Melissa Sue Anderson: The Story of Mary Ingalls

Little House on the Prairie is a beloved drama series that captured the hearts of an entire generation. Set in the early 1900s, it tells the captivating story of the Ingalls family and their adventures.

But have you ever wondered what happened to the cast after the show ended? One cast member, Melissa Sue Anderson, who played Mary Ingalls, chose to step away from Hollywood and live a quiet life. Let’s delve into her journey.

Melissa Sue Anderson was born on September 26, 1962, in Berkeley, California. As a child, she was introverted and preferred reading books to outdoor activities. However, her striking blue eyes caught the attention of her dance instructor, who suggested that her parents consider an acting agency.

Anderson began her acting career as a child actress, making appearances in popular shows like The Brady Bunch and Bewitched. However, it was her role as Mary Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie that catapulted her to fame. She portrayed Mary for seven seasons and continued as a guest star for another eight seasons. Anderson’s talent was recognized with a nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

Reflecting on her character, Anderson remarked, “I’m lucky that there even was a character to play because in the book, there isn’t much of one.” The author of the Little House novels, Laura Ingalls, focused more on her own experiences. Anderson considers herself fortunate to have been given the opportunity to bring Mary to life on screen.

Despite her success, Anderson faced challenges as a young actress. Dealing with curious classmates who asked inappropriate questions about her earnings was embarrassing. However, Anderson handled it with grace, responding with a look or reminding them that it was none of their business.

Contrary to popular belief, Anderson didn’t make a substantial amount of money during her time on Little House. A significant portion of her income went into a trust fund, and she also incurred costs related to her fan club.

Little House on the Prairie not only captivated audiences with its story and characters but also showcased the remarkable chemistry among the cast members. The actors truly felt like a family, spending a lot of time together off-screen. However, not all relationships were harmonious. Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura Ingalls, openly admitted her difficult dynamic with Anderson. Despite these challenges, the show’s success brought recognition to the entire cast, including veteran actor Michael Landon, who portrayed Charles Ingalls.

Following the show’s finale, Anderson continued acting in television movies and smaller roles. She even briefly dated Frank Sinatra Jr., whom she met while guest-starring on The Love Boat. However, Anderson clarified that their relationship was more of a friendship. She ultimately found happiness with television producer Michael Sloan, with whom she has two children.

In 2002, Anderson and her family made the decision to become Canadian citizens and settled in Montreal. This move allowed Anderson to take a step back from the entertainment industry and prioritize her family. She wanted her children to have their own identities and not feel pressured to follow in her footsteps as child stars.

Recently, Anderson has made a return to the spotlight, taking on modest TV and film roles. At 60 years old, she reflected on her time on Little House in her memoir The Way I See It: A Look Back at My Life on Little House on the Prairie. Her youthful appearance and kind soul continue to touch the hearts of fans worldwide.

Melissa Sue Anderson’s story is a testament to the challenges and rewards of a career in Hollywood. Despite the pressures and hardships, Anderson chose to prioritize her family and find joy outside of the spotlight. To all the Little House on the Prairie fans out there, let’s celebrate Melissa Sue Anderson and share her inspiring journey!