Melissa Gilbert - Actor Profile

Melissa Gilbert

Acting
Updated: May 09, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: May 8, 1964
Birth Place: Los Angeles, California, USA

About Melissa Gilbert

Melissa Ellen Gilbert (born May 8, 1964) is an American actress, writer, and producer, primarily in movies and television. Gilbert is best known as a child actress who co-starred as Charles Ingalls's (played by Michael Landon) second daughter, Laura Ingalls Wilder, on the dramatic television series Little House on the Prairie (1974–1984). As an adult, she has a very long list of acting, voicework, writing, producing, and directing credits. Melissa also served two terms as President of the Screen Actors Guild. On June 9, 2009, her autobiography Prairie Tale: A Memoir was released.

Melissa Gilbert Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Melissa Gilbert reflects a strong mix of popular and critically appreciated roles. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Melissa Gilbert's work falls within the TV Movie genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 54% of Melissa Gilbert's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains A Vision of Murder: The Story of Donielle, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Melissa Gilbert Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Melissa Gilbert's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Melissa Gilbert has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2020 When We Last Spoke Ruby Hit Similar →
2018 Hometown Christmas Mary Russell Average Similar →
2014 Little House on the Prairie: A Merry Ingalls Christmas Laura Ingalls Super Hit Similar →
2011 The Christmas Pageant Vera Parks Average Similar →
2007 Sacrifices of the Heart Kate Weston / Anne Weston Average Similar →
2005 Thicker Than Water Natalie Travers Average Similar →
2004 Heart of the Storm Cassie Broadbeck Average Similar →
2003 Hollywood Wives: The New Generation Taylor Singer Average Similar →
2002 NBC 75th Anniversary Special Self Super Hit Similar →
2000 A Vision of Murder: The Story of Donielle Donielle Super Hit Similar →
1999 Switched at Birth Sarah Barlow Hit Similar →
1999 The Soul Collector Rebecca Hit Similar →
1999 Murder at 75 Birch Gwen Todson Hit Similar →
1998 Her Own Rules Meredith Sanders Average Similar →
1997 Seduction in a Small Town Sarah Jenks Hit Similar →
1996 A Holiday for Love Emma Murphy Average Similar →
1994 Cries from the Heart Karen Average Similar →
1994 Against Her Will: The Carrie Buck Story Melissa Prentice Super Hit Similar →
1994 The Babymaker: The Dr. Cecil Jacobson Story Mary Bennett Average Similar →
1993 Dying to Remember Lynn Matthews Flop Similar →
1993 With Hostile Intent Miranda Berkley Super Hit Similar →
1993 Family of Strangers Julie Average Similar →
1992 With a Vengeance Gena King Hit Similar →
1991 Michael Landon: Memories with Laughter and Love Herself - Co-Hostess Super Hit Similar →
1990 Donor Dr. Kristine Lipton Flop Similar →
1990 Joshua's Heart Claudia Average Similar →
1990 Forbidden Nights Judith Shapiro Average Similar →
1990 Without Her Consent Emily Briggs Flop Similar →
1989 Chameleons (Uncredited) Hit Similar →
1988 Killer Instinct Dr. Lisa DaVito Average Similar →
1988 Funny Self Super Hit Similar →
1988 Drug Free Kids: A Parents' Guide Self Super Hit Similar →
1987 Blood Vows: The Story of a Mafia Wife Marian Super Hit Similar →
1986 Choices Terry Granger Super Hit Similar →
1985 Sylvester Charlene "Charlie" Railsberg Flop Similar →
1984 Little House: The Last Farewell Laura Ingalls Wilder Hit Similar →
1983 Little House: Bless All the Dear Children Laura Ingalls Wilder Flop Similar →
1983 Little House: Look Back to Yesterday Laura Ingalls Wilder Hit Similar →
1983 Choices of the Heart Jean Donovan Average Similar →
1982 Night of 100 Stars Self Hit Similar →
1982 Hollywood’s Children Self (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
1981 Splendor in the Grass Wilma Dean "Deanie" Loomis Hit Similar →
1980 The Diary of Anne Frank Anne Frank Average Similar →
1979 The Little House Years Laura Ingalls Super Hit Similar →
1979 The Miracle Worker Helen Keller Hit Similar →
1978 NBC Salutes the 25th Anniversary of the Wonderful World of Disney Self/Alice Hit Similar →
1977 Christmas Miracle in Caufield, U.S.A. Kelly Average Similar →
1974 Little House on the Prairie Laura Ingalls Super Hit Similar →
1968 The Dean Martin Christmas Show Girl on Santa's Lap (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1967 The Reluctant Astronaut Niece Average Similar →

Melissa Gilbert - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Melissa Gilbert?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Melissa Gilbert is "A Vision of Murder: The Story of Donielle" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Melissa Gilbert acted in?

Melissa Gilbert has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Melissa Gilbert?

Other notable films include "NBC 75th Anniversary Special", "Drug Free Kids: A Parents' Guide", and "Hollywood’s Children".

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