Former Child Star Embraces Natural Aging: Little House Star’s Journey to Authentic Living at 60
Melissa Gilbert’s transformation from Hollywood actress to countryside homesteader reveals the beauty of aging naturally
In an era where cosmetic procedures dominate celebrity culture, one beloved former child star has chosen a dramatically different path. At 60 years old, the iconic actress who captured America’s hearts in “Little House on the Prairie” has embraced natural aging, removing cosmetic enhancements and leaving Hollywood behind for a simpler life in the mountains.
From Hollywood Spotlight to Rural Simplicity
Born into the entertainment industry, Melissa Gilbert began her career as a toddler appearing in commercials before landing her life-changing role as Laura Ingalls Wilder at just nine years old. “Little House on the Prairie” became a cultural phenomenon in the mid-1970s, depicting the challenges and adventures of a nineteenth-century American frontier family.
Her successful career continued well beyond childhood, with Gilbert remaining a fixture in Hollywood for decades. She even competed on “Dancing with the Stars” at 47, demonstrating her enduring appeal. “I had an incredible time growing up,” Gilbert has reflected about her early years in the industry.
Throughout the 1980s, Gilbert was frequently photographed at elite Hollywood events, dating high-profile celebrities including Billy Idol and Rob Lowe. Her personal life made headlines with her marriage to actor-director Bo Brinkman in 1988, with whom she had a son before divorcing in 1994. Shortly after, she married actor Bruce Boxleitner, known for his work in the “Tron” franchise. Their 16-year marriage produced another son before ending in 2011.
Breaking Free from Hollywood Beauty Standards
As Gilbert aged in the unforgiving spotlight of Hollywood, she felt increasing pressure to maintain a youthful appearance. Like many actresses, she turned to breast implants, facial fillers, and regular Botox injections in an attempt to meet industry expectations.
“I looked at myself in the mirror several years back,” Gilbert revealed in a candid interview. “I had overfilled my face and my lips. My forehead didn’t move. I was still dyeing my hair red. I was driving a Mustang convertible. I was a size two in an unhealthy way.”
This moment of clarity was profound. “I looked like a frozen version of my younger self, and that’s not who I was,” she admitted. “I was stuck.”
In 2013, Gilbert made the life-altering decision to leave Los Angeles and the lifestyle that had come to feel increasingly inauthentic. This marked the beginning of a remarkable transformation, not just in her appearance but in her entire approach to living.
Finding Authenticity in Michigan
That same year, Gilbert married actor Timothy Busfield, her third husband and strongest supporter in her journey toward authenticity. The couple deliberately chose to relocate to the Midwest, seeking respite from Hollywood’s constant scrutiny.
“I had to leave Los Angeles to do that – not Hollywood – Los Angeles specifically,” Gilbert explained about her decision to embrace natural aging.
During her five years in Michigan, Gilbert made significant changes. She stopped all cosmetic procedures, removed her breast implants in 2015, and allowed her signature red hair to transition to its natural gray. “In the five years that I was in Michigan, all of that stopped,” she shared. “I focused on being as physically and emotionally healthy as I could.”
While acknowledging that “aging is not for sissies,” Gilbert now views it as “certainly better than the alternative.” Her perspective has shifted dramatically: “Yes, I’m aging, but it’s not a curse — it’s a blessing.”
Creating a Rustic Mountain Retreat
In 2018, Gilbert and Busfield continued their journey toward simplicity by purchasing a rustic cottage on 14 acres in New York’s Catskill Mountains. They affectionately named their new home “The Cabbage” – a far cry from the luxurious Los Angeles properties typically associated with Hollywood stars.
“We bought this place in the winter of 2018,” Gilbert recalled. “It had no heat, and the plumbing was kind of wonky… It was like the people had just wrapped up out of the house and it sat there for decades like that.”
The couple embraced the challenge, spending their first night on a mattress on the floor with only a wood-burning stove for warmth. “I just remember thinking at that moment, ‘This is home. This is going to be our home,'” Gilbert said.
Together, they undertook extensive renovations, including installing a heating system and numerous repairs. Busfield personally scrubbed the ceilings with hydrogen peroxide and Clorox. The project became a labor of love, allowing them to create a space that truly reflected their values.
Embracing Sustainable Farm Living
Gilbert’s life in the Catskills revolves around simplicity and self-sufficiency – a stark contrast to her former Hollywood lifestyle. Her days now follow a natural rhythm, beginning around 7 a.m. with tea and meditation before tending to her chickens.
“It’s not glamorous at all,” she admits with contentment. She collects fresh eggs daily and affectionately refers to her chickens as “the girls.” Her vegetable garden requires regular attention, and there’s always something around the property that needs fixing.
“There’s usually something that goes wrong or is broken and needs to be fixed. And we’ve all got projects to start,” she explained. Evenings consist of showers, home-cooked meals, and relaxing together on the couch.
Instead of spending time in dermatologists’ offices or hair salons, Gilbert now focuses on holistic health. “I just take care of myself. I try to eat as well as I can. I drink a lot of water,” she shared. Her gray hair remains untreated – a physical manifestation of her commitment to authenticity.
Launching Modern Prairie: Empowering Women Through Aging
In 2021, Gilbert channeled her personal transformation into a new venture by co-founding Modern Prairie, a lifestyle brand specifically designed for mature women. Partnering with former Williams Sonoma executive Nicole Haase, Gilbert created a platform where women can celebrate aging naturally, share experiences, and focus on health, wellness, and creativity.
The brand’s mission is to “support one another as we go through all the incredible changes we are experiencing at this phase in our lives, both physically and emotionally.”
Modern Prairie offers products reflecting Gilbert’s current lifestyle alongside workshops, community events, and discussions aimed at empowering women to embrace their authentic selves. The brand also supports causes close to Gilbert’s heart, including pancreatic cancer awareness.
“I finally found my feet as a woman, fully, 100 percent strong in my own knowledge and my own accomplishments,” Gilbert stated proudly.
Growing Deeper in Love and Family
Gilbert frequently attributes much of her successful transformation to her relationship with Busfield. Their move to the Catskills has only strengthened their bond. “I think as I’ve aged, we’ve just fallen more and more in love with one another, which is such an extraordinary gift,” she shared.
“For him, I am much more myself and so much more comfortable in my own skin,” Gilbert explained. Their partnership thrives on mutual respect and a shared appreciation for their quieter rural lifestyle.
Family remains central to Gilbert’s happiness, particularly her role as grandmother. “I have nine extraordinary grandchildren,” she shares with obvious pride. Despite the distance from family members still in Los Angeles, she prioritizes these relationships.
Though embracing country living and natural aging, Gilbert hasn’t abandoned her creative pursuits and continues acting selectively. “It just never ends, and I am thoroughly enjoying my life,” she said.
“I don’t think I’ll ever not have ‘Half Pint’ inside of me,” she added, referencing her beloved “Little House” character. “That little plucky, feisty, fiery girl is still in there and is very much the driver of everything I do. Sometimes she gets me in a little trouble, but she never goes away. I have a youthful spirit, but a wise old brain.”
Her journey from child star to authentic rural living demonstrates that true beauty comes not from fighting aging but from embracing it with grace, wisdom, and joy.