An entire cohort of television enthusiasts cherishes the cherished memories of Little House on the Prairie, the timeless drama series chronicling the Ingalls family’s adventures in the late 19th century. Encompassing a remarkable ensemble of characters and commendable performances, this show frequently sparks curiosity, prompting the question, “What has become of them now?”
Melissa Sue Anderson, renowned for her portrayal of Mary Ingalls in the series, stands among the actors who bid farewell to the glitz and glamour of show business. Recently, she unveiled the reasons behind her departure from Hollywood and the relinquishment of her place in the limelight.
Born on September 26, 1962, in Berkeley, California, Melissa Sue Anderson emerged as a reserved young girl who found solace in the pages of books rather than the branches of trees. However, it wasn’t long before her remarkable talent for performing on stage became evident, captivating those who beheld her mesmerizing, azure eyes. Recognizing her potential, one of her dance instructors urged her parents to seek representation for their daughter.
With her exceptional academic achievements, Anderson embarked on her journey as a child actress, making notable appearances in popular sitcoms such as Bewitched and The Brady Bunch, where she portrayed Millicent, the girl who bestowed Bobby with his first kiss. Nevertheless, her breakthrough moment arrived when she secured the pivotal role of Mary Ingalls on the cherished series, Little House, forever etching her name in television history.
Having graced the screen for the initial seven seasons and making guest appearances in the final eighth season, Melissa Sue Anderson garnered widespread recognition for her portrayal on Little House. Her remarkable performance even earned her a nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
Reflecting from her residence in Montreal, she expresses gratitude for the existence of her character, considering that the original books by Laura Ingalls, which served as the foundation for the series, didn’t provide an extensive role for Mary. Laura, who wrote the novels as a mature woman, primarily focused on reminiscing about the highlights of her life, with more emphasis on the dynamics between Laura herself, Pa, Jack the dog, and Mr. Edwards. As Anderson explains, “There wasn’t a lot of Mary. I’m fortunate that they discovered that I could act,” she shared with Pop Entertainment in 2010.
For the young actress, who was simultaneously attending high school, ascending to become one of the nation’s most recognizable faces was no easy feat.
In 1977, Melissa Sue Anderson shared her experiences as a child actress, specifically addressing the challenges she encountered when faced with inappropriate questions from her schoolmates. Speaking to the Iowa City Press-Citizen, she revealed, “A lot of kids at school are curious and ask inappropriate questions, like, ‘How much do you make?’ That’s embarrassing. I’ll just give them a look that lets them know what I think of the question or tell them it’s none of their business.”
While Anderson eventually amassed an estimated $1.5 million throughout her Hollywood career, according to Celebrity Net Worth, her salary during her tenure on Little House was not exceedingly high. She shed light on the financial realities of being an actor, stating, “Everybody thinks actors make a lot of money. But we don’t. At least, not by the time we pay certain costs.” Anderson explained that a significant portion, 25 percent, of her income went into a trust fund. Furthermore, she allocated 10 percent to her agent and acknowledged substantial expenses incurred by her fan club, which boasted 1,500 members. Detailing the costs involved, Anderson shared, “The initial cost people pay for belonging to the club is one thing, but we spend extra to send out letters, bulletins, Christmas cards. It’s publicity and everything, but it’s costing a lot.” Additionally, she mentioned compensating her mother for accompanying her to the set each day, as she would have hired transportation regardless of her mother’s presence.
Following the conclusion of Little House on the Prairie, Melissa Sue Anderson pursued prominent roles primarily in television films such as Which Mother is Mine? and Survival of Dana. Despite her ongoing work in the industry, Anderson, like many child and teenage stars, did not come across a role of comparable prominence to her iconic portrayal on Little House.
During the 1980s, Melissa Sue Anderson had a brief romantic relationship with Frank Sinatra Jr. Their paths crossed when Melissa, then 17 years old, made a guest appearance on The Love Boat. Notably, Frank Sinatra Jr., being 19 years her senior, was present on set during her performance.
Reflecting on their time together, Melissa fondly recalled, “Frank Jr. stood right next to the camera and cheered me on. He was a great help.”
However, Melissa clarified that the rumored romance was greatly exaggerated, emphasizing that Frank Sinatra Jr. was simply a very good friend to her. In 1990, Melissa tied the knot with television producer Michael Sloan. They have two children together, a daughter named Piper (born in 1991) and a son named Griffin (born in 1996).
The commitments of family life prompted Melissa to make a significant life choice—to become a Canadian citizen. In 2002, the family relocated to Montreal, and after going through the naturalization process, they officially became Canadian citizens in 2007. Reflecting on the experience, Melissa shared in an interview with E-Talk, “The whole family is Canadian now, and my husband and I had to take the test, and we studied and studied and studied.”
Melissa further revealed that her decision to step away from show business was influenced by her children’s growth and development. It was not only about spending more time with them but also about preventing any undue pressure on them to become child stars themselves.
“I took a significant step back for a prolonged period,” she expressed. “It was primarily for the sake of my children, allowing them to develop their own identities independently from being associated with me.”
Melissa revealed that her children currently possess no inclination towards acting. However, she herself has reemerged in the spotlight, taking on minor roles in television shows and movies.
Now aged 60, Melissa has also delved into writing, sharing her personal experiences from Little House on the Prairie in a memoir titled The Way I See It: A Look Back at My Life on Little House.
Melissa, your youthful appearance remains captivating, and your inner beauty shines eternally. Moreover, your genuine nature, groundedness, modesty, and realistic perspective set you apart. You are an authentic individual, unaffected by the plasticity often associated with Hollywood, and that is something I deeply admire about actors like you.
It is always intriguing to discover the current endeavors of the beloved stars from our cherished shows of the past. It brings joy to know that Melissa Sue Anderson continues to thrive and fare well in her endeavors.
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