Melissa Gilbert, beloved for her role as Laura Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie, has embarked on a new chapter in her life, leaving behind the glitz of Hollywood for a simpler, more authentic existence in New York City. At 60, the actress is embracing her age, her wisdom, and a new way of living, sharing her journey with humor, insight, and a touch of nostalgia.
Leaving Hollywood Behind: “Anti-Aging Means Dead”
Melissa Gilbert made the life-changing decision to leave Los Angeles in 2013, feeling it was no longer a supportive environment for aging gracefully. In an exclusive interview with Page Six, Gilbert revealed, “I just didn’t feel like that was a safe place for me to age. It’s so anti-aging, which is one of my least favorite expressions in the world. Anti-aging means dead.”
Living in California came with pressures to conform to an ideal of perpetual youth, a standard that felt increasingly unattainable and unnecessary. “I felt pressured to not get any older and stay a size 2 or 4 or whatever I was at that time,” she admitted. The relentless focus on appearances left her yearning for an environment where aging wasn’t vilified.
After her move to New York City, Gilbert experienced a profound mental shift. “I went from, ‘Oh God, I better not get older!’ to ‘Oh God, I’m so glad I’m older!’” she shared. For Gilbert, 60 has become a year of reflection and celebration—a time to honor her achievements and embrace the wisdom and confidence that come with age.
New York City: A Place to Thrive
Settling into Manhattan’s Upper West Side with her husband, actor Timothy Busfield, Gilbert found a community and lifestyle that felt aligned with her values. In New York, she discovered a renewed sense of purpose and joy. “I love the age I am right now,” she said. “Sixty has been the most incredible year. I’ve earned my opinions, I have value, I am wise.”
While she’s thriving in her new city, Gilbert still carries a deep affection for her hometown of Los Angeles, especially in times of crisis. Reflecting on the recent Pacific Palisades wildfires, she said, “I did not realize the depth of love that I have for my hometown until the wildfires. The amount of people I know who have lost everything—it’s devastating.”
Despite her connection to LA, Gilbert is clear that leaving was the right choice for her. New York has given her the freedom to focus on what truly matters: her personal growth, her marriage, and her career.
Channeling Real Life Into Art
Gilbert’s personal experiences are also fueling her professional endeavors. She’s set to star in the off-Broadway play Still alongside Mark Moses. The play explores the challenges of a couple trying to reconnect after 30 years, despite their stark political differences—a narrative Gilbert can relate to.
Drawing from her own life, she reflected on her previous marriages to Bo Brinkman and Bruce Boxleitner, noting the strain political disagreements placed on those relationships. “Both of those times when I was single again, there was a weight that was lifted and a peace that filled my home,” she said.
This ability to draw from real life has added depth to her portrayal of complex characters. With Still, Gilbert is diving into a role that mirrors her personal journey of navigating relationships and finding peace in authenticity.
What’s Next for Melissa Gilbert?
In addition to her theatrical pursuits, Gilbert has a packed schedule. She’s returning to television with a role in the Hallmark series When Calls the Heart, and she’s growing her lifestyle brand, Modern Prairie, which offers apparel and home decor tailored to older women.
Modern Prairie reflects Gilbert’s mission to celebrate aging and empower women in their later years. “It’s about embracing who we are at this stage in life,” she said. With a focus on authenticity and connection, the brand aims to challenge stereotypes about aging and inspire women to live fully and boldly.
As Gilbert prepares for her next chapter, she’s proving that life at 60 is just the beginning. From her inspiring career moves to her refreshing perspective on aging, Melissa Gilbert continues to be a role model for women everywhere.
Catch Melissa Gilbert in Still starting February 6, 2025, and stay tuned for her upcoming projects that promise to inspire and entertain.
