Melissa Ellen Gilbert is a famous American actress who was born on May 8, 1964. In the late ’60s, Gilbert made her acting debut in a string of commercials and television guest spots. Little House on the Prairie was an NBC series that she portrayed from 1974 until 1983.
Her character was Laura Ingalls Wilder, the second-oldest daughter of Charles Ingalls, who was played by Michael Landon. Gilbert had a busy television career during Little House’s tenure, making appearances in films like The Miracle Worker and The Diary of Anne Frank.
Melissa Gilbert Net Worth
American actress and filmmaker Melissa Gilbert is worth half a million dollars. Since she wed fellow actor Timothy Busfield in 2013, their net worth has been combined. Lately, Melissa Gilbert has been going through some tough times, both personally and financially. A waning career and an expensive divorce have caused her tax problems. Detailed information about these matters is provided later on in the text.
As a child actress, Melissa Gilbert got her start in the industry in the ’60s. For her breakout role, which came in 1974, she portrayed author Laura Ingalls Wilder on the NBC historical drama series “Little House on the Prairie.” In 2016, Gilbert later became involved in politics by running for Congress as a Democrat from Michigan’s 8th district.
In the years following Little House’s cancellation, Gilbert’s film and television appearances included “Sylvester,” “Killer Instinct,” “Without Her Consent,” “Forbidden Nights,” “The Lookalike,” “Shattered Trust: The Shari Karney Story,” “Cries from the Heart,” “The Soul Collector,” and “Hollywood Wives: The New Generation.”
She provided the voice of Barbara Gordon/Batgirl on “Batman: The Animated Series” from 1992 to 1994 and starred as Kate Delacroy on “Sweet Justice” from 1994 to 1995. Despite Gilbert’s best efforts, he was booted from “Dancing with the Stars” in the eighth week of 2012.
She was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Series Drama for “Little House on the Prairie” in 1980 and an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Special for 1980’s “The Miracle Worker.” Two Young Artist Awards went to her for her performance on the legendary program.
After leading the Screen Actors Guild as president from 2001 to 2005, Gilbert chose not to run for re-election. In her 2009 memoir, “Prairie Tale,” Gilbert details her struggles with substance misuse and alcoholism.
Melissa Gilbert Film Career
Gilbert first appeared in a feature film alongside Don Knotts in 1967’s “The Reluctant Astronaut,” a comedy. Her next major film role was in the 1985 family drama “Sylvester,” in which she played a young horse trainer.
Since then, Gilbert has kept a low profile in the film industry, with stints in direct-to-video romance “Safe Harbour” and drama “Guest Artist.” A 2019 appearance by Gilbert was in “When We Last Spoke.”
Melissa Gilbert SAG President
Gilbert succeeded Valerie Harper as Screen Actors Guild president in 2001 after a contentious campaign. After defeating Kent McCord, she was re-elected in 2003. Next, Gilbert decided he wouldn’t run for reelection.
Melissa Gilbert 2016 Congressional Candidate
Gilbert announced her intention to run for the United States House of Representatives in the summer of 2015, specifically for the 8th congressional district of Michigan. She became the Democratic nominee for the district after winning the primary, however she pulled the plug on her campaign in the spring of 2016 owing to health problems.
Melissa Gilbert Personal Life
In the 1980s, Gilbert had an engagement to actor Rob Lowe, but the couple broke up. After that, she wed actor Bo Brinkman in 1988 after dating him for a while. Prior to their 1992 divorce, the parents had a son they called Dakota. Not long after this, Gilbert started seeing Bruce Boxleitner, an actor and writer whose ex-wife had introduced them.
Interestingly, Gilbert and her had crossed paths on “Battle of the Network Stars” during his adolescent years. Finally tying the knot in 1995, Gilbert and Boxleitner had been engaged twice before breaking off their engagement. Michael was their son, and they eventually filed for a divorce in 2011. Actor Timothy Busfield, to whom she has been married since 2013, is her husband.
Melissa Gilbert Tax Issues
Melissa Gilbert’s alleged $360,000 in unpaid federal income taxes came to light in June 2015. The IRS and she allegedly came up with a payment plan. She had an encounter with the IRS twice before this. Rumor has it that she owing $112,000 back in 2013. In order to clarify her financial situation, Gilbert issued the following statement:
I was one of the many Americans who felt the full force of the recession. I was hit hard by a perfect storm of financial difficulties in the past three years, which included a divorce and the end of performing possibilities. “Melanie Gilbert”
Melissa Gilbert Real Estate
The Tarzana house in Los Angeles, which Melissa Gilbert listed in 2014 for $1.195 million, is located in the city. Melissa and Timothy purchased a 14-acre plot in the Catskill Mountains of New York for $98,000 in 2019.
The property is located around 20 minutes away from Woodstock. Right now, this is where most of the family lives. Prior to their late-2018 relocation to New York City, they were also residents of Howell, Michigan.
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