Melissa Gilbert - Actor Profile

Melissa Gilbert

Acting
Freshness: Jan 19, 2026
50Total Films
8.4 Highest Rated
Born: May 8, 1964
Birth Place: Los Angeles, California, USA

About Melissa Gilbert

Melissa Ellen Gilbert (born May 8, 1964) is an American actress, writer, and producer, primarily in movies and television. Gilbert is best known as a child actress who co-starred as Charles Ingalls's (played by Michael Landon) second daughter, Laura Ingalls Wilder, on the dramatic television series Little House on the Prairie (1974–1984). As an adult, she has a very long list of acting, voicework, writing, producing, and directing credits. Melissa also served two terms as President of the Screen Actors Guild. On June 9, 2009, her autobiography Prairie Tale: A Memoir was released.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Melissa Gilbert reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: TV Movie

The majority of Melissa Gilbert's filmography leans towards the TV Movie genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 28% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Melissa Gilbert remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Little House on the Prairie: A Merry Ingalls Christmas, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Melissa Gilbert Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Melissa Gilbert's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Melissa Gilbert.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2020 When We Last Spoke Ruby Hit Similar →
2018 Hometown Christmas Mary Russell Average Similar →
2014 Little House on the Prairie: A Merry Ingalls Christmas Laura Ingalls Super Hit Similar →
2011 The Christmas Pageant Vera Parks Average Similar →
2007 Safe Harbour Ophelia MacKenzie Flop Similar →
2007 Sacrifices of the Heart Kate Weston / Anne Weston Average Similar →
2005 Thicker Than Water Natalie Travers Average Similar →
2004 Heart of the Storm Cassie Broadbeck Average Similar →
2003 Hollywood Wives: The New Generation Taylor Singer Flop Similar →
2001 Sanctuary Jo Ellen Hathaway Flop Similar →
2000 Lisa Picard Is Famous Melissa Gilbert Flop Similar →
1999 Switched at Birth Sarah Barlow Hit Similar →
1999 The Soul Collector Rebecca Hit Similar →
1999 Murder at 75 Birch Gwen Todson Average Similar →
1998 Her Own Rules Meredith Sanders Flop Similar →
1997 Danielle Steel's Zoya Zoya Ossipov Flop Similar →
1997 Childhood Sweetheart? Karen Carlson Flop Similar →
1997 Seduction in a Small Town Sarah Jenks Average Similar →
1996 A Holiday for Love Emma Murphy Average Similar →
1994 Cries from the Heart Karen Flop Similar →
1994 Against Her Will: The Carrie Buck Story Melissa Prentice Average Similar →
1994 The Babymaker: The Dr. Cecil Jacobson Story Mary Bennett Flop Similar →
1993 Shattered Trust: The Shari Karney Story Shari Karney Flop Similar →
1993 Dying to Remember Lynn Matthews Flop Similar →
1993 With Hostile Intent Miranda Berkley Average Similar →
1993 Family of Strangers Julie Average Similar →
1992 With a Vengeance Gena King Hit Similar →
1990 The Lookalike Gina / Jennifer Flop Similar →
1990 Donor Dr. Kristine Lipton Flop Similar →
1990 Joshua's Heart Claudia Average Similar →
1990 Forbidden Nights Judith Shapiro Average Similar →
1990 Without Her Consent Emily Briggs Flop Similar →
1988 Killer Instinct Dr. Lisa DaVito Average Similar →
1987 Blood Vows: The Story of a Mafia Wife Marian Hit Similar →
1986 Choices Terry Granger Hit Similar →
1985 Sylvester Charlene "Charlie" Railsberg Flop Similar →
1984 Family Secrets Sara Calloway Flop Similar →
1984 Little House: The Last Farewell Laura Ingalls Wilder Hit Similar →
1983 Little House: Bless All the Dear Children Laura Ingalls Wilder Flop Similar →
1983 Little House: Look Back to Yesterday Laura Ingalls Wilder Hit Similar →
1983 Choices of the Heart Jean Donovan Average Similar →
1982 Night of 100 Stars Self Hit Similar →
1981 Splendor in the Grass Wilma Dean "Deanie" Loomis Average Similar →
1980 The Diary of Anne Frank Anne Frank Average Similar →
1979 The Little House Years Laura Ingalls Hit Similar →
1979 The Miracle Worker Helen Keller Hit Similar →
1977 Christmas Miracle in Caufield, U.S.A. Kelly Flop Similar →
1974 Little House on the Prairie Laura Ingalls Super Hit Similar →
1968 The Dean Martin Christmas Show Girl on Santa's Lap (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1967 The Reluctant Astronaut Niece Average Similar →

Melissa Gilbert - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Melissa Gilbert?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Melissa Gilbert is "Little House on the Prairie: A Merry Ingalls Christmas" with a rating of 8.4/10.

How many movies has Melissa Gilbert acted in?

Melissa Gilbert has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Melissa Gilbert?

Other notable films include "Little House on the Prairie", "The Dean Martin Christmas Show", and "Blood Vows: The Story of a Mafia Wife".