Melissa Gilbert, beloved for her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder on Little House on the Prairie, made a life-changing decision to leave Los Angeles, reshaping her life in the process.
The former child star, who captured hearts across America, became a staple of Hollywood in the 1980s, famously dating celebrities like Rob Lowe and Billy Idol. At 47, she showcased her talent on Dancing with the Stars. However, over time, Gilbert realized that the constant pressure to maintain a youthful appearance was consuming her.
Now 60, Gilbert has embraced a more authentic version of herself and founded Modern Prairie, a lifestyle brand focused on empowering women as they age.
Reflecting on her transformation, Gilbert shared with Fox News Digital, “I looked in the mirror years ago and didn’t recognize myself. My face and lips were overfilled, my forehead was frozen, and I was still dyeing my hair red. I was a size two, but not in a healthy way. I looked like a frozen version of my younger self. That wasn’t who I was anymore.”
Feeling “stuck” in a cycle of self-criticism, Gilbert knew it was time for a change. She and her husband, actor Timothy Busfield, left Los Angeles in 2013 and moved to Michigan, where they spent five transformative years.
“I stopped coloring my hair, removed my breast implants, and focused on becoming the healthiest, most authentic version of myself,” Gilbert explained. “That decision changed everything. I finally felt grounded, confident, and free. And an unexpected bonus? I gained back time—no more sitting in front of mirrors or in dermatologists’ and hairstylists’ chairs.”
She credited her husband for his unwavering support. “Tim has been incredible,” she said. “As I’ve aged, we’ve fallen more in love. I think that’s because I’m more myself—comfortable in my skin and fully embracing this stage of life.”
In 2019, the couple purchased a rustic cottage on 14 acres in New York’s Catskill Mountains. For Gilbert, life today is peaceful and fulfilling. “Aging isn’t easy—my ankles ache in the morning, and my skin’s drier—but it’s far better than the alternative. I’ve never felt more at home in my body or more creatively fulfilled.”
Gilbert, now a grandmother to nine, dedicates much of her time to Modern Prairie, which she describes as a supportive community for women navigating the physical and emotional changes of aging.
The brand will soon launch a collection in honor of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month this November, with proceeds supporting the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). This cause holds deep personal meaning for Gilbert, whose Little House on the Prairie co-star Michael Landon and longtime friend Patrick Swayze both passed away from pancreatic cancer.
Beyond her advocacy, Gilbert continues to act, recently joining the cast of Hallmark’s When Calls the Heart and working on a Lifetime project in development. Despite her many roles, she says her iconic “Half Pint” character remains a part of her. “That feisty, spirited girl still drives everything I do. She gets me into a little trouble sometimes, but she keeps life exciting.”
From her journey of self-rediscovery to her commitment to advocacy and creativity, Melissa Gilbert proves that life after Hollywood can be just as fulfilling—and inspiring. “I love this phase of my life,” she said. “It’s remarkable, and I’m embracing every moment.”
