Melissa Gilbert, a renowned American actress and the 26th President of the Screen Actors Guild, proudly embraces the role of grandmother to eight children.
Gilbert embarked on her acting journey as a child actress in the late 1960s and has since enjoyed a prolific career spanning over half a century.
Her repertoire includes notable roles in various movies and television series, notably the iconic NBC series “Little House on the Prairie,” “The Diary of Anne Frank,” and “The Miracle Worker.”
Beyond her acting prowess, Gilbert has also made significant contributions to the entertainment industry by serving as the President of the Screen Actors Guild from 2001 to 2005.
Additionally, she has showcased her talents as an author, penning memoirs, a cookbook, and even a children’s book.
Melissa Gilbert Biography
| Full Name | Melis, sa Ellen Gilbert |
| Date of Birth | May 8, 1964 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Age | 59 years old |
| Occupation | Actress and Author |
| Spouses | Bo Brinkman (m. 1988, div. 1994) Bruce Boxleitner (m. 1995, div. 2011) Timothy Busfield (m. 2013) |
| Children | 2 |
| Grandchildren | 8 |
Melissa Gilbert: Age and Family
Actress Melissa Gilbert was born on May 8, 1964, in Los Angeles, California, United States. As of 2024, Gilbert is living in his late 50s i.e., 59 years of age.
Shortly after her birth, Melissa was adopted by actor and comedian Paul Gilbert and his wife, actress and dancer Barbara Crane. Her biological parents, David Darlington and Kathy Wood, had just become engaged and made the difficult decision to place her for adoption.
Growing up, Melissa shared a close bond with her adopted brother Jonathan, who also appeared alongside her in the beloved series “Little House on the Prairie.”
However, Melissa’s childhood was marked by challenges as her parents divorced when she was just six years old. Her mother, Barbara, remarried attorney Harold Abeles, with whom she had a biological daughter named Sara Rebecca Abeles.
Tragically, Melissa experienced the loss of her father, Paul Gilbert, at the age of 11 when he passed away on February 13, 1976. Despite the family’s trials, Melissa’s career as an actress continued to flourish, leaving a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.
Melissa Gilbert Grandchildren: Husband and Kids
The accomplished American actress Melissa Gilbert has had a dynamic personal life, marked by several marriages.
Her first union was with actor Bo Brinkman in 1988, resulting in the birth of their son Dakota Brinkman on May 1, 1989. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in separation in 1994.
In 1995, Gilbert tied the knot with actor Bruce Boxleitner, welcoming their son Michael Boxleitner on October 6, 1995. Additionally, she embraced the role of stepmother to Boxleitner’s children, Sam and Lee. However, their marriage concluded in 2011.
Following this, Gilbert became engaged to actor Timothy Busfield in January 2013. The couple exchanged vows on April 24, 2013, and initially resided in Howell, Michigan, before relocating to New York City in late 2018. Gilbert embraced her role as stepmother to Busfield’s children, Samuel, Daisy, and Wilson.
They later acquired a cottage in the Catskill Mountains of Upstate New York, where they have been residing.
As of 2024, Gilbert has become a grandmother to eight grandchildren, with names including Rosemary, Ripley, Lulabelle, and Ruby.
Melissa Gilbert Cancer and Health Issues
During her late 30s, Gilbert struggled with addiction to prescribed medication and alcohol, while enduring the grueling demands of filming for “Little House on the Prairie” with a broken back for months.
She underwent surgery to replace a disc and fuse a vertebra in her lower spine, which proved to be a resounding success, leading to a full recovery.
In January 2015, Gilbert underwent the removal of her breast implants for health reasons, which may have been related to concerns about breast cancer. However, Gilbert has not publicly addressed the specifics of the implant removal.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many grandchildren does Melissa Gilbert have?
Melissa Gilbert has eight grandchildren.
How old is Melissa Gilbert?
Actress Melissa Gilbert is 59 years old.
Who is Melissa Gilbert’s current husband?
Melissa Gilbert is currently married to Timothy Busfield.
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