Happy Birthday actor Melissa Gilbert

Born: Melissa Ellen Gilbert
May 8, 1964 in Los Angeles, California, USA

Married to: Timothy Busfield (24 April 2013 – present)

Bruce Boxleitner (1 January 1995 – 2011) (divorced) (1 child)

Bo Brinkman (21 February 1988 – 14 February 1994) (divorced) (1 child)

Quotes:

Thank God I have four sons. The mother/daughter relationship is one of mankind’s great mysteries, and for womankind, it can be hellaciously complicated. My mother and I are quintessential examples of the rewards and frustrations, and the joys and infuriations it can yield.

[About Little House on the Prairie (1974)]: Not a day goes by that I don’t think about it and burst into tears. It’s like stepping through a looking glass. There’s a part of me that’s always going to be Laura. I think every girl has a Laura in them.
It reminds people of what we as humans and Americans are capable of if we do it together. We tend to live in bubbles. … There is very little real sense of community anymore. This show reminds people of that.

[on comparing her co-star’s, Karen Grassle’s, “Caroline Ingalls” character to her own]: Karen’s “Ma” always reminded me of Grace Kelly. My Ma’s a little more feisty, a little more earthy, I’m a redhead. So is Ma in this show. So there’s some fire under those petticoats.

[on what it’s like to be famous]: For months you’ve referred to me as your hero, but it’s easy to be brave when I have you to come home to, and hide behind, and hold on to. I wish you the happiest birthday ever… . Let’s eat!