Little House on the Prairie's Melissa Gilbert, author of "Back to the Prairie"

In conversation with WAMC Northeast Public Radio's Joe Donahue.
University at Albany, November 30, 2022
Melissa Gilbert endeared herself to America as Laura Ingalls on the classic TV show, "Little House on the Prairie" (1974-1983). She starred subsequently in numerous made-for-TV movies and served two terms as president of the Screen Actors Guild (2001-2005). In 2018, she and her husband Timothy Busfield moved to a rustic cottage on 14 acres in the Catskills, where they grow their own food and raise chickens. With self-deprecating humor, she recounts her quest to lead a simpler life- with all of its unexpected mishaps and challenges- in the new book, Back to the Prairie: A Home Remade, A Life Rediscovered (2022). Publishers Weekly called the book, “utterly entertaining.”

[@barbaramerchant9822]

I'm 70 yrs old and have loved Melissa from the first Pilot. Just sending her hugs. Plus, You are a wonderful interviewer. And, yes I am aging Gratefully also.

[@MelissaYTR]

Thoroughly enjoyed this interview. Melissa Gilbert is such an inspiration. I love listening to her voice - it’s still the same ❤

[@MindfulLivingMatters]

Great interview! She’s very likable, quick-witted, and so well-spoken. And she seems down to earth and well-grounded. Sure do love Little House! Amazing how it helped shape the cast members lives, as well the lives as all of those who watched. Grateful to Michael Landon and the cast and crew for crewing so a wholesome and enjoyable show. 🙏😊

[@Marshal740]

She still has her beautiful smile and her sweet childish voice !...lovely woman

[@marymoriarity2555]

This was a great interview with Melissa Gilbert

[@elainefaubert332]

This was a great interview with great stories! 👍👏🙏🏻🌲🦃☃️

[@kimberlybrown3201]

Loved the show, I did see Melissa as "Ma" in the musical. I am a Michigander and would have loved to have met her. Loved the interview and she is inspiring, I want to move forward to age gratefully and I loved that she has no axes to grind. I think that is commendable for anyone, another reason why she was a hero to me in my childhood and and I still want to be her now.

[@eslei7913]

Melissa dresses like she is still in THE LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE she was such a great character in the all the series
My favorite was the beginning of the series n wen she met Almonzo loved the series n Michael Landon

[@MeMyselfandI25]

She sees her brother, Jonathan now?!? I know for years he would not see her. I’m glad to hear they reconciled.

[@jholly5747]

I was six years old when Little House on the Prairie aired in 1974. It was my favourite show of all time. I had no idea that Melissa Gilbert‘s brother played Willie. I always wondered what happened to Willie. You always heard about the other stars from the show later in life, but never will.
I may have to go find Melissa‘s book and her memoirs. She is a very interesting lady now and I love her her interview on this episode.

[@fbueller]

Love this long form interview!

[@hennesseyme9112]

The interviewer did a wonderful job and he has a fun personality.

[@steelpaine9932]

Awesome interview, love Melissa Gilbert. My childhood.

[@Dingdongwitchisdead]

I was 2 when little house aired so by time I was five it was still on the air and some of my earliest memories of tv. I guess you could say Laura was a first crush. Even being 10 when the last episode aired it immediately got picked up for syndication and I continued watching it all the way through high school. I don’t think there was a boy at the time that didn’t secretly want to marry Melissa Gilbert.

[@nancymacdonald8968]

What a wonderful interview...she is the real deal

[@Lori-sn6ws]

Fabulous interview.

[@debbiec6216]

I watched all their the TV shows of Little House on the Prairie , including Repeat.
I bought all the Little House Books , read them in the early 1980's . I even watched the 2 hour ( last ) Movie .
And years later , named my Daughter After "Laura" Ingalls .
I was really Obsessed for the TV shows, Movie, etcc.

[@Staceology]

She is adorable. Love the boots!😊

[@suemaxwell-e8b]

I'm 68 lady & watched little house all the time. Loved it. Melissa is so well spoken. Is there an address to send her a gift?

[@katherinekibbe4254]

I would love to try theater. I wish my town had something like that that we could audition or work for.

[@fz1224]

Thank you for this video, more from the Little House on the Prairie Stars please, greetings from Germany

[@giordanotirelli6028]

Happy birthday melissa from italian boy live in rome

[@renatewoerner3298]

Call me weird but I watch Little House on the Prairie at least twice a year lol

[@lee-lee2418]

I like Victor French in Get Smart as Agent 44 !! 😊

[@artsahobby123]

Let's hope America's Untold Stories does a deep dive on her grandfather.

[@bluefidle]

What a wonderful person and actress. Where does she live now?

[@jholly5747]

Melissa Gilbert mentioned in the interview that she now lives in Michigan with her husband

[@angelacarbon4010]

She lives in Sullivan County, NY. She bought land there in 2019.

[@chips1a]

In real life she may be 50 plus and will age, but in everyone's mind and heart she will be 9 year old half pint.

[@giordanotirelli6028]

Today melissa 59 years

[@pabloperez7942]

What did the kid answer when the host asked if he liked that episode?

[@nivesfior7092]

Traduzione grazie

[@maxpower1337]

31:57

[@stacystoltz8722]

❤📺👋🥳🎂🎵

[@philipjones2308]

Can you whistle through your fingers.
If yes which fingers?

[@csrothlisberger852]

The big "I"

[@lee-lee2418]

Ya, I wasted my time on the first book - I thot it was going to be more about the show, but it was definitely more about after the Prarie life...