Melissa Gilbert, best known for her iconic role as Laura Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie, has embraced a new phase of life—one that prioritizes authenticity over Hollywood’s relentless pursuit of youth. Now 60, the actress has swapped Los Angeles for New York City, choosing a lifestyle that celebrates experience, wisdom, and personal growth. With humor, honesty, and a fresh perspective, Gilbert is sharing her journey and inspiring others to embrace aging on their own terms.
Breaking Free From Hollywood: “Aging Is a Privilege”
In 2013, Gilbert made the bold decision to leave Los Angeles, feeling that the city’s culture didn’t support women aging naturally. In an interview with Page Six, she explained, “I just didn’t feel like that was a safe place for me to grow older. The industry is so focused on anti-aging, which is one of the most ridiculous terms. Anti-aging means not living.”
The pressure to maintain an unrealistic standard of youthfulness became overwhelming. “I constantly felt like I had to stay a size 2 or 4, keep everything looking young, and defy nature,” she admitted. Over time, this expectation felt exhausting and unnecessary.
After relocating to New York City, Gilbert experienced a shift in mindset. “I went from dreading getting older to being grateful for it,” she said. At 60, she sees aging as something to embrace rather than fear. “This year has been one of the best. I’ve worked hard to be where I am, and I’m proud of the wisdom and confidence I’ve gained.”
Finding Fulfillment in New York City
Now settled in Manhattan’s Upper West Side with her husband, actor Timothy Busfield, Gilbert has found a sense of community and purpose that aligns with her values. “I love the age I am right now,” she shared. “Sixty has been incredible. I’ve earned my voice, my opinions, and my place in the world.”
Though she’s thriving in New York, Gilbert’s affection for Los Angeles remains strong, particularly in times of crisis. Reflecting on the recent wildfires in Pacific Palisades, she said, “I didn’t fully realize how much I love my hometown until the fires. So many friends lost everything—it’s heartbreaking.”
Despite this deep connection, Gilbert has no regrets about her move. Leaving Hollywood has allowed her to focus on what truly matters—her personal well-being, her marriage, and her creative passions.
Bringing Real Life to the Stage
Gilbert’s personal journey is also influencing her work. She’s set to star in the off-Broadway play Still alongside Mark Moses. The play explores the struggles of a couple trying to reconnect after decades apart, despite opposing political views—a theme that resonates with Gilbert’s own life experiences.
Reflecting on her past marriages to Bo Brinkman and Bruce Boxleitner, she acknowledged how political differences contributed to those relationships ending. “Both times I found myself single again, I felt this incredible weight lift and a sense of peace return,” she said.
This ability to draw from real-life struggles has only deepened her connection to the roles she takes on. With Still, Gilbert is diving into a character whose emotional journey mirrors her own evolution—one of growth, acceptance, and self-discovery.
What’s Next for Melissa Gilbert?
Beyond her work in theater, Gilbert has a full plate. She’s set to appear in Hallmark’s When Calls the Heart and is expanding her lifestyle brand, Modern Prairie, which offers clothing and home decor designed for women in their later years.
Modern Prairie is a reflection of Gilbert’s mission to celebrate aging and empower women to embrace their true selves. “This stage of life is just as important as any other,” she said. Through her brand, she hopes to challenge outdated stereotypes and encourage women to live with confidence, passion, and authenticity.
As she moves forward, Melissa Gilbert is proving that life at 60 is anything but a slowdown—it’s a vibrant new beginning. From her refreshing outlook on aging to her inspiring career reinvention, she continues to be a role model for women everywhere, showing that true beauty lies in embracing every chapter of life.
