1.
Little House Years (1979)
Role:
Laura Ingalls
Starring:
Directed By:
Melissa Ellen Gilbert appeared in several commercials as a child artist. Starting her screen-career as a child actress, she made guest-appearances in the film ‘The Reluctant Astronaut’ (1967) and 1972 TV-shows ‘Gunsmoke’ and ‘Emergency.’
Gilbert got her major break as ‘Laura Ingalls’ in the Western historical drama-series ‘Little House on the Prairie’ (1975-1983), which fetched her ‘Young Artist Award’ and nominations for ‘Golden Globe’ and other awards for ‘Best Actress in Drama series.’
Gilbert played the protagonist ‘Helen Keller’ in the biographical TV-film ‘The Miracle Worker’ (1979), earning ‘Primetime Emmy’ nomination. She essayed the titular role in another biographical drama-film ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ (1980), and ‘Jean Donovan’ in the drama TV-film ‘Choices of the Heart’ (1983).
Gilbert reprised the role of ‘Laura Ingalls’ in spinoff TV-films, including ‘Little House: Bless All the dear Children’ (1984), ‘Little House: The Last Farewell’ (1984).
Gilbert starred in numerous TV-movies, including ‘Choices’ (1986), ‘Killer Instinct’ (1988), ‘The Lookalike’ (1990), ‘Family of Strangers’ (1993), ‘A Holiday for Love’ (1996), ‘Sanctuary’ (2001), ‘Thicker than Water’ (2005), ‘Hometown Christmas’ (2018), and ‘When We Last Spoke’ (2019).
Gilbert played recurring roles in TV-series ‘Stand By Your Man’ (1992), ‘Sweet Justice’ (1994-1995), ‘Babylon 5’ (1996), and ‘Secrets & Lies’ (2015). She provided voice for ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ (1992-1994). She appeared as a contestant in season 14 of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ (2012).
Gilbert was producer of the drama film ‘Guest Artist’ (2019), and the TV-film ‘Tenure’ (2017), both of which fetched accolades. She served two terms as President of the ‘Screen Actors Guild’ (2001-2005).
