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Melissa Gilbert's Three Husbands: The Full Story Of Her 'Back To The Prairie' Life With Timothy Busfield

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Melissa Gilbert, the beloved actress who captured the hearts of millions as Laura Ingalls Wilder on Little House on the Prairie, has had a fascinating and sometimes turbulent journey in her personal life. As of December 2025, she is happily married to her third husband, the accomplished actor and director Timothy Busfield. Their enduring partnership, which recently celebrated its 12th anniversary, is defined by a surprising and intentional move away from Hollywood glamour to embrace a "simpler life" in the rustic New York Catskill Mountains. This deep dive explores the full history of Gilbert's marriages, focusing on her current, fulfilling chapter with Busfield and the unexpected path they’ve forged together.

The actress, now an author and advocate for a more natural lifestyle, has openly discussed how her relationship with Busfield represents a true partnership and a dramatic shift from her previous high-profile marriages. The story of how the Emmy-winning pair found each other and built a life that truly mirrors the simplicity of her iconic role is a testament to finding love and peace later in life.

Melissa Gilbert's Complete Marital History and Biography

Melissa Gilbert’s life has been spent in the public eye, from her childhood stardom to her adult career as an actress, director, and president of the Screen Actors Guild. Her journey through marriage has included three different men, all of whom are figures in the entertainment industry.

  • Full Name: Melissa Ellen Gilbert
  • Date of Birth: May 8, 1964
  • Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
  • Occupation: Actress, Director, Producer, Author
  • Notable Roles: Laura Ingalls Wilder on Little House on the Prairie (1974–1983); President of the Screen Actors Guild (2001–2005)
  • Current Husband (3rd Marriage): Timothy Busfield (m. April 24, 2013)
  • First Husband: Bo Brinkman (m. 1988; div. 1992)
  • Second Husband: Bruce Boxleitner (m. 1995; div. 2011)
  • Children: Dakota Paul Brinkman (with Bo Brinkman), Michael Garrett Boxleitner (with Bruce Boxleitner)
  • Stepson: Samuel Busfield (with Timothy Busfield)
  • Current Residence: Catskill Mountains, New York

First Husband: Bo Brinkman (1988–1992)

Melissa Gilbert’s first husband was Bo Brinkman, a director and actor. Their marriage took place in 1988, marking a significant personal milestone for the young star. The couple welcomed their son, Dakota Paul Brinkman, into the world during their time together. However, the marriage was short-lived, concluding in divorce in 1992.

Second Husband: Bruce Boxleitner (1995–2011)

Her second marriage was to celebrated actor Bruce Boxleitner, known for his roles in Tron and Babylon 5. This relationship was one of the most high-profile in Gilbert’s life, as both were established figures in Hollywood. They married in 1995 and had one son together, Michael Garrett Boxleitner, whose namesake is Gilbert's adoptive father, Michael Landon. The marriage lasted for 16 years before the couple announced their separation in 2011, leading to a divorce that was finalized shortly thereafter. Gilbert has often spoken about the emotional challenges and lessons learned from the end of her second marriage.

Timothy Busfield: The Emmy-Winning Director and Husband

The man who would become Melissa Gilbert’s third and current husband is Timothy Busfield, a highly respected figure in the world of television and film. Busfield is an accomplished actor, director, and producer with a career spanning over four decades and more than 650 professional credits. His professional achievements are as notable as his personal life, giving the couple a shared foundation of industry experience.

Timothy Busfield: A Career Profile

Born on June 12, 1957, Timothy Busfield first rose to prominence for his role as Elliot Weston on the critically acclaimed drama series thirtysomething. This role earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 1991, cementing his status as a serious dramatic actor.

Beyond his Emmy-winning performance, Busfield is also widely recognized for his recurring role as journalist Danny Concannon on Aaron Sorkin’s political drama, The West Wing. His extensive directing career includes helming episodes for major television shows such as Without a Trace, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, and Psych.

Busfield is also deeply involved in the theater, having founded the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that manages the Meadow Brook Theatre in Rochester, Michigan, demonstrating his commitment to the arts outside of Hollywood.

How Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield Found Their 'Little House'

Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield began dating after a chance encounter and quickly realized their connection was profound. They became engaged in early 2013 and married on April 24, 2013, in a small, private ceremony in Santa Barbara, California.

Their relationship is often cited by Gilbert as her most stable and fulfilling. She has publicly shared that the secret to their successful, decade-plus marriage is a foundation of "true partnership, love, laughter, and compassion."

The most defining aspect of their union is the radical lifestyle change they undertook together. In 2018, the couple made a pivotal decision to leave their lives in Los Angeles and New York City behind. They chose to relocate to a small, rustic cottage on 14 acres in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York.

The Real-Life 'Back to the Prairie'

This move was a conscious choice to simplify their lives, a decision Gilbert chronicled in her memoir, Back to the Prairie. The book details her journey from the pressures of Hollywood to a more self-sufficient, natural existence. The cottage, which they affectionately call their "little house in the woods," required extensive renovation, which the couple tackled largely themselves.

The couple embraced a minimalist lifestyle, trading in designer clothes and high-end cars for gardening, raising chickens, and enjoying the quiet solitude of rural life. This profound shift has been credited by Gilbert as a major factor in her happiness and the strength of her marriage. She found that the simplicity and the focus on each other, rather than on career or fame, brought them closer together. They share their home with their rescue dog, Chicago, and enjoy the daily rhythm of country living.

Timothy Busfield, who had previously lived in Howell, Michigan, also fully embraced the change, finding a deep connection to the natural world alongside his wife. Their shared commitment to this lifestyle—one that values authenticity and quiet connection—is what makes their relationship so unique and enduring in the celebrity landscape.

The Legacy of Partnership and Shared Creative Ventures

While they have scaled back their Hollywood presence, Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield have not stopped working. They often collaborate on professional projects, leveraging their combined experience as actors and directors. This shared creative energy is another pillar of their strong partnership.

Their joint ventures include working together in theater, where they have both acted and directed. By joining forces professionally, they maintain a creative outlet that keeps them connected to their roots in the arts while still enjoying their secluded life in the Catskills. This balance of professional collaboration and personal tranquility is a modern blueprint for a successful celebrity marriage.

As Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield move into the next phase of their lives, their story serves as an inspiring example of conscious uncoupling from the demands of fame and a purposeful choice to prioritize love, simplicity, and partnership. Their enduring bond, now over a decade strong, proves that the happiest ending for this 'Little House' star was finding her true partner in the quiet beauty of the countryside.

melissa gilbert husband
melissa gilbert husband

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