Melissa Gilbert, an acclaimed American actress and director, has garnered significant attention for her contributions to the entertainment industry. As of 2024, her net worth is estimated to be around $500,000. Gilbert’s career, which began in the late 1960s, saw her rise to fame with her iconic role as Laura Ingalls Wilder on the beloved television series “Little House on the Prairie”. Despite facing financial challenges and personal setbacks, including tax issues and a costly divorce, she has remained a prominent figure in Hollywood.
Gilbert’s wealth is a testament to her enduring talent and resilience in the face of adversity. Her diverse career includes notable roles in television movies, feature films, and voice acting, as well as a stint in politics as a Democratic candidate for Michigan’s 8th congressional district. This multifaceted career has contributed to her current financial standing, making her a respected and influential personality in the entertainment world.
Melissa Gilbert Biography
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Melissa Ellen Gilbert |
| Popular Name | Melissa Gilbert |
| Gender | Female |
| Birth Date | May 8, 1964 |
| Age | 60 |
| Parents | Barbara Cowan, Paul Gilbert, Kathy Wood, David Darlington |
| Siblings | Jonathan Gilbert (Brother), Sara Gilbert (Half-sister) |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Education | N/A |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Husband/Spouse | Timothy Busfield (m. 2013), Bruce Boxleitner (m. 1995–2011), Bo Brinkman (m. 1988–1994) |
| Children | Dakota Brinkman, Michael Boxleitner |
| Dating | N/A |
| Net Worth | $500,000 |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Directing, Writing, SAG Presidency |
| Height | 5 ft 3 in |
Melissa Gilbert Net Worth 2024
Melissa Gilbert is a well-known American actress and director. As of 2024, her net worth is estimated to be around $500,000. She gained fame for her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder on the popular TV show “Little House on the Prairie”. This role made her a household name and significantly contributed to her financial success.
Over the years, she has faced some financial challenges, including tax issues and a costly divorce. Despite these setbacks, she has continued to work in the entertainment industry, taking on various roles in television movies, feature films, and even voice acting. Her diverse career has helped her maintain a steady income.
In addition to her acting career, Melissa Gilbert also ventured into politics. She ran as a Democratic candidate for Michigan’s 8th congressional district. Although she did not win, this move showcased her versatility and commitment to public service.
Overall, Melissa Gilbert’s net worth reflects her long and varied career in the entertainment industry. Her ability to adapt and overcome challenges has kept her relevant and respected in Hollywood.
What is the Salary/Income of Melissa Gilbert in 2024
As of 2024, her salary is estimated to be around $90,000 per year. This income comes from her various roles in television movies, feature films, and voice acting. Despite facing some financial challenges in the past, including tax issues and a costly divorce, she has managed to maintain a steady income through her diverse career.
Melissa Gilbert’s financial condition reflects her ability to adapt and overcome obstacles. She gained fame for her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder on the popular TV show “Little House on the Prairie”, which significantly contributed to her financial success. Over the years, she has continued to work in the entertainment industry, taking on various roles that have helped her maintain her net worth.
In addition to her acting career, Melissa Gilbert also ventured into politics. She ran as a Democratic candidate for Michigan’s 8th congressional district. Although she did not win, this move showcased her versatility and commitment to public service.
Overall, Melissa Gilbert’s salary and financial condition in 2024 highlight her resilience and enduring presence in Hollywood. Her ability to navigate through financial challenges and continue working in the industry has kept her relevant and respected.
Career and Financial Challenges
best known for her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder on the iconic TV series “Little House on the Prairie”. Her career, which began in the late 1960s, has spanned several decades and includes a variety of roles in television movies, feature films, and voice acting.
Despite her success, Melissa Gilbert has faced significant financial challenges. Over the years, she encountered tax issues that led to substantial debts. Additionally, her divorce from actor Bruce Boxleitner was financially draining. These setbacks have impacted her financial condition, but she has shown remarkable resilience.
Gilbert’s career highlights her versatility and dedication to her craft. She has continued to work steadily in the entertainment industry, taking on diverse roles that showcase her talent. Her ability to adapt to different genres and mediums has kept her relevant in Hollywood.
In addition to her acting career, Melissa Gilbert ventured into politics. She ran as a Democratic candidate for Michigan’s 8th congressional district, demonstrating her commitment to public service. Although she did not win, this move highlighted her versatility and willingness to take on new challenges.
Overall, Melissa Gilbert’s career and financial challenges reflect her resilience and determination. Despite facing obstacles, she has managed to maintain a steady presence in the entertainment industry, earning respect and admiration from her peers and fans alike.
Melissa Gilbert’s Political Involvements
Melissa Gilbert is not only known for her acting career but also for her political involvement. In 2016, she ran as a Democratic candidate for Michigan’s 8th congressional district. Her campaign was driven by a desire to bring change and address the needs of her community.
Despite her enthusiasm and commitment, Melissa Gilbert faced significant health challenges during her campaign. She suffered from a herniated disc, which caused severe pain and required surgery. Due to these health issues, she had to withdraw from the race, a decision that was both difficult and necessary for her well-being.
Before her congressional run, Melissa Gilbert served as the President of the Screen Actors Guild from 2001 to 2005. This role showcased her leadership skills and dedication to advocating for her peers in the entertainment industry.
Gilbert’s political involvements reflect her passion for public service and her willingness to step into new roles to make a difference. Although her congressional bid was cut short, she remains an influential figure, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to her values.
