Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
The entertainment industry has more than its fair share of substance abuse and while unfortunate, it almost always seems that child actors seem to catch the worst of it. One that I did not have a clue that had a problem with drugs and alcohol however is Melissa Gilbert, who played the young Laura Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie from 1974 to 1983.
Now five years sober, she has a book out called “Prairie Tale” that details her struggle. Even though it was sort of eerie that this beautiful 45 year-old woman, at least to me, still sounds like the little pioneer girl she played on TV- the interview was enjoyable to watch because not only has she been in recovery for a while, it sounds like she is truly happy. That’s what I like to hear!
“Everything, no matter how painful, led me to this place I am right now, which is really an amazing place to be,” Gilbert said. “I have a really peaceful, happy life. I have these great, confident kids. I’m married to a man I’m absolutely crazy about, who cherishes me. It’s a real gift.” ~ Melissa Gilbert on the Today Show
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
i have always like her. us addicts can spot each other i suppose.
Good find. I certainly had no idea. I always thought she must have it together more than most people in hollywood as she was the president of the SGA twice. Other two termers were Ronald Reagan and Charlton Heston. Pretty good company. Glad she decided to share her story.
I remember as a young boy coming home and around dinner time watching Little House on the Prairie. For me it took me away from the broken dysfunctional home i grew up in and to a happy place where everyone was loved.
Growing up I heard some of the stories and seen some of Melissa’s movies and was in awe of her life. I like many thought she always had it together.
I just read Prairie Tale Glad you did not pick some of the other names for your books that were suggested). I started reading it around 4pm on Friday and finished around noon on Saturday. I could not put it down, which really shocked me as normally i could care less what happens to those in Hollywood, with the exception of Melissa Gilbert. i had to read it to find out if what I hoped for had come true. Though not how I imagined it, it does seem to have happened, in the way it was supposed to.
If there is every anything i would say to her, as well as the rest of that wonderful cast, it is thank you. You made one little boys nightmare of a childhood bare able for a lil while each day.
Many regards, and warm wishes to a long and happy sobriety,
Stan