Melissa Gilbert Net Worth

Melissa Gilbert’s Net Worth and Career: A Detailed Look

Melissa Gilbert is an American actress, director, producer, and author, best known for her iconic role as Laura Ingalls Wilder in the beloved television series “Little House on the Prairie.” This article delves into Gilbert’s life, exploring her career, net worth, personal struggles, and significant achievements.

Early Life and Family

Melissa Gilbert was born on May 8, 1964, in Los Angeles, California. Shortly after her birth, she was adopted by actors Paul Gilbert and Barbara Crane. The couple divorced when Melissa was eight years old. Her mother later remarried Harold Abeles, and the family expanded to include a half-sister, Sara. Melissa also has an adopted brother, Jonathan. The actress faced further adversity with the death of her adoptive father by suicide when she was eleven, and the subsequent divorce of her mother and stepfather.

“Little House on the Prairie”: The Breakthrough Role

Gilbert’s acting career began in the late 1960s with television commercials. However, her breakthrough came in 1974 when she was cast as Laura Ingalls Wilder in the NBC historical drama “Little House on the Prairie.” The series, based on the “Little House” book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, became a cultural phenomenon. Gilbert’s portrayal of Laura, the second-oldest daughter of Charles and Caroline Ingalls (played by Michael Landon and Karen Grassle, respectively), resonated with audiences. She beat out over 500 other child actresses for the role. The show’s success ran through 1982, with a sequel series, “Little House: A New Beginning,” following in 1983, and several television films continuing the story.

(Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Further Television Career: From TV Movies to Series

Throughout and after her time on “Little House on the Prairie,” Gilbert remained a prominent figure in television. She appeared in numerous television movies, including “Christmas Miracle in Caulfield, U.S.A.” and a 1979 adaptation of “The Miracle Worker,” earning an Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Helen Keller. Other notable TV movie roles included Anne Frank in “The Diary of Anne Frank,” “Splendor in the Grass,” “Choices of the Heart,” “Family Secrets,” “Killer Instinct,” and “Chameleons.”

In the 1990s, Gilbert continued to star in television movies like “Without Her Consent,” “Forbidden Nights,” and “Shattered Trust: The Shari Karney Story.” She also took on leading roles in several television series, including the sitcom “Stand by Your Man” and the legal drama “Sweet Justice.” Additionally, she voiced Barbara Gordon/Batgirl in “Batman: The Animated Series” and had a recurring role in “Secrets and Lies.” In 2012, she participated in “Dancing with the Stars,” finishing in fifth place.

Film Career: A Limited Big-Screen Presence

While primarily known for her television work, Gilbert made her feature film debut in the 1967 comedy “The Reluctant Astronaut.” However, she didn’t return to the big screen until 1985 with the family drama “Sylvester.” Her film credits have been relatively limited, including roles in the direct-to-video romance “Safe Harbour” and the drama “Guest Artist.” In 2019, she appeared in “When We Last Spoke.”

SAG President and Political Aspirations

Beyond her acting career, Gilbert has been involved in leadership roles. In 2001, she was elected president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), defeating Valerie Harper. She was re-elected in 2003, choosing not to seek a third term. In 2015, Gilbert announced her candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives, running for Michigan’s 8th congressional district. She won the Democratic primary but suspended her campaign in 2016 due to health concerns.

Personal Life and Relationships

Gilbert’s personal life has included several high-profile relationships. She was engaged to actor Rob Lowe in the 1980s but the engagement was called off. She married Bo Brinkman in 1988, and they had a son named Dakota before divorcing in 1992. She then began a relationship with Bruce Boxleitner, whom she married in 1995 after two previous engagements were broken off. They had a son named Michael and divorced in 2011. Since 2013, she has been married to actor Timothy Busfield.

Tax Issues and Financial Struggles

Melissa Gilbert has faced financial challenges. In June 2015, it was reported that she owed $360,000 in federal income taxes. She had previously dealt with similar issues in 2013, owing $112,000. Gilbert attributed her financial difficulties to the recession, a divorce, and a decline in acting opportunities. She stated:

“Like so many people across the nation, the recession hit me hard. That, plus a divorce and a death of acting opportunities the last few years, created a perfect storm of financial difficulty for me.“

Real Estate Ventures

In 2014, Gilbert listed her Tarzana, Los Angeles, home for $1.195 million. In 2019, she and Timothy Busfield purchased a 14-acre property in the Catskill Mountains of New York for $98,000, which serves as their primary residence. Before this, they lived in Howell, Michigan, and later moved to New York City in late 2018.

Melissa Gilbert’s Net Worth

Melissa Gilbert’s net worth is estimated to be $500,000, which is a combined net worth with her husband, Timothy Busfield, since 2013. This figure reflects her extensive career in television and film, as well as her work as a director, producer, and author, offset by her financial struggles in recent years.

Conclusion

Melissa Gilbert’s career has spanned decades, marked by iconic roles, leadership positions, and personal challenges. From her early success on “Little House on the Prairie” to her more recent ventures, Gilbert remains a notable figure in the entertainment industry. Her story is a reminder of the complexities of fame, financial stability, and the enduring impact of a celebrated career.