Melissa Gilbert left Los Angeles for a simple cottage life in the Catskills

Melissa Gilbert, famous for portraying Laura Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie, was born on May 8, 1964, in Los Angeles, California. Given up for adoption, she found a loving home with actor Paul Gilbert and actress Barbara Crane. Before Little House, she appeared in commercials and minor film roles.

Reflecting on her time on the show, Melissa recalls the fun with the cast and crew, developing an affinity for farm life. Now, with husband Timothy Busfield, they planned a rural life in New York, inspired by her love for it. Despite pandemic disruptions, they transformed a Catskills cabin into their cozy home, overcoming challenges like rodent infestation and mildew. Melissa, also a writer, shared her industry experiences in Prairie Tale: A Memoir. Today, she and Timothy enjoy their picturesque days in the Catskills cabin, embracing their love for rural living.