Melissa Sue Anderson, best known for her role as Mary Ingalls in the beloved TV show “Little House on the Prairie,” had big dreams as a teenager. She wanted a big family and a loving husband. While her family didn’t grow as large as she had hoped, she made sure to give her full attention to her children.
As a former child star, Melissa Sue Anderson expressed her desire to have a big family, saying, “I’d like to have four to six kids – I like big families.” She also shared that when it comes to the qualities she looks for in a man, she simply wants someone who is nice and lovable.
Melissa’s journey to find her life partner led her to Frank Sinatra Jr., whom she met while appearing on “The Love Boat” in 1979. However, their relationship was not wild like some might expect. Melissa describes herself as someone who prefers a more settled and grounded life.
It wasn’t until she joined the cast of “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” in 1987 that Melissa met the love of her life, Michael Sloan. He was the executive producer of the show, and they got married three years later. Anderson decided to step back from acting and focus on her family.
Melissa Sue Anderson, now happily married to Michael Sloan, is a proud mother to two children, Griffin and Piper. Her decision to prioritize her family came from a desire to shield her children from the intrusive nature of Hollywood. She didn’t want them to grow up surrounded by the constant attention that came with her fame.
Now that her children are grown and independent, Melissa has returned to acting. Despite her absence from the spotlight, she maintained a low profile and enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom. Both of her children have chosen paths outside of the entertainment industry. Piper works as a Training and Evaluation Programs Specialist, while Griffin is a Law Clerk.
Melissa’s return to acting was partly influenced by her children, who encouraged her to pursue her passion once again. At age 43, she co-starred in the NBC miniseries “10.5: Apocalypse.” This role brought her back into the limelight while allowing her to continue being present for her family, as the show was filmed in Montreal, where they resided at the time.
Throughout her journey, Melissa Sue Anderson has been a devoted mother and wife. She and her husband, Michael Sloan, became Canadian citizens in 2007 after moving to Canada with their family in 2002. In addition to her acting career, Melissa wrote an autobiography titled “The Way I See It: A Look Back At My Life on Little House,” which was published in 2012.
Melissa Sue Anderson’s life after “Little House on the Prairie” has been filled with love, family, and the pursuit of new opportunities. She has navigated the challenges of balancing her career and motherhood, always staying true to her values and dedicating herself to her family. Today, she continues to support her children and remains proud of their accomplishments.
