Melissa Gilbert is proud of her blended family, so it doesn’t come as a surprise she’ll share photos when they all get together. The Little House on the Prairie alum is the doting mom of two kids and the loving stepmom of five. With her warm heart and nurturing spirit, she has beautifully blended her family, creating a supportive environment for all her children.
Melissa's journey through motherhood has not been conventional, but it has been rich with love and connection. She shares her eldest son, Dakota Brinkman, with her first husband, Bo Brinkman. The Thicker Than Water actress and the Last Man Club actor welcomed their only son together in 1989. The pair, who tied the knot in 1988, called it quits after six years of marriage in 1994. Despite the end of their marriage, Melissa has continued to prioritize her son's well-being and happiness.
In her second marriage to Bruce Boxleitner, she welcomed her youngest child, Michael Boxleitner, in 1995. The couple tied the knot that same year. Through this union, Melissa gained two stepchildren, Sam Boxleitner and Lee Boxleitner, whom Bruce shares with his first wife, Kathryn Holcomb. Even after their separation 16 years later in 2011, Melissa has worked hard to maintain a strong relationship with her stepsons, showing that family ties can remain strong despite changes in relationships.
Full Name | Melissa Ellen Gilbert |
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Date of Birth | May 8, 1964 |
Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
Occupation | Actress, Producer, Director |
Notable Works | Little House on the Prairie, Thicker Than Water, FBI: Most Wanted |
Children | Dakota Brinkman, Michael Boxleitner, Sam Boxleitner, Lee Boxleitner, Wilson Busfield, Samuel Busfield, Daisy Busfield |
Spouses | Bo Brinkman, Bruce Boxleitner, Timothy Busfield |
Melissa's big brood is made up of her own kids and her stepchildren, but the Hometown Christmas actress considers all of her kiddos to be her true family. She has a special way of sharing her love for her family, often posting touching tributes on social media. In honor of International Son’s Day in September 2020, Melissa shared a heartfelt tribute for her boys, saying, “Wait … it’s International Son’s Day?!? Well, well, well, I happen to have four of those.”
In her tribute, she expressed how blessed she feels to have "the four generous, kind, funny, talented souls" in her life. With such love and admiration, it's clear that Melissa embraces her role as both a mother and stepmother, showcasing the importance of family bonds.
Parenting can be difficult at times, but Melissa wouldn’t change a thing when it comes to being a mom. Four years after she gave birth for the first time, the Safe Harbor star revealed how motherhood changed her. She stated, “I am no longer an ingenue; every day I get a little wiser.” This journey has taught her valuable lessons about life, love, and making informed choices.
Melissa's experience on Little House on the Prairie provided her with essential skills that came in handy when she and Tim decided to move to a cabin in rural upstate New York. She learned to farm, tend to animals, and truly enjoy the simple life with her kids and grandkids on their beautiful property.
Living on a farm has given Melissa a unique perspective on life. She shares that she is “a grandmother multiple times over, and I absolutely adore it.” This lifestyle has allowed her to bond with her grandchildren, creating cherished memories and traditions.
Reflecting on her life, she shared, “I am more comfortable in my own skin. Yeah, I wake up in the morning and my ankles are a little bit stiff, but I’m still me, I’m still vital.” This positive outlook on aging and family underscores the importance of acceptance and love in her life.
That same month, the proud mom gave a sweet shout-out to her son Michael on Instagram ahead of his network TV debut on the CBS series FBI: Most Wanted. It’s clear to see that family is what means the most to the Emmy nominee. She has always been vocal about her pride in her children, showing that her support never wavers.
As Melissa continues to navigate through her roles as a mother, stepmother, and grandmother, her emphasis on love and family remains the foundation of her life. This beautiful journey is a testament to the fact that family, in all its forms, is what truly matters in life.