‘LHOTP’ Alum, ‘WCTH’ Star Melissa Gilbert’s Empowering Reason She Left LA
Little House On The Prairie alum Melissa Gilbert left Los Angeles for an empowering reason. She found that the City of Angels was not a “safe place.” Moreover, the actress who is guest starring in When Calls The Heart Season 12 as Georgie McGill, someone from Bill Avery’s (Jack Wagner) past, shares where she finds safety and why.
Why did the actress leave?
Melissa Gilbert Left Hollywood So She Could Age Gracefully
Although it has been over a decade since child star Melissa Gilbert has lived in Los Angeles, she still considers it her “hometown.” Moreover, she has shared that “The amount of people I know who have lost everything, and not movies stars and television stars.” However, she admits that she left this place because it was unsafe.
Moving to New York City meant that she no longer had to be concerned about looking younger. She could age naturally and gracefully. Her mindset immediately changed once she moved crosscountry.
I went from ‘Oh God, I better not get older!’ to ‘Oh God, I’m so glad I’m older!
Reflecting on this change, Gilbert added, “I love the age I am right now. Sixty has been the most incredible year, just to look back on all the things I’ve done and to know that I’ve earned my opinions. I have value. I am wise.” Like fellow Hallmark star Andie MacDowell, Melissa has allowed her hair to become gray. She has embraced her age. Moreover, she has created a business that celebrates this era.
She has launched Modern Prairie. This is a clothing and decor business that is “targeted at older women.” These are women like her who are embracing their age with pride.
Politics Is What Broke Up Previous Marriages
Melissa Gilbert is now happily married to Timothy Busfield, best known for his role in Thirtysomething, and The West Wing, married in 2013. She was previously married to Babylon 5, and Gourmet Detective alum, Bruce Boxleitner. Before that, director Bo Brinkman.
Her first two marriages are helping her prepare for her new Broadway role in the play Still. She stars alongside Desperate Housewives alum Mark Moses. They play a couple who meet up after 30 years to see “If they can rekindle this relationship now despite the fact that they are political polar opposites.”
Reflecting on the turmoil she had in her own relationships, she admits that it was easier being single. “I will say that both of those times when I was single again, there was a weight that was lifted and a peace that filled my home because I didn’t have to clamp down on my opinion or not start an argument because I disagreed.”
Melissa Gilbert’s Broadway play Still begins on Thursday, February 6. Melissa will also be guest starring in When Calls The Heart Season 12 in two upcoming episodes.
