Remembering the Little House on the Prairie
When we think about Melissa Sue Anderson, our minds automatically go back to the Little House on the Prairie TV drama. It was a series that captured the hearts of millions of people as they watched the Ingalls family navigate life in the early 1900s. Many of us grew up with this show and may wonder what happened to the actors after it ended. One of those actors is Melissa Sue Anderson, and you might be curious about what she’s up to now.
Melissa Sue Anderson played the role of Mary Ingalls on the television show. After the show ended, she made a decision to step away from Hollywood and live a more private life, away from the constant spotlight.
A Talented Child Actress
Melissa Sue Anderson was born on September 26, 1962 in Berkeley, California. As a child, she would often find solace in climbing trees and reading books in peace. Despite being introverted, her clear blue eyes captivated anyone who saw her.
She excelled in school and began her acting career at a young age. She appeared in popular shows like the Brady Bunch, Bewitched, and Millicent. Eventually, she landed a major role as one of the main characters in Little House on the Prairie.
For the first seven seasons, she played a starring role, and for the last eight seasons, she appeared as a guest. Her talent and dedication earned her a nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Reflecting on her character, she once said, “I’m lucky that there even was a character to play because in the book, there isn’t much of one. I’m fortunate that they discovered that I could act.”
Life Beyond Acting
While continuing to navigate high school, Melissa Sue Anderson also became a recognizable face across the United States. Dealing with fame at a young age came with its challenges. She once shared, “A lot of kids at school are curious and ask inappropriate questions, like ‘how much do you make?’ That’s embarrassing. I’ll just give them a look that lets them know what I think of the question or tell them it’s none of their business.”
Although some reports estimated her earnings to be around $1.5 million during her acting career, she explained that actors don’t always make as much money as people assume. A significant portion of her income went into a trust fund, and she also had other expenses such as agent fees and managing her fan club.
A Family on and off the Screen
The Little House on the Prairie cast was not only like a family on TV but also had its share of family problems behind the scenes. Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura Ingalls on the show, once described her portrayal of Mary Ingalls as “hateful, horrid, mean, terrible, difficult.” She openly expressed her dislike for her co-star.
Despite the challenges, Melissa Sue Anderson found love in her life. She dated Frank Sinatra Junior in the 1980s, and although their romance may not have been as glamorous as people thought, she considered him a good friend. In 1990, she married television producer Michael Sloan, with whom she has two grown children, Griffin and Piper.
Life After Little House
In 2002, the Anderson-Sloan family relocated to Montréal and later became Canadian citizens in 2007 after studying for the immigration test. Melissa Sue Anderson made the decision to step away from the spotlight and focus on raising her children, who have no interest in pursuing careers in the entertainment industry.
While she has taken on modest television and film roles over the years, her main priority remains her family. We appreciate the opportunity to catch up with someone who shared so much of our lives and wish Melissa Sue Anderson all the best in her continued journey.
