Melissa Gilbert, widely recognized for her role as Laura Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie, has had a career spanning decades.
But beyond acting, how has she managed her finances? What is Melissa Gilbert net worth in 2025?
And how have her earnings, tax issues, and real estate investments shaped her wealth?
As a veteran in the entertainment industry, her financial journey has seen ups and downs.
From high-profile acting roles to financial struggles, her story offers insight into the unpredictable nature of celebrity wealth.
Melissa Gilbert Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Melissa Ellen Gilbert |
| Popular Name | Melissa Gilbert |
| Birth Date | May 8, 1964 |
| Age | 60 (as of 03/03/2025) |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Jewish (Raised in adoptive mother’s faith) |
| Education | N/A |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Timothy Busfield (m. 2013), Bruce Boxleitner (m. 1995–2011), Bo Brinkman (m. 1988–1994) |
| Children | Dakota Brinkman, Michael Boxleitner |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Sara Gilbert, Jonathan Gilbert |
| Parents | Barbara Cowan, Kathy Wood, Paul Gilbert, David Darlington |
| Height | 1.60 m |
| Net Worth | $500,000 |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Directing, Writing, Real Estate |
What is the Net Worth of Melissa Gilbert in 2025?
As of 2025, Melissa Gilbert net worth is estimated to be $500,000. This wealth is a combination of her acting career, directorial work, and book sales. However, she has faced financial challenges, including tax debts and a changing career landscape.
Compared to many of her Hollywood peers, her net worth is relatively modest. While some former TV stars have expanded their wealth through business ventures and endorsements, Gilbert’s financial trajectory has been different. Despite once being a household name, financial struggles have impacted her fortune.
Related Celebrities
- Timothy Busfield
- Bruce Boxleitner
- Rob Lowe
- Michael Landon
- Sara Gilbert
- Valerie Harper
- Kent McCord
- Bo Brinkman
- Leslie Landon
- Cindy Clerico
For insights into how other stars manage their wealth, explore the top-earning celebrities today.
Melissa Gilbert Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Does She Earn? Understanding Her Salary and Income Sources
Melissa Gilbert’s earnings come from various sources, but acting has always been the core of her income. She gained fame and financial success through Little House on the Prairie, which ran from 1974 to 1983. Afterward, she continued to act in TV movies, voice acting roles, and stage performances.
Aside from acting, she has earned through:
- Directing and producing: Her involvement behind the scenes added to her income.
- Book sales: Memoirs like Prairie Tale contributed to her finances.
- Reality TV: Participation in Dancing with the Stars offered a financial boost.
However, as acting opportunities slowed, so did her earnings.
What Are Her Financial Struggles and Tax Issues?
Despite years of industry success, Gilbert has faced financial difficulties. The most publicized issues involve tax debts.
- In 2013, she owed $112,000 in California state taxes.
- By 2015, she had accumulated $360,000 in unpaid federal taxes.
- She attributed these financial struggles to a declining career, recession, and divorce.
She publicly acknowledged these debts and worked out a repayment plan with the IRS. Unlike many celebrities who go bankrupt, Gilbert took proactive steps to resolve her financial situation.
How Did Her Career Affect Her Wealth?
Her role in Little House on the Prairie cemented her place in TV history. But after the show ended, her financial journey took different turns.
- TV Movie Roles: Throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, she acted in films like The Miracle Worker and Choices of the Heart.
- Voice Acting: She voiced Batgirl in Batman: The Animated Series.
- Reality TV and Public Roles: She was Screen Actors Guild president from 2001 to 2005.
These ventures kept her financially stable but did not generate long-term wealth.
How Did Divorce and Marriage Influence Her Finances?
Marriage and divorce played a significant role in Gilbert’s financial standing.
- First marriage (Bo Brinkman, 1988–1994): Ended in divorce with financial implications.
- Second marriage (Bruce Boxleitner, 1995–2011): Two broken engagements before marriage hinted at financial concerns.
- Current marriage (Timothy Busfield, 2013–present): They now live a modest life in upstate New York.
Divorces often lead to legal and financial burdens, which may have contributed to her tax debts.
What Are Her Real Estate Investments?
Gilbert has made several property investments:
- Sold a home in Tarzana, Los Angeles, for $1.195 million (2014).
- Purchased a 14-acre property in the Catskill Mountains for $98,000 (2019).
Rather than luxury real estate, she chose a simpler lifestyle in upstate New York. Many celebrities invest in real estate, but Gilbert opted for a modest, rural home.
What Are the Lessons from Her Financial Journey?
Melissa Gilbert’s financial story is one of highs and lows. From a successful TV career to financial struggles, her journey highlights:
- The importance of financial planning, even for celebrities.
- The unpredictability of Hollywood income.
- The impact of personal life on finances (marriage, divorce, and health).
While she faced setbacks, her ability to manage her situation and adjust her lifestyle shows resilience.
Conclusion
Melissa Gilbert’s financial journey reflects the challenges of long-term wealth management in Hollywood. Her net worth might not be among the highest, but her story remains inspiring.
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