Introduction
Melissa Gilbert gained timeless fame playing the lead role of Laura Ingalls Wilder in the popular TV series Little House on the Prairie. The actress has since continued to make her mark in the entertainment industry, securing several roles on both the big and small screens and receiving numerous nominations and accolades for her work. Gilbert has amassed a substantial net worth throughout her career, and in this blog post, we unveil her stunning net worth, from her early days on Little House on the Prairie to her current status as Hollywood royalty.
Early Life and Career
Melissa Gilbert was born on May 8, 1964, in Los Angeles, California. She comes from an acting family, with her mother and father, Barbara Crane and Paul Gilbert, both working in the industry. Gilbert started her acting career at a young age, making her debut at only five years old in a commercial for Alpo dog food. She later appeared in several TV shows and movies before landing her breakthrough role on Little House on the Prairie at the age of nine.
Little House on the Prairie and Its Impact
Little House on the Prairie ran for nine seasons from 1974 to 1983 and is considered one of the most beloved TV shows in history. Gilbert played the lead role of Laura Ingalls Wilder, a character based on the author who wrote the books the series is adapted from. The show was an enormous success, making Gilbert and her co-stars huge stars. The show’s success also helped Gilbert secure more lucrative roles, leading to a successful acting career.
Movie Career
After Little House on the Prairie, Gilbert pivoted to the big screen and starred in films like Sylvester (1985), Blood Vows: The Story of a Mafia Wife (1987), and Killer Instinct (1988). However, these films were not as successful as Gilbert’s fans might have hoped. Her movie career faded away in the 1990s.
Broadway Career
Aside from her work on TV and in movies, Gilbert also established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the theater world. Her Broadway credits include The Miracle Worker, Little House on the Prairie: The Musical, and if / Then.
Television Career
Gilbert has continued to thrive on television, appearing in many shows over the years, including Sweet Justice, Batman: The Animated Series, Nip/Tuck, and The Night Shift. In 2012, Gilbert pursued a political career and ran for Congress as a Democrat in Michigan’s 8th Congressional District. Although she lost the race to Republican Mike Bishop, Gilbert learned a lot from the experience.
Writing and Directing Career
Gilbert has also turned to writing, publishing her memoirs, “Prairie Tale,” in 2009. Additionally, she wrote and executive produced two made-for-TV movies for Lifetime and directed several episodes of Little House on the Prairie: The Musical, in which she also played the lead role.
Net Worth and Investments
Melissa Gilbert’s net worth is estimated to be $500,000. While this might seem low for a Hollywood celebrity, it’s important to note that Gilbert, despite being a successful actress, was not the highest paid of her time. It’s also noted that Gilbert was part of the Screen Actor’s Guild, which means she earns residuals and royalties from her work. Additionally, she’s made some wise investments throughout her career, including her purchase of a horse farm in Michigan.
Conclusion
Melissa Gilbert’s stunning net worth is a testament to her talent and hard work throughout her career. From her early days on Little House on the Prairie to her work in theater, television, writing, and directing, Gilbert has proven that she has what it takes to survive and thrive in the entertainment industry.
FAQs
1) Has Melissa Gilbert won any awards for her work?
Yes, Melissa Gilbert has won several awards for her work, including a Young Artist Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a TV Land Award.
2) Was Melissa Gilbert paid well for her work on Little House on the Prairie?
No, Melissa Gilbert was not the highest paid actress of her time, and her salary on Little House on the Prairie was relatively low.
3) Did Melissa Gilbert achieve her dream of becoming a politician?
No, Melissa Gilbert ran for Congress in 2012 but lost the race.
4) What is Melissa Gilbert’s memoir about?
Melissa Gilbert’s memoir, “Prairie Tale,” is about her life growing up as an actress and her experiences working on Little House on the Prairie.
5) What is Melissa Gilbert involved in currently?
Melissa Gilbert is no longer acting, but she continues to work in the entertainment industry and co-hosts a podcast with her husband, Timothy Busfield.