Melissa Sue Anderson
ActingAbout Melissa Sue Anderson
Melissa Sue Anderson (born September 26, 1962) is an American actress. She played the role of Mary Ingalls on the NBC television series Little House on the Prairie. She starred on the show from 1974 until 1981, leaving after Season 7, but later appeared in 2 episodes of Season 8 in late 1981. She won an Emmy Award for her performance in Which Mother Is Mine? (1979). One of her more recent performances was as First Lady Megan Hollister in the 2006 television mini-series 10.5: Apocalypse.
Melissa Sue Anderson Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Melissa Sue Anderson reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 27 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Melissa Sue Anderson's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 22% of Melissa Sue Anderson's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Little House on the Prairie: A Merry Ingalls Christmas, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Melissa Sue Anderson Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Melissa Sue Anderson's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Melissa Sue Anderson has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | The Con Is On | Guest Two | Flop | Similar → |
| 2014 | Little House on the Prairie: A Merry Ingalls Christmas | Mary Ingalls | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2008 | While She Was Out | Cassie (voice) (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 2006 | Crazy Eights | Hospital Patient (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2002 | NBC 75th Anniversary Special | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 2000 | Thin Ice | Tanya Ferguson | Flop | Similar → |
| 1998 | Earthquake in New York | Dr. Marilyn Blake | Average | Similar → |
| 1990 | Dead Men Don't Die | Dulcie Niles | Flop | Similar → |
| 1989 | The Return of Sam McCloud | Colleen McCloud | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | Memories of Manon | Yvette Marcel | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | Far North | Nurse | Average | Similar → |
| 1988 | The Suicide Club | Laura Donovan | Flop | Similar → |
| 1986 | Dark Mansions | Noelle Drake | Flop | Similar → |
| 1984 | Chattanooga Choo Choo | Jennie | Flop | Similar → |
| 1984 | Killing Machine | Kukki | Flop | Similar → |
| 1983 | First Affair | Toby King | Flop | Similar → |
| 1982 | An Innocent Love | Molly Rush | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | Hollywood’s Children | Self (archive footage) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1981 | Advice to the Lovelorn | Maureen Tyler | Flop | Similar → |
| 1981 | Happy Birthday to Me | Virginia Wainwright | Average | Similar → |
| 1981 | Midnight Offerings | Vivian Sotherland | Average | Similar → |
| 1979 | The Little House Years | Mary Ingalls | Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | The Survival of Dana | Dana Lee | Flop | Similar → |
| 1978 | A Different Approach | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1977 | James at 15 | Lacey Stevens | Flop | Similar → |
| 1976 | The Loneliest Runner | Nancy Rizzi | Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | Little House on the Prairie | Mary Ingalls | Super Hit | Similar → |
Melissa Sue Anderson - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Melissa Sue Anderson?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Melissa Sue Anderson is "Little House on the Prairie: A Merry Ingalls Christmas" with a rating of 8.4/10.
How many movies has Melissa Sue Anderson acted in?
Melissa Sue Anderson has been featured in at least 27 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Melissa Sue Anderson?
Other notable films include "Memories of Manon", "An Innocent Love", and "Little House on the Prairie".