Melissa Gilbert, renowned for her role as Laura Ingalls on “Little House on the Prairie,” reveals the complexities of her personal life, including struggles with addiction and tumultuous relationships.
Gilbert’s first marriage to actor Bo Brinkman was marred by his alcohol abuse and infidelity, leading to their divorce in 1994.
Following her marriage to Brinkman, Gilbert married actor Bruce Boxleitner, but their relationship faced challenges, including an emotional affair that prompted them to seek therapy.
Gilbert’s early romance with actor Rob Lowe ended tragically with a miscarriage, further deepening her struggles with alcohol dependency.
In 2015, Gilbert announced her candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives, focusing on healthcare, education, and veteran services, but withdrew in 2016 due to health issues stemming from a spinal injury.
Throughout her career, Gilbert has been an advocate for various causes, including 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren’s healthcare and addiction recovery, and served as president of the Screen Actors Guild from 2001 to 2005.
Gilbert continues to work in the entertainment industry, recently publishing her memoir, “Prairie Tale,” which candidly discusses her life, career, and personal challenges.