Little House on the Prairie's Melissa Gilbert reveals why she left Hollywood despite fame as a child star

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Melissa Gilbert, 60, gained prominence as a child star on the Western series 'Little House on the Prairie' and maintained a steady career into the 1980s and 1990s.

Despite early fame, she felt compelled to leave Hollywood due to the "pressures" she encountered over the years.

Melissa Gilbert speaks out about the pressures of Hollywood

"All of the pressures, I faced all of them. When you live in Los Angeles, it's like living at the mall when you work at the mall," told Melissa Gilbert to People, adding, "Literally, everyone is in the business. When you walk into a restaurant, every head turns to see who walked in."

She expressed, "Everybody's always looking, curious, competing and that's a really difficult thing, especially for a female actor."

Voicing her frustration with the unending cycle of dieting, Gilbert remarked, "It puts a lot of pressure on staying thin and staying young and really it makes it hard to feel comfortable in one's own skin, because [of] the aging process."

The actress went on, "So are you going to age comfortably and happily? Are you going to fight it, be unhealthy, and feel like there's something wrong with you for aging and that you're defective because you've gotten older?"

She further noted, "I had to get out of there [LA] because it felt like I was not being authentically myself."

Melissa Gilbert found peace and health after leaving Hollywood

Melissa Gilbert also talked about how her worries disappeared after she left the Californian city. 

The actress is currently married to actor and director Timothy Busfield. She has two sons, Dakota Brinkman, 35, from her first marriage to Bo Brinkman, and Michael Boxleitner, 28, from her second marriage to Bruce Boxleitner, as per Daily Mail.

Gilbert shared, "In the five years that I was in Michigan, all of that stopped. … I stopped everything and just focused on being as physically and emotionally healthy as I could. And I think that shows, 'Yes, I'm aging, but it's not a curse it's a blessing.'"

She starred in the cherished NBC series 'Little House on the Prairie' from 1974 to 1983, appearing in over 200 episodes. Gilbert also starred in TV movies like 'The Diary of Anne Frank and The Miracle Worker'.

After moving to New York City in 2018, the actress and her husband, Busfield, purchased a cottage in the Catskill Mountains. 

Melissa Gilbert currently runs a lifestyle brand called Modern Prairie

Mellisa Gilbert currently co-owns a lifestyle brand line, Modern Prairie, with Nicole Haase, a specialist in retail and merchandising. The actress also acts as a model for the brand. 

"Crafted in partnership with our incredible artisans, each piece is unique and special, reflecting our vision and their hard work," mentioned the 60-year-old earlier this year.

She added, "From linens to ceramics, aprons to toys, there's something for everyone to bring a smile to your face. Have you checked it out yet? Better mosey on over to the Modern Prairie website because these limited-edition treasures are flying off the shelves!"

In November 2023, a mobile app was launched for the Modern Prairie brand. 

She told People, "Modern Prairie is a place where the modern seasoned woman can connect with other women to share their stories as we walk through all of these huge transitions in our lives." 

Other celebrities who chose an idyllic life over Hollywood

Numerous Hollywood celebrities have opted for the pastoral charm of farm life, each adding their own touch to their countryside havens.

Ellen DeGeneres, famed for her talk show and comedic talent, has a sprawling ranch in Santa Barbara. Here, she dedicates herself to organic farming and rescuing animals, reflecting her dedication to sustainability and the well-being of animals, as per the New York Post.

Likewise, Jessica Alba has invested in a Californian farm, cultivating organic produce and rearing animals, which mirrors her commitment to environmental awareness.

Willie Nelson, the country music icon, has always valued his Texas ranch, combining his farming endeavors with environmental advocacy, harmonizing his musical passion with a dedication to the earth.

Similarly, actor Matthew McConaughey relishes his time on his Texas ranch, where he leads a pastoral life, engages in agricultural pursuits, and champions environmental preservation.

These celebrities underscore a burgeoning movement towards embracing farming as a source of tranquility and meaningful engagement.