Melissa Gilbert gave an interview to Télé Star, available on newsstands on Monday 26 June 2023. The Little House on the Prairie star revealed why she didn’t support Michael Landon’s divorce.
As a child star, Melissa Gilbert rose to world fame with her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder on Little House on the Prairie. Between 1974 and 1983, actress Michael Landon, aka Charles Ingalls, her character’s father, provided the answer. Over the years, the two stars have become very close. In an interview with Télé Star, available on newsstands on Monday, June 26, 2023, she admitted that the actor is more than just a friend to her. “He was a father figure, especially after my father died. So we were very close. But all families have complicated relationships,” she said. Regarding Michael Landon’s personal life, the actress said: “When he divorced and remarried it was very difficult for me as I was also friends with his children Leslie and Michael Jr. He had to move away from us to start his new life and we lost touch.
When the two stars moved away, they found themselves in the early 1990s. “We met when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I saw him a week before he disappeared (1991, editor’s note) and everything was fine between us. Water had already flowed under the bridges,” she declared, before slipping: “I want him to be with us today, to be the voice of reason, tolerance and love.” Because the United States urgently needs it need!” Despite the passage of time Melissa Gilbert assured to have kept in touch with his former partners of the series. She said: “As regularly as possible, at least by email. We try to see each other as soon as possible. Next year we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first season of La Petite Maison on the lawn.”
Melissa Gilbert: Why Michael Landon means so much to her. ?
In 1975, the actress’ father committed suicide when she was only eleven years old. SO, Michael Landon quickly took him under his wing. As soon as she can, Melissa Gilbert doesn’t hesitate to pay tribute to her friend. In July 2022, on the 31st anniversary of Michael Landon’s death, she shared in an essay published by PanCAN, a charity: “Today is my mentor, my playmate, my favorite director, I miss my father figure, my boyfriend and my boss. Today.” I miss my father. Today I miss Michael Landon (…) He was my mentor and one of the biggest influences in my life.“
You can find a full interview in your Télé Star this Monday 26 June.