Melissa Gilbert, best known for Little House on the Prairie, has had a long career in television, directing, and writing.
But how much has she accumulated over the years? Aupeo takes an in-depth look at Melissa Gilbert net worth, her income sources, and financial journey.
Melissa Gilbert Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Melissa Ellen Gilbert |
| Popular Name | Melissa Gilbert |
| Birth Date | May 8, 1964 |
| Age | 60 (as of 03/03/2025) |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Jewish (Raised in adoptive mother’s faith) |
| Education | N/A |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Timothy Busfield (m. 2013), Bruce Boxleitner (m. 1995–2011), Bo Brinkman (m. 1988–1994) |
| Children | Dakota Brinkman, Michael Boxleitner |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Sara Gilbert, Jonathan Gilbert |
| Parents | Barbara Cowan, Kathy Wood, Paul Gilbert, David Darlington |
| Height | 1.60 m |
| Net Worth | $500,000 |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Directing, Writing, Real Estate |
What is the Net Worth of Melissa Gilbert in 2025?
As of 2025, Melissa Gilbert’s net worth is estimated at $500,000. While she was once a major television star, financial struggles, tax debts, and career fluctuations have impacted her earnings. Compared to some of her contemporaries, Gilbert’s wealth is relatively modest.
For example, her Little House on the Prairie co-star Michael Landon had a much higher fortune before his passing, while other TV actors of her era, such as Rob Lowe, have amassed multi-million dollar net worths. Her past financial troubles, including IRS tax debt, also played a role in shaping her current financial position.
Related Personalities:
- Michael Landon
- Rob Lowe
- Bruce Boxleitner
- Bo Brinkman
- Timothy Busfield
- Valerie Harper
- Sara Gilbert
- Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA)
- IRS
- Hollywood Walk of Fame
Looking at the wealthiest TV actors, Gilbert’s financial standing highlights the ups and downs of a long career in entertainment.
Melissa Gilbert Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Did She Build Her Wealth and Income?
Melissa Gilbert’s career began as a child star in the late 1960s, appearing in TV commercials. However, her big break came in 1974 when she landed the role of Laura Ingalls Wilder on Little House on the Prairie. The series ran until 1983 and played a key role in shaping her financial foundation.
After Little House, Gilbert continued working in television, starring in TV movies such as The Miracle Worker, Sylvester, and Without Her Consent. She also voiced Batgirl in Batman: The Animated Series.
Beyond acting, she made money as a director, author, and even a politician, running for Congress in Michigan’s 8th district in 2016.
What Are Her Primary Sources of Earnings?
Despite her financial struggles, Gilbert’s income has come from several sources:
- Television & Film: Acting in various TV series and movies
- Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA): Served as president from 2001 to 2005
- Book Sales: Authored multiple memoirs, including Prairie Tale
- Reality TV: Competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2012
- Stage Acting: Played “Ma Ingalls” in Little House on the Prairie: The Musical
Her earnings from these roles have varied, but unlike some Hollywood elites, she did not have consistent blockbuster-level income.
What Financial Challenges Has She Faced?
Gilbert’s finances have not always been smooth. She has dealt with:
- IRS tax debts: Owed $360,000 in federal taxes and $112,000 to California
- Career fluctuations: Transitioning from child stardom to adult acting roles proved difficult
- Divorces: Financial settlements from divorces with Bo Brinkman and Bruce Boxleitner impacted her wealth
Her financial struggles led her to restructure her debts and sell off properties, affecting her overall net worth.
How Has She Managed Real Estate Investments?
Gilbert’s real estate history reflects her financial ups and downs.
- Sold Los Angeles home in 2014 for $1.195 million
- Purchased a 14-acre Catskill Mountains property in 2019 for only $98,000
- Previously lived in Michigan with Timothy Busfield before moving to New York City
She and her husband now embrace a simpler lifestyle in the Catskills, showing a shift toward financial stability.
Has She Recovered Financially?
While she still does not have a multi-million-dollar fortune, Gilbert has taken steps to rebuild her finances.
- Negotiated a repayment plan with the IRS
- Embraced new career paths, including book publishing and public speaking
- Downsized her living expenses to maintain financial stability
Her current lifestyle reflects a more practical approach to wealth, focusing on financial responsibility rather than extravagant Hollywood spending.
Conclusion
Melissa Gilbert’s financial journey is a testament to the ups and downs of Hollywood careers.
From childhood stardom to financial struggles and a modest but stable life today, her story is a reminder that fame does not always equal fortune.
For more celebrity financial insights, visit Aupeo. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
