It’s truly captivating to witness child stars grow up right before our eyes, following their careers and the development of their lives. While some children in Hollywood fade from the limelight as quickly as they burst onto the scene, there are others who continue to shine and make their mark in the industry. Melissa Gilbert falls squarely into the latter category.
Melissa first captured our hearts when she portrayed Laura Ingalls Wilder on the beloved TV series Little House on the Prairie in 1974, at the young age of nine. Little did she know then the immense level of fame and global popularity that awaited her. The show, starring Michael Landon and Karen Grassle, ran for an impressive nine seasons, propelling Melissa to dizzying heights of stardom.
Growing Up on the Prairie
Growing up on the set of Little House on the Prairie had a profound impact on Melissa’s life. It provided her with not only unforgettable experiences but also a father figure in her on-screen dad, Michael Landon. Reflecting on those years, she fondly recalls, “I had a great time on the set of Little House on the Prairie. It was a delightful and amazing environment to grow up if you were a child performer.”
Beyond Little House on the Prairie
Despite being forever associated with the character of Laura, Melissa’s Hollywood journey didn’t end with the classic TV series. She went on to star in television films such as The Diary of Anne Frank and The Miracle Worker. Not only did she impress audiences with her performances, but she also served as President of the Screen Actors Guild and even ventured into politics by running for Congress.
Embracing Change and Finding Serenity
In recent years, the now 58-year-old actress ventured away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles to find solace and contemplation in the serene Catskills in New York. However, the transition wasn’t without its challenges. Melissa and her husband had to put in a lot of elbow grease to restore their old house. Recalling the initial state of the house, she explains, “It had no heat, and the plumbing was kind of wonky… as if people had just wrapped up and left the house, and it had sat like that for decades.” But despite these obstacles, she saw the potential for something incredibly special.
Embracing Natural Beauty
Moreover, Melissa recently revealed that she’s tired of fighting against nature and the aging process. Having grown up in an industry that places excessive value on outer appearances, she found herself caught in the cycle of trying to stay eternally young. Over the years, she underwent multiple cosmetic procedures, including Botox, fillers, and breast implant surgeries, in an attempt to defy the normal aging process. However, she eventually realized that these changes weren’t reflective of who she truly was.
A pivotal moment came during a red carpet event, where she looked at herself and didn’t recognize the person staring back at her. It was then that she decided to remove her breast implants in 2015 and embrace a more natural approach to aging. “One of the smartest things I’ve ever done,” she states. “I shaved off all my hair and stopped getting Botox and other cosmetic procedures. I’m enjoying all of the changes, as well as seeing what’s going on and getting to know this new person.”
We wholeheartedly support Melissa Gilbert’s decision to embrace her natural self. At Newsner, we believe that everyone, regardless of age or appearance, should feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. If you’re a fan of Melissa, join us in showing your encouragement on our Facebook page. And don’t forget to share this post if you believe in the power of embracing the aging process with grace and confidence.
