Remember Laura Ingalls, the sweet and spunky girl from “Little House on the Prairie”? That was Melissa Gilbert! She played Laura for many years on TV, and lots of people loved watching her grow up on the show. But where is Melissa Gilbert now?
After being a famous actress in Hollywood, Melissa decided she wanted a quieter life. She moved away from the bright lights and busy streets to a place where she could relax and enjoy nature. Let’s find out where she is now and what she’s been up to!
Where Does Melissa Gilbert Live Now? A Journey from Hollywood to the Catskills
Melissa Gilbert has had quite the journey when it comes to her living situation. She’s gone from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood to a peaceful retreat in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Let’s take a closer look at her path:
Early Life and Hollywood Years
Melissa Gilbert was born in Los Angeles, California, and adopted into a family with strong ties to the entertainment industry. It’s no surprise that she started acting at a very young age!
- A Child Star: She landed the role of Laura Ingalls in “Little House on the Prairie” when she was just nine years old.
- Growing Up in Hollywood: Imagine spending your childhood on a TV set! That’s what Melissa did. She lived in Los Angeles and worked on the show for almost ten years.
Michigan: A New Beginning with Timothy Busfield
After “Little House on the Prairie” ended, Melissa continued acting, but she also started a family. She got married and had a son. Later, she married actor Timothy Busfield, and they decided to leave Hollywood behind.
- Moving to Michigan: In 2013, Melissa and Timothy moved to Howell, Michigan. This was a big change from busy Hollywood! Howell is a small town where Timothy grew up.
- Enjoying a Simpler Life: In Michigan, Melissa enjoyed spending time with her family, being outdoors, and getting involved in the local community.
Where Does Melissa Gilbert Live Now? Settling in the Catskills
After a few years in Michigan, Melissa and Timothy decided to move again. This time, they chose a place that offered both peace and quiet and easy access to New York City.
- A Charming Cottage in the Catskills: In 2019, they bought a cozy cottage in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Melissa calls it “The Cabbage,” a funny combination of the words “cabin” and “cottage.”
- Embracing Nature: Their home is surrounded by trees and close to a beautiful lake. Melissa loves being able to go for walks in the woods and enjoy the fresh air.
Why the Catskills?
The Catskills seem like the perfect fit for Melissa Gilbert. Here’s why:
- Escape from City Life: The Catskills are a peaceful escape from the noise and crowds of New York City, which is only a couple of hours away.
- Connection to Nature: Melissa has always loved being outdoors, and the Catskills provide plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and simply enjoying the beauty of nature.
- A Sense of Community: Even though it’s a rural area, the Catskills have a strong sense of community. Melissa has talked about how welcoming and friendly her neighbors are.
| Location | Time Period | Reasons for Living There |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | Childhood | Born and raised there; worked on “Little House on the Prairie” |
| Howell, MI | 2013-2018 | Moved with husband Timothy Busfield; enjoyed a quieter life and community involvement |
| Catskills, NY | 2019-Present | Escape from city life; connection to nature; strong sense of community; peaceful environment |
A Glimpse into Melissa Gilbert’s Catskills Life
Melissa Gilbert’s life in the Catskills is a far cry from her Hollywood days. She has embraced a simpler lifestyle, focusing on things that bring her joy and peace.
Renovating “The Cabbage”
When Melissa and Timothy bought their Catskills cottage, it needed some work. They had fun fixing it up and making it their own.
- Creating a Cozy Retreat: They wanted a comfortable and inviting home where they could relax and spend time together.
- Adding Personal Touches: Melissa enjoys decorating and adding her own personal style to their home.
Finding New Passions
Living in the Catskills has given Melissa the chance to explore new interests and hobbies.
- Gardening: She has discovered a love of gardening and enjoys growing her own vegetables and flowers.
- Cooking: Melissa likes to cook healthy and delicious meals using fresh ingredients from her garden.
- Writing: She continues to write and has published several books, including her autobiography, “Prairie Tale.”
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Renovating | Fixing up their Catskills cottage to create a comfortable and personalized home. |
| Gardening | Growing vegetables and flowers, enjoying the process of nurturing plants and connecting with nature. |
| Cooking | Preparing healthy meals using fresh ingredients, often from her own garden. |
| Writing | Continuing her writing career, working on books and other projects. |
Melissa Gilbert Today: Happiness in the Catskills
It seems that Melissa Gilbert has truly found happiness in her Catskills home. She is enjoying a peaceful life surrounded by nature, pursuing her passions, and spending quality time with her family. Though she’s best known for her role as Laura Ingalls, her life today is all about creating her own happy ending.
A Life Away from the Spotlight
While Melissa is still recognized for her acting career, she appreciates the privacy and anonymity that her Catskills life provides. She can go to the local store or take a walk in the woods without being constantly in the spotlight.
Appreciating the Simple Things
Melissa has spoken about how much she values the simple things in life now: spending time with her husband, taking care of her home, and enjoying the beauty of her surroundings. She has found a sense of contentment and peace that she didn’t always have in Hollywood.
Staying Connected to Her Fans
Even though she’s stepped away from the Hollywood scene, Melissa stays connected with her fans through social media and occasional public appearances. She shares glimpses of her life in the Catskills and expresses her gratitude for the continued support of her fans.
FAQs
Where did Melissa Gilbert live before moving to the Catskills?
Before moving to the Catskills, Melissa Gilbert lived in Howell, Michigan, with her husband, Timothy Busfield.
Why did Melissa Gilbert leave Hollywood?
Melissa Gilbert left Hollywood to pursue a quieter and more private life away from the constant attention and pressure of the entertainment industry.
What is Melissa Gilbert doing now?
Melissa Gilbert is currently enjoying a peaceful life in the Catskills. She spends her time gardening, cooking, writing, and enjoying nature.
Does Melissa Gilbert still act?
While Melissa Gilbert is not actively pursuing acting roles like she used to, she occasionally takes on projects that interest her.
Is Melissa Gilbert happy in the Catskills?
By all accounts, Melissa Gilbert seems very happy in her Catskills home. She has spoken about finding peace, contentment, and a strong sense of community in her new life.