Born on May 8, 1964, in Los Angeles, California to a Jewish family, Melissa Ellen Gilbert, also known as Missy, was adopted by actor, Paul Gilbert and his wife, Barbara. She has a brother and a sister, both of whom were also adopted. When she was eight years of age, her adoptive parents divorced and when she was eleven, Paul Gilbert died. She was a child star and one of five hundred young girls who auditioned for the part of Laurra Ingalls Wilder for the television series, “Little House on the Prairie.” Her screen test was the only one sent for consideration at NBC studios. She is perhaps best known for her role on this series, which ran on network television from 1974-1983. She also originated the role of Barbara Gordon in “Batman: The Animated Series” and served for two terms as president of the Screen Actors Guild.
For her many contributions to the television industry, Melissa became the youngest person ever to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Hers can be found at 6429 Hollywood Boulevard. She has been married twice and is the mother of two sons, one by Brice Boxleitner, her husband since 1995, and one by her former spouse Bo Brinkman. Her second son, Michael Garrett, is named after her friend and mentor, the late Michael Landon, whose son, Michael Landon, Jr, escorted her to her high school prom. Her older son is named Dakota Paul.
Melissa has done much work in television, notably many Lifetime movies where she has given some sterling performances. One of her best was as a concerned wife and mother in the movie, “Murder at 75 Birch” (1999), in which she played opposite Gregory Harrison in a story inspired by a true-to-life case of murder most foul.
What are some of YOUR favorite Melissa Gilbert performances? Please share.
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