Melissa Gilbert and Sarah Gilbert grew up together as sisters and fellow child stars. Looking back, Melissa believes they had very different experiences because of the shows they were on and the TV parents they had. During a recent appearance of The Kelly Clarkson ShowMelissa said she believes she didn’t have any bad experiences as a child star because Little House on the Prairie it was such a wholesome show with a loving cast.
She explained: “Again, it’s an integral part of Little House on the Prairie. I grew up with Michael Landon. My sister is also a child actor and we’re like, “What’s the difference?” I grew up with Michael Landon. She grew up with Roseanne. Do the math.”
Melissa has always spoken highly of Landon, who became her surrogate father in real life as well. She continued to try to share his legacy after his death from pancreatic cancer in 1991. Meanwhile, her sister Sarah grew up playing Darlene on the show Rosannastarring Roseanne Barr, which proved controversial.
In fact, Barr was fired from her own spinoff, The Connors familyafter posting racist tweets online. Barr and Sarah are reportedly not on close terms now, as Barr accused Sarah of being dumped by The Connors family. She believes she is the one who complained about the tweet. Which TV parent would you rather have? Or let us know the TV parent from whichever series you’d most like to grow up with!
Fun facts about Little House on the Prairie star Melissa Gilbert