Why Melissa Gilbert Left Hollywood Behind

In the glittering universe of Hollywood, achieving stardom is the ultimate dream. However, when this dream is realized early in life, its reality is not always as enchanting as it seems. Especially for child actors, the premature encounter with fame can also be the kind of story that holds a dual effect, offering both rewards and challenges. There's no better example of this than Melissa Gilbert. Her life shows us that fame coming at an early age is truly a two-sided affair. Melissa Gilbert, who captured the hearts of everyone as Laura Ingalls in the popular show, Little House on the Prairie, has had quite a roller-coaster journey, ranging from fame to obscurity. Let's go further into Melissa's life story, and understand the profound reasons that led her to step away from the shiny glare of Hollywood.

A Star Is Born

Melissa Ellen Gilbert made her entrance into the world on May 8, 1964, in the bustling city of Los Angeles, California. Her life began in an unexpected way-when she was only one day old, she was given up for adoption by her biological parents, Kathy Wood and David Darlington.

Image via @melissagilbertofficial/IG

Though she was not born into a family of entertainers, life had a unique path for her. She was adopted by a renowned actor and comedian named Paul Gilbert, and his wife, an accomplished actor and dancer named Barbara Crane. The world wouldn't have guessed that their little girl was destined to be a shining star in the world of entertainment.

Early Years

As is frequently the case in the world of entertainment, Melissa Gilbert was already knee-deep in the glamour and grind from an incredibly young age. At the tender age of three, she landed her first role in the cinematic world in the 1967 movie titled The Reluctant Astronaut. Alongside this, she also diversified her portfolio by starring in a variety of television ads, including a memorable one promoting a canine food brand.

Screenshot from "Little House on the Prairie"

In the year 1973, Gilbert landed her major role that would basically steer her future path. Among an overwhelming crowd of over 500 young hopefuls vying for the same part, she was chosen to be Laura Ingalls, the central character in the widely acclaimed American Western drama series called Little House on the Prairie. Little did she know at that time how significantly this job would influence her life later on.

Big Break

When she was only eight years old, her parents Paul Gilbert and Barbara Crane decided to end their marriage and got divorced. Some time after their split, Barbara found love again with a man named Harold Abeles, who worked as a lawyer. Together, they had a daughter named Sara Rebecca Abeles. However, in the entertainment world, everyone knows her as Sara Gilbert.

Screenshot from "Little House on the Prairie"

Sara surely had an impactful career in her own respects, but it was her sister Melissa who stepped into the limelight first. Melissa was cast as the cheerful, adorably buck-toothed, nine-year-old middle Ingalls child. Thus, Melissa transformed into the character Laura, in which she shared screen with the seasoned actor, Michael Landon. Landon was portraying Laura's father, Charles Ingalls. This was merely the kickoff of Melissa Gilbert's crazy, fascinating adventure into stardom.

Growing Up Fast

This was her golden opportunity, and it came even before she stepped foot into middle school. Alongside the usual challenges and hurdles that being a child actor posed, tumult in her personal life at such an early age added to her struggles.

Image via @melissagilbertofficial/IG

On February 13, 1976, during the peak popularity of Little House on the Prairie, Paul Gilbert, her adoptive father, tragically took his own life. At that moment, she was led to believe that he had had a stroke.