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.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Melissa Sue Anderson reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 27 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Melissa Sue Anderson's filmography leans towards the Drama 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 22% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Melissa Sue Anderson 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 Sue Anderson Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Melissa Sue Anderson's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Melissa Sue Anderson.
| 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".