Remember the heartwarming TV series, Little House on the Prairie? It captured the hearts of a whole generation, taking us on captivating adventures with the Ingalls family during the late 19th century. But have you ever wondered what happened to the talented actors who brought those characters to life? One such actress, Melissa Sue Anderson, who portrayed Mary Ingalls on the show, recently revealed why she decided to step away from Hollywood and embrace a more private life.
Melissa Sue Anderson was born on September 26, 1962, in Berkeley, California. Growing up as a shy girl, she found solace in books rather than climbing trees. However, it became evident that she had a natural talent for performing on stage. Encouraged by one of her dance teachers, Melissa’s parents decided to contact an agent.
Her career as a child actress began with guest roles on popular sitcoms like Bewitched and The Brady Bunch, where she even gave Bobby his first kiss as Millicent. However, her breakthrough came when she landed the role of Mary Ingalls on Little House. Melissa starred in the first seven seasons and made guest appearances in the final season. For her outstanding portrayal, she earned a nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
In a candid interview from her home in Montreal, Melissa shared, “I’m fortunate that they discovered I could act. In the book, Mary’s character wasn’t prominent, but the show gave me a wonderful opportunity.” Being thrust into fame at a young age wasn’t easy for Melissa. She faced curious classmates asking inappropriate questions about her earnings. However, she maintained her composure and gracefully handled such situations.
Contrary to popular belief, the salary of child actors was not as high as expected. Melissa mentioned that a significant portion of her pay went into a trust fund, and she also had to cover costs like agent fees and expenses for her fan club. Despite financial challenges, Melissa’s talent and dedication ensured her success on the show.
Little House on the Prairie created a close-knit cast who truly felt like a family. However, not all relationships were smooth sailing. Melissa Gilbert, who portrayed Laura Ingalls, once expressed her feelings about Melissa Sue Anderson, stating that they didn’t get along off-screen. But those were the challenges that came with growing up in showbiz.
After the end of Little House, Melissa’s career transitioned towards television films like Which Mother is Mine? and Survival of Dana. Although she continued working, she never found a role as high-profile as Mary Ingalls.
Today, Melissa has embraced a quieter life. In the 80s, she briefly dated Frank Sinatra Jr., but she insists it was blown out of proportion and that he was a great friend. In 1990, she married television producer Michael Sloan, and they have two children together. Family became a priority for her, which led to her decision to become a Canadian citizen and relocate to Montreal. Melissa wanted her children to have a sense of identity beyond her fame and to avoid any pressure to become child stars themselves.
While she took a break from show business, Melissa’s passion for acting never faded. She has appeared in small TV and movie roles and even penned a memoir titled The Way I See It: A Look Back at My Life on Little House. At 60 years old, she continues to exude natural beauty and remains a down-to-earth and humble individual.
Melissa Sue Anderson’s journey from Little House to a quiet life proves that true happiness comes from prioritizing the things that matter most. We admire her for her talent, grace, and decision to live life on her own terms. Let’s celebrate her achievements and cherish the memories she created on our screens.
(It’s always fascinating to hear what the stars of our favorite old shows are up to. Let’s share this heartwarming story with all the Little House on the Prairie fans in our lives!)
