By james art 
New York, NY: Melissa Gilbert shares her journey of moving away from Los Angeles, embracing aging, and thriving in her career and personal life.
Best known for her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder on the beloved television series Little House on the Prairie, Gilbert left Hollywood long ago.
Melissa Gilbert is leaving LA for a fresh start
Now 60, Gilbert reflected on his decision to leave Los Angeles for New York, calling it one of the most empowering choices of his life.
In an interview with Page Six, Gilbert explained that Los Angeles, with its obsession with youth and beauty, is not the right place to grow old.
“I just didn’t feel like it was a safe place for me. It’s so anti-aging, which is one of my least favorite expressions in the world,” Gilbert revealed.
“Anti-aging means dead,” she added.
Feeling constant pressure to maintain an unrealistic image, she recounted how her years in California left her striving to remain unnaturally thin and youthful.
However, her cross-country move to Manhattan’s Upper West Side brought about a dramatic shift in her perspective.
“I went from, ‘Oh my God, I better not get old!’ “On ‘Oh my God, I’m so glad I’m older!'” she said.
“I love the age I am now. Sixty was the most amazing year – just to look back at all the things I’ve done and know that I’ve earned my point, I have value, I’m wise,” she added.
Melissa Gilbert opens up about rediscovering her roots and her love of LA
Despite his decision to leave, Gilbert still has a deep love for Los Angeles, where he grew up and built his career.
She acknowledged that the recent Pacific Palisades Wildfire, which caused widespread devastation earlier this month, made her reflect on her connection to the city.
“I didn’t realize the depth of love I had for my hometown until the fires,” she said, noting how many friends, not just celebrities, lost everything in the blaze.
“It’s devastating and I love Los Angeles so much. It just wasn’t the right place to live anymore, but it will always be my hometown,” she shared.
Melissa Gilbert’s burgeoning career and personal growth
Now settled in New York with her husband, actor-director Timothy Busfield, Melissa Gilbert has embraced a fulfilling career after Hollywood.
She is set to star opposite Mad Men’s Mark Moses in the off-Broadway play Still.
The drama tells the story of a couple who reconnect 30 years later, battling political differences to see if their love can be rekindled.
Drawing on her own life, Gilbert shared that her past marriages to Bo Brinkman and Bruce Boxleitner were also marked by differing political views.
“It became unsustainable before 2016 as well. it was even more heated,” she said, referring to the political climate of Donald Trump’s presidency.
“When I was single again, there was a weight that was lifted and a peace that filled my home because I didn’t have to press my opinion or avoid starting arguments,” she added.
The entrepreneurial life of Melissa Gilbert
In addition to her acting endeavors, Gilbert has embraced entrepreneurship.
She runs Modern Prairie, an apparel and decor company focused on empowering older women.
She is also set to appear in the popular Hallmark series When the Heart Calls.
With “still” opening performances on February 6, 2025. and numerous projects in the pipeline, Gilbert shared, “I’ve done so much and I’m still doing it. It’s not over by any stretch of the imagination. “