Little House On The Prairie star Melissa Gilbert, 60, reveals the REAL reason she left Hollywood to live on a farm

Little House On The Prairie star Melissa Gilbert, 60, reveals the REAL reason she left Hollywood to live on a farm

As I delve into the captivating narrative of Melissa Gilbert, I find myself profoundly moved by her journey and resilience. Her transformation from ‘Half Pint’ to a modern pioneer, embracing aging gracefully and championing women, is nothing short of inspiring.


Melissa Gilbert had to ‘get out’ of Hollywood after childhood stardom.

In her youth, the actress played a role on the Western TV show “Little House on the Prairie”. She then maintained her acting career through the 1980s and 1990s.

But eventually had to leave Los Angeles because of the ‘pressures’ she had faced over the years.

She shared with People that she tackled every challenge life in Los Angeles presented, which feels akin to working and living in a shopping mall simultaneously.

In essence, it’s safe to say that everyone is involved in some capacity. When you enter a restaurant, it seems as if everyone takes notice and looks to see who has arrived.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I can attest that the limelight is a captivating and competitive landscape, one that presents unique challenges, particularly for women actors. The constant scrutiny, curiosity, and competition can be quite overwhelming at times.

Little House On The Prairie star Melissa Gilbert, 60, reveals the REAL reason she left Hollywood to live on a farm

Little House On The Prairie star Melissa Gilbert, 60, reveals the REAL reason she left Hollywood to live on a farm
Little House On The Prairie star Melissa Gilbert, 60, reveals the REAL reason she left Hollywood to live on a farm

She added that she was sick of dieting.

The beauty stated that it creates significant stress to maintain a slim figure and youthfulness, making it challenging to embrace one’s body confidently, due to the natural aging process.

‘So are you going to age comfortably and happily? 

Do you intend to resist the process, view it as a negative, and feel inadequate due to growing older and the natural changes that come with age?

‘I had to get out of there [L.A.], because it felt like I was not being authentically myself.’

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it as follows:

After leaving the California city, all her concerns simply vanished, as she was told.

For the past five years while I lived in Michigan, it all came to a halt for me. I paused all my activities and dedicated myself entirely to achieving optimal physical and emotional wellness.

‘And I think that shows, “Yes, I’m aging, but it’s not a curse — it’s a blessing.”‘

From 1974 to 1983, she starred in more than 200 episodes of the well-known television series titled “Little House on the Prairie.

Gilbert has a clothing collection called Modern Prairie.

Little House On The Prairie star Melissa Gilbert, 60, reveals the REAL reason she left Hollywood to live on a farm

The actress also models for the brand.

She had mentioned earlier this year that each item, skillfully created alongside our exceptional craftspeople, carries its own distinct charm and value, mirroring both our aspirations and their dedication’s fruit.

Ranging from linen items to ceramics, aprons to toys, there’s something for everyone that can put a smile on your face. Have you taken a look at it? I recommend you head over to the Modern Prairie website promptly because these special, limited-edition goods are selling quickly!

In November she launched an app for her Modern Prairie lifestyle brand targeted toward older women.

She cofounded Modern Prairie with retail and merchandising expert Nicole Haase.

Little House On The Prairie star Melissa Gilbert, 60, reveals the REAL reason she left Hollywood to live on a farm
Little House On The Prairie star Melissa Gilbert, 60, reveals the REAL reason she left Hollywood to live on a farm

According to Gilbert, the retail sector has misjudged our spending power and interest as women of our age—we have both the capacity and the inclination to splurge. (Gilbert said this to People)

In a small space, an elderly woman often found herself typecast as either a bewildered older lady or a grumpy one to steer clear of. Yet, her true essence is far richer and multifaceted beyond these stereotypes.

The modern prairie, envisioned by Gilbert as a place for female connection, has recently introduced a mobile application.

Gilbert emphasized the importance of establishing a sense of unity, stating that women should recognize they’re not isolated. There’s consistently someone available to guide us, lead the way, or lend support when necessary.

Little House On The Prairie star Melissa Gilbert, 60, reveals the REAL reason she left Hollywood to live on a farm
Little House On The Prairie star Melissa Gilbert, 60, reveals the REAL reason she left Hollywood to live on a farm

In the 1970s, the NBC series Little House on the Prairie, based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s popular book series, featured Gilbert playing the character Laura Ingalls Wilder, who was also known as ‘Half Pint’.

Fifty years ago, in March 1974, the television series “Little House on the Prairie” debuted with a special pilot episode, and this milestone was commemorated this year.

Gilbert mentioned, “Some folks persistently think I’m as young as twelve years old. Yet, I remain the girl brimming with curiosity and frolicking in the fields forever. The essence of ‘Half Pint’ lives on within me. However, we all continue to age.

Under the Modern Prairie label, you’ll find apparel and home items that draw inspiration from the core values of love, community, and family, much like those embodied in the Little House series. These thoughtfully crafted pieces are proudly produced by businesses owned or run by women.

Gilbert lives on a 14-acre farm with husband Busfield.

Gilbert mentioned that we enjoy taking care of small tasks together, such as tidying up the chicken coop, providing them with treats, and having fun with our dogs,” (paraphrased) or more casually, “Gilbert shared that one thing we really like doing is handling chores like cleaning the chicken coop and giving out treats to the animals, plus playing with our pups too.

We frequently engage in playing backgammon, often cooking side by side, and above all, we find joy in simply sharing the same space, regardless of our location. Essentially, we cherish spending time together.

Since 2013, Gilbert and his wife have been married, with her attributing his support as the reason she’s chosen to age gracefully.

Whenever I pondered about potentially changing my hair color or considering removal of my breast implants, Gilbert would always respond with infectious enthusiasm: “I can’t wait to see the new hue! This is so exciting!” and “Just do it!” respectively. The fact that he loves me exactly as I am brings an incredible sense of uplift to my being.

Gilbert and Busfield found themselves both going through the aftermath of their second divorces prior to beginning their relationship together.

Following their wedding, Gilbert and Busfield settled down in a beautifully renovated Victorian house in Howell, Michigan, in August 2013. However, they eventually relocated to a captivating 14-acre cottage nestled amidst the Catskill Mountains in New York.

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2024-09-06 20:22

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