Melissa Gilbert recalls landing the role that made her a household name in a humble way. Long before she starred as Laura Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie, she was just a young girl participating in acting auditions in Los Angeles. Now 61, Melissa shared memories of how she got the role, during a visit to the Hey Dude… The 90s Called! Podcast, hosted by Christine Taylor and David Lasