 2005 TV Series Marie Wagner
Fat Actress 2005 TV Series Melissa Gilbert
Thicker Than Water 2005 TV Movie Natalie Jones
Heart of the Storm 2004 TV Movie Cassie Broadbeck
Then Came Jones 2003 TV Movie Devon Jones- Thomas
Hollywood Wives: The New Generation 2003 TV Movie Taylor Singer
Storyline Online 2003 TV Series
Presidio Med 2002 TV Series Grace Bennett
Providence 2002 TV Series Lorna Berlin
Sanctuary 2001 TV Movie Jo Ellen Hathaway
Lisa Picard Is Famous 2000 Melissa Gilbert
A Vision of Murder: The Story of Donielle 2000 TV Movie Donielle
Switched at Birth 1999 TV Movie Sarah Barlow
The Soul Collector 1999 TV Movie Rebecca
Touched by an Angel 1998 TV Series Michelle Tanner
Her Own Rules 1998 TV Movie Meredith Sanders
Murder at 75 Birch 1998 TV Movie Gwen Todson
The Outer Limits 1998 TV Series Teresa Janovitch
Childhood Sweetheart? 1997 TV Movie Karen Carlson
Seduction in a Small Town 1997 TV Movie Sarah Jenks
A Holiday for Love 1996 TV Movie Emma Murphy
Babylon 5 1996 TV Series Anna Sheridan
Zoya 1995 TV Movie Zoya Ossipov
Sweet Justice 1994-1995 TV Series Kate Delacroy
Batman: The Animated Series 1992-1994 TV Series Barbara Gordon Batgirl
Cries from the Heart 1994 TV Movie Karen
Against Her Will: The Carrie Buck Story 1994 TV Movie Melissa Prentice
The Babymaker: The Dr. Cecil Jacobson Story 1994 TV Movie Mary Bennett
Dying to Remember 1993 TV Movie Lynn Matthews
House of Secrets 1993 TV Movie Marion Ravinel
Shattered Trust: The Shari Karney Story 1993 TV Movie Shari Karney
With Hostile Intent 1993 TV Movie Miranda Berkley
Family of Strangers 1993 TV Movie Julie
With a Vengeance 1992 TV Movie Jenna King / Valerie Tanner (as Melissa Gilbert Brinkman)
Stand by Your Man 1992 TV Series Rochelle Dunphy
The Hidden Room 1991 TV Series
Donor 1990 TV Movie Dr. Kristine Lipton (as Melissa Gilbert-Brinkman)
The Lookalike 1990 TV Movie Gina / Jennifer (as Melissa Gilbert-Brinkman)
Joshua’s Heart 1990 TV Movie Claudia
Forbidden Nights 1990 TV Movie Judith Shapiro
Without Her Consent 1990 TV Movie Emily Briggs
Chameleons 1989 TV Movie
Ice House 1989 Kay
Killer Instinct 1988 TV Movie Dr. Lisa DaVito
Blood Vows: The Story of a Mafia Wife 1987 TV Movie Marian
The Penalty Phase 1986 TV Movie Leah Furman
Choices 1986 TV Movie Terry Granger
Drug Free Kids: A Parents’ Guide 1986 Video
Sylvester 1985 Charlie
Faerie Tale Theatre 1985 TV Series Gerda
Little House: Bless All the Dear Children 1984 TV Movie Laura Ingalls Wilder
Family Secrets 1984 TV Movie Sara Calloway
Little House: The Last Farewell 1984 TV Movie Laura Ingalls Wilder
Little House: Look Back to Yesterday 1983 TV Movie Laura Ingalls Wilder
Choices of the Heart 1983 TV Movie Jean Donovan
Little House on the Prairie 1974-1983 TV Series Laura Ingalls Laura Ingalls Wilder
Splendor in the Grass 1981 TV Movie Wilma Dean ‘Deanie’ Loomis
The Diary of Anne Frank 1980 TV Movie Anne Frank
Little House Years 1979 TV Movie Laura Ingalls
The Miracle Worker 1979 TV Movie Helen Keller
Nutcracker Fantasy 1979 Clara (voice)
The Love Boat 1978 TV Series Rosemary ‘Rocky’ Simpson
Christmas Miracle in Caufield, U.S.A. 1977 TV Movie Kelly Sullivan
Circus, Lions, Tigers and Melissas Too 1977 Hostess
Tenafly 1973 TV Series Suzie’s sister
Emergency! 1972 TV Series Jenny
Gunsmoke 1972 TV Series Spratt’s Child
The Dean Martin Show 1968 TV Series Girl on Santa’s Lap
The Reluctant Astronaut 1967 Niece (uncredited)

Director

Title Year Status Character
Child Stars: Their Story 2000 TV Movie documentary
ABC Afterschool Specials 1996 TV Series 1 episode

Writer

Title Year Status Character
One Smart Fellow 2015 Short

Producer

Title Year Status Character
One Smart Fellow 2015 Short producer

Thanks

Title Year Status Character
Quiet Riot: Well Now You’re Here, There’s No Way Back 2014 Documentary the producers wish to thank

Self

Title Year Status Character
Child Stars: Their Story 2000 TV Movie documentary Herself
The 70s: The Decade That Changed Television 2000 TV Movie documentary Segment Presenter
Hollywood Squares 2000 TV Series Herself
The Daily Show 1999 TV Series Herself – Guest
The Howard Stern Radio Show 1999 TV Series Herself – Guest
Celebrity Profile 1998 TV Series documentary Herself
E! True Hollywood Story 1997 TV Series documentary Herself
Michael Landon 1997 TV Movie documentary Herself
Jeopardy! 1996 TV Series Herself – Celebrity Contestant
The 21st Annual People’s Choice Awards 1995 TV Special Herself – Presenter: Favorite Television Comedy Series
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno 1994-1995 TV Series Herself
Howard Stern 1994 TV Series Herself
Late Night with Conan O’Brien 1993-1994 TV Series Herself – Guest
Vicki! 1993 TV Series Herself
Entertainment Tonight 1983-1993 TV Series Herself
The Howard Stern Interview 1993 TV Series Herself – Guest
One on One with John Tesh 1992 TV Series Herself – Guest
The 43rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards 1991 TV Special Herself – Presenter: Michael Landon Tribute (as Melissa Gilbert-Brinkman)
The 12th Annual CableACE Awards 1991 TV Special Herself
Michael Landon: Memories with Laughter and Love 1991 Video documentary Herself – Host
CBS This Morning 1990 TV Series Herself – Guest
The More You Know 1989 TV Series Herself
Live with Kelly and Michael 1989 TV Series Herself – Guest
Funny 1988 Documentary Herself
The Morning Program 1987 TV Series Herself
NBC 60th Anniversary Celebration 1986 TV Special documentary Herself
The Annual Variety Club’s Big Heart Awards 1986 TV Special Herself
The 42nd Annual Golden Globe Awards 1985 TV Special Herself – Audience Member
Evening Magazine 1984 TV Series Herself
Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous 1984 TV Series documentary Herself
The 41st Annual Golden Globe Awards 1984 TV Special Herself – Presenter
Battle of the Network Stars XIII 1982 TV Special Herself – NBC Team
Night of 100 Stars 1982 TV Special Herself
Battle of the Network Stars XI 1981 TV Special Herself – NBC Team
Battle of the Network Stars X 1981 TV Special Herself – NBC Team
The 38th Annual Golden Globe Awards 1981 TV Special Herself
The Mike Douglas Show 1980 TV Series Herself – Guest
The Hollywood Squares 1978-1980 TV Series Herself
Battle of the Network Stars VII 1979 TV Special Herself – NBC Team
The 31st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards 1979 TV Special Herself – Presenter: Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series & Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series
Live Wednesday 1978 TV Series Herself
NBC Salutes the 25th Anniversary of the Wonderful World of Disney 1978 TV Movie documentary Herself
Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color 1978 TV Series Herself
America 2-Night 1978 TV Series Herself
Battle of the Network Stars IV 1978 TV Special Herself – NBC Team
The 4th Annual People’s Choice Awards 1978 TV Special Herself – Accepting Award for Favorite Television Dramatic Program
The 35th Annual Golden Globe Awards 1978 TV Movie documentary Herself – Presenter
The Merv Griffin Show 1977 TV Series Herself – Guest
Dinah! 1975-1976 TV Series Herself – Guest
Home & Family 2015 TV Series Herself
The Kitchen 2015 TV Series Herself / Actress / Author
The Dr. Oz Show 2015 TV Series Herself – Guest
Good Morning America 2012-2015 TV Series Herself – Guest
A Day in the Life of Little House 2015 Documentary Herself
Oprah: Where Are They Now? 2014 TV Series Herself – Guest
Steve Harvey 2014 TV Series Herself
Today 2014 TV Series Herself
Good Day L.A. 2014 TV Series Herself – Guest
The Little House Phenomenon: A Place in Television History 2014 Documentary Herself
Dancing with the Stars 2012 TV Series Herself – Contestant
The Actor’s Journey 2011 Video documentary Herself
The Actor’s Journey for Kids 2011 Video documentary Herself
The Talk 2010 TV Series Herself – Guest
The Hour 2010 TV Series Herself – Guest
Le syndicat des acteurs 2007 TV Movie documentary Herself
A Little House Conversation 2006 Video documentary Herself
50 Cutest Child Stars: All Grown Up 2005 TV Movie documentary Herself
Shootout 2005 TV Series Herself – Guest
Class of… 2005 TV Series Herself
Good Day Live 2004-2005 TV Series Herself – Guest
11th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards 2005 TV Special Herself
Biography for Kids 2004 TV Series documentary Herself
10th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards 2004 TV Special Herself
Adoption 2002-2003 TV Series Herself – Hostess
The View 2003 TV Series Herself
9th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards 2003 TV Special Herself
Intimate Portrait 1998-2002 TV Series documentary Herself
The Oprah Winfrey Show 2002 TV Series Herself
NBC 75th Anniversary Special 2002 TV Special Herself
8th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards 2002 TV Special Herself – SAG President
E! News 2002 TV Series Herself – Guest
70th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade 2001 TV Movie Herself
MADtv 2001 TV Series Herself
Biography 2001 TV Series documentary Herself
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire 2001 TV Series Herself

Archive Footage

Title Year Status Character
Entertainment Tonight 2009-2016 TV Series Herself
Lost 2010 TV Series Laura Ingalls
Weekend Today 2007 TV Series Laura Ingalls
¿Cómo están ustedes? 2006 TV Movie Laura Ingalls
Corazón, corazón 2006 TV Series Laura Ingalls
La imagen de tu vida 2006 TV Series Laura Ingalls
Hollywood’s Children 1982 TV Movie documentary Herself

Won Awards

Year Award Ceremony Nomination Movie
2006 TV Land Award TV Land Awards Most Memorable Kiss Little House on the Prairie (1974)
2000 Golden Boot Golden Boot Awards
1985 Star on the Walk of Fame Walk of Fame Television On 13 March 1985. At 6429 Hollywood Blvd.
1984 Young Artist Award Young Artist Awards Best Young Actress in a Drama Series Little House on the Prairie (1974)
1983 Young Artist Award Young Artist Awards Best Young Actress in a Drama Series Little House on the Prairie (1974)
1975 Bronze Wrangler Western Heritage Awards Fictional Television Drama Little House on the Prairie (1974)

Nominated Awards

Year Award Ceremony Nomination Movie
1982 Young Artist Award Young Artist Awards Best Young Actress in a Television Special Splendor in the Grass (1981)
1981 Golden Globe Golden Globes, USA Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama Little House on the Prairie (1974)
1980 Primetime Emmy Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or a Special The Miracle Worker (1979)
1980 Young Artist Award Young Artist Awards Best Juvenile Actress in a TV Series or Special Little House on the Prairie (1974)

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