Melissa Gilbert, best known for her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder in Little House on the Prairie, has been a familiar face in Hollywood since the 1960s. Despite her long-standing career in the entertainment industry, reports suggest her net worth is just $500,000 as of 2024. But how did this happen? Let’s break down her earnings, career trajectory, and financial struggles.
Melissa Gilbert’s Career and Earnings
Breakthrough in Hollywood
Melissa Gilbert began her acting career as a child in the late 1960s, featuring in commercials and guest appearances. Her big break came in 1974 when she was cast in Little House on the Prairie, a role she held until 1983. The show was a massive success, providing her with steady income and widespread recognition.
After the show ended, Gilbert continued working in television, appearing in various made-for-TV films like Without Her Consent and Melissa Gilbert Obituary Identity. She also expanded her career into directing and producing.
Entrepreneurship and Writing
In recent years, Gilbert co-founded Modern Prairie, an e-commerce lifestyle brand focused on women over 50. Inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic, the brand promotes handmade products and community-driven experiences.
Additionally, she has authored several books, including:
- Prairie Tale: A Memoir
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“Return to the Prairie: Embracing Renewal and Rediscovery”
- From My Homestead to Yours: Treasured Recipes and Priceless Memories in My Prairie Cookbook.
- Daisy and Josephine
Her books have contributed to her income while allowing her to share personal stories and insights.
Political Ambitions
In 2016, Gilbert attempted to transition into politics, running for the U.S. Michigan’s 8th Congressional District House of Representatives. However, she withdrew from the race due to health concerns stemming from prior injuries.
Real Estate Investments
Over the years, Gilbert has been involved in real estate. In 2014, she listed her Los Angeles home for $1.195 million. In 2019, she and her husband, Timothy Busfield, purchased a 14-acre property in New York’s Catskill Mountains for $98,000, where they currently reside.
Why Is Melissa Gilbert’s Net Worth Only $500,000?
Several factors have contributed to Gilbert’s relatively low net worth:
1. Tax Issues
Gilbert faced significant tax problems over the years. By 2013, she owed the state of California approximately $112,000. In 2015, reports revealed she owed the IRS $360,551 in unpaid federal income taxes from 2011 to 2013. She eventually entered into an installment agreement to repay her debts.
2. Hiatus from Acting
Health issues forced Gilbert to take a break from acting. In 2012, she suffered a concussion and whiplash during Dancing with the Stars, followed by a severe injury when a balcony collapsed on her. These health setbacks contributed to her financial struggles.
3. Declining TV Residuals
Despite Little House on the Prairie being a beloved classic, Gilbert has mentioned that her residual checks sometimes amount to as little as 20 cents. Unlike modern TV deals, actors from her era did not receive substantial royalties from syndication.
Melissa Gilbert’s Fast Facts
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How much was Melissa Gilbert paid for her role in Little House on the Prairie? She reportedly earned $75,000 per episode at the show’s peak.
- What is Melissa Gilbert doing now? She runs Modern Prairie, a lifestyle brand for women over 50.
- Where does Melissa Gilbert live? She resides in the Catskill Mountains, New York.
- Who is Melissa Gilbert’s husband? She has shared a lifelong bond with Timothy Busfield since their marriage in 2013.
Final Thoughts
Melissa Gilbert’s net worth stands at an estimated $500,000 as of 2024. While her acting career provided substantial earnings in the past, financial setbacks, tax troubles, and a hiatus due to health issues have impacted her current financial standing. However, her recent ventures into entrepreneurship and writing continue to shape her legacy beyond Hollywood.
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