Overall, Melissa Gilbert’s political involvements highlight her versatility and dedication to serving her community, both through her work in the entertainment industry and her efforts in the political arena.
Melissa Gilbert Personal Life
Gilbert’s personal life has been marked by several significant relationships. She was first married to actor Bo Brinkman from 1988 to 1994. They had one son together, Dakota Brinkman. Following her divorce from Brinkman, she married actor Bruce Boxleitner in 1995. This marriage lasted until 2011 and produced another son, Michael Boxleitner. In 2013, she married actor Timothy Busfield, and they have been together since.
Throughout her life, Gilbert has faced various challenges, including battles with alcoholism and drug abuse. She has been open about these struggles in her memoir, “Prairie Tale”. Despite these difficulties, she has remained a prominent figure in the entertainment industry and has continued to work in television and theater.
In addition to her acting career, Gilbert has also been involved in politics. She served as the President of the Screen Actors Guild from 2001 to 2005. In 2016, she briefly ran for U.S. Congress but withdrew her candidacy due to health issues.
Today, Melissa Gilbert and her husband Timothy Busfield live a quieter life in a rustic cabin in the Catskill Mountains of New York. They enjoy a simple lifestyle, far removed from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood.
Melissa Gilbert’s Physical Appearance
She has a slim build, standing at 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) tall. Her weight is approximately 58 kg (128 pounds).
Gilbert maintains her figure through a healthy lifestyle, focusing on a low-fat diet. However, she occasionally indulges in junk food when tempted. Her approach to eating is more about maintaining a balanced lifestyle rather than strict dieting.
In addition to her height and weight, Gilbert has a distinctive appearance with her red hair and brown eyes1. Over the years, she has embraced a more natural look, especially after deciding to have her breast implants removed for health reasons in 2015.
Overall, Melissa Gilbert’s physical appearance reflects her commitment to a healthy and balanced lifestyle, which complements her enduring presence in the entertainment industry.
Interesting facts about Melissa Gilbert
- Early Start in Acting: Melissa Gilbert began her acting career at a very young age. She was just 3 years old when she landed her first role.
- Iconic Role: She is best known for her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder on the NBC series Little House on the Prairie, which she started at the age of 9.
- Family Connections: Gilbert’s grandfather, Harry Crane, was the creator of the classic TV show The Honeymooners.
- Multiple Marriages: She has been married three times, to Bo Brinkman, Bruce Boxleitner, and currently to Timothy Busfield.
- Health Challenges: Gilbert has faced numerous health challenges, including breaking several bones and undergoing 12 non-cosmetic surgeries.
- Allergic to Bees: Despite her name meaning “honeybee” in Greek, she is allergic to bees.
- DIY Enthusiast: During the pandemic, she and her husband, Timothy Busfield, took on several DIY projects, including building raised planters, a garden enclosure, a chicken coop, and an electric fence.
- Political Involvement: She served as the President of the Screen Actors Guild from 2001 to 2005 and briefly ran for U.S. Congress in 2016.
- Animal Lover: Her favorite animals are otters, and she gets emotional when she sees them.
- Musical Talent: Gilbert can play the drums and has performed songs like AC/DC’s “Back in Black” and The Beatles’ “Golden Slumbers”.
These facts highlight the diverse and fascinating aspects of Melissa Gilbert’s life and career.
Conclusion
Melissa Gilbert, renowned for her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder on “Little House on the Prairie,” has had a multifaceted career spanning decades. Starting as a child actress, she gained fame in the 1970s and continued to work in various TV movies and series, including “The Miracle Worker” and “Sweet Justice.” She also voiced Batgirl in “Batman: The Animated Series” and competed on “Dancing with the Stars.” Beyond acting, Gilbert served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild and briefly ventured into politics. Despite financial challenges, including tax issues and a costly divorce, her net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $8 million. Gilbert’s career reflects her versatility and resilience, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old was Melissa Gilbert when the show ended?
Melissa Gilbert was nearly 20 years old when “Little House on the Prairie” ended in 1984.
Was Melissa Gilbert adopted in real life?
Yes, Melissa Gilbert was adopted in real life. She was adopted the day after her birth by actor and comedian Paul Gilbert and his wife, actress Barbara Crane.
Did Melissa Gilbert ever meet her birth mother?
Melissa Gilbert did not meet her birth mother, as she had passed away in 1980 before Gilbert began her search for her biological parents.
Are Sara Gilbert and Melissa Gilbert related?
Yes, Sara Gilbert and Melissa Gilbert are half-sisters. Melissa was adopted by Paul Gilbert and Barbara Crane, while Sara is Barbara’s biological daughter from her second marriage.
How many times has Melissa Gilbert been married and how many children does she have?
Melissa Gilbert has been married three times. She has two biological children: Dakota Paul Brinkman with her first husband Bo Brinkman, and Michael Garrett Boxleitner with her second husband Bruce Boxleitner.
What disease does Melissa Gilbert have?
Melissa Gilbert has battled several health issues, including spinal surgery and chronic pain, but there is no specific disease widely reported.
What significant roles contributed to Gilbert’s net worth?
Melissa Gilbert’s net worth has been significantly contributed to by her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder on “Little House on the Prairie,” as well as her appearances in TV movies like “The Miracle Worker” and “The Diary of Anne Frank.” She also served as the President of the Screen Actors Guild from 2001 to 2005.
