‘Little House on the Prairie’ star Melissa Sue Anderson reveals why she left Hollywood for Canada

A significant number of television viewers from a particular generation hold fond memories of “Little House on the Prairie,” the iconic drama series that chronicles the experiences of the Ingalls family during the late 19th century. With a diverse ensemble of unforgettable characters and performances, the show often prompts viewers to ponder the current whereabouts of its cast members.

Melissa Sue Anderson, who portrayed Mary Ingalls, is one such actor who has distanced herself from the entertainment industry. She recently shared her reasons for stepping away from Hollywood and the public eye. Born on September 26, 1962, in Berkeley, California, Anderson was a reserved child who preferred the company of books to outdoor activities.

However, it was evident from an early age that the girl with striking blue eyes possessed a gift for performance. One of her dance instructors encouraged her parents to seek representation. An exemplary student, Anderson began her career as a child actress, making guest appearances on popular sitcoms such as “Bewitched” and “The Brady Bunch,” where she played Millicent, the girl who shared Bobby’s first kiss.

Her career reached new heights when she was cast as Mary Ingalls in “Little House,” a role that became her defining moment. She appeared in the first seven seasons and made guest appearances in the final season. Anderson also received a nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Reflecting on her role, she stated, “I’m fortunate that there was even a character to portray, as the book offers limited material.” Speaking from her home in Montreal, she noted, “Laura [Ingalls, the author of the original novels] was much older when she penned the books, reminiscing about the highlights of her life. The characters of Ma and Mary were not prominently featured. Much of the narrative focused on Laura, Pa, and other characters, leaving little room for Mary. I am grateful that they recognized my acting abilities,” she shared with Pop Entertainment in 2010.

The young actress, who was still in high school at the time, faced significant challenges in her journey to becoming one of the most recognized figures in the nation.

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“Many students at school are inquisitive and pose inappropriate questions, such as, ‘How much do you earn?’ It is quite embarrassing. I usually respond with a look that conveys my disapproval of the question or simply inform them that it is not their concern,” she remarked to the Iowa City Press-Citizen in 1977.

Throughout her Hollywood career, Anderson reportedly earned approximately $1.5 million, as stated by Celebrity Net Worth. However, during her time on Little House, her earnings were considerably lower.

“People often assume that actors earn substantial amounts of money. However, that is not the case. At least, not after accounting for various expenses. Twenty-five percent of my earnings goes into a trust fund, 10 percent is allocated to my agent, and I spend a significant amount—perhaps too much—on my fan club, which has 1,500 members. The initial fee for joining the club is one aspect, but we incur additional costs for sending out letters, bulletins, and Christmas cards. While it serves as publicity, it is quite costly. Additionally, I compensate my mother for accompanying me to the set daily, as I would otherwise need to hire someone for transportation,” she explained in 1977.

A key factor contributing to the show’s success and enduring popularity is its ensemble of cherished characters, portrayed by actors who achieved significant recognition through their roles. The series catapulted young talents like Melissa Gilbert to stardom and provided veteran actor Michael Landon with what many consider his most iconic role as the family patriarch, Charles Ingalls.

The cast exhibited such remarkable chemistry that they appeared to be a genuine family, and off-screen, the co-stars remained integral to each other’s lives for many years. However, their relationships were not without tension.

Melissa Gilbert candidly expressed her feelings regarding her co-star who played Mary Ingalls.

“She is unpleasant, dreadful, mean, and challenging. She disliked me and often belittled me.”

Melissa Sue Anderson in the Present Day
In the 1980s, Melissa Sue Anderson had a brief romantic involvement with Frank Sinatra Jr. Their paths crossed when Melissa, then 17, made a guest appearance on The Love Boat. At that time, Frank Sinatra Jr. was 19 years her senior.

“Frank Jr. stood right next to the camera and cheered me on,” Melissa recalled.

“He was a great help.”
However, Melissa later clarified that the nature of their relationship was exaggerated.

“He is just a very good friend,” she stated.

In 1990, Melissa entered into marriage with television producer Michael Sloan. The couple welcomed a daughter, Piper, in 1991, and a son, Griffin, in 1996.

The demands of family life prompted her to make a significant decision: to become a Canadian citizen. The family relocated to Montreal in 2002 and achieved naturalization in 2007.
“The whole family is Canadian now, and my husband and I had to take the test, and we studied and studied and studied,” she shared in an interview with E-Talk.

Melissa also expressed her desire to distance herself from the entertainment industry while her children were growing up, not only to spend quality time with them but also to prevent them from feeling pressured to pursue acting careers.
“I really stepped away for a long time,” she explained. “That was really for the kids so they would have their own sense of who they were as opposed to being with me.”

She noted that her children currently have no interest in acting, although she has gradually returned to the public eye with minor roles in television and film.

Now at the age of 60, Melissa has authored a memoir reflecting on her time on Little House on the Prairie, titled The Way I See It: A Look Back at My Life on Little House.
On April 30, 2014, Melissa, along with her co-stars Matthew Labyorteaux, Michael Landon Jr., Alison Arngrim, Dean Butler, Lindsay Greenbush, and Karen Grassle, visited “Extra” at their New York studios at H&M in Times Square.

Melissa, you continue to radiate youthfulness, and your beauty remains timeless, but most importantly, you possess a kind spirit!

She possesses a grounded nature, humility, and a pragmatic outlook. She embodies authenticity, devoid of any superficiality often associated with Hollywood, which I find commendable in performers.

Melissa Sue Anderson was present at the closing ceremony of the 61st Monte Carlo TV Festival on June 21, 2022, in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

It is consistently intriguing to learn about the current endeavors of the stars from our beloved classic television shows. I am pleased to see that Melissa Sue Anderson continues to thrive!

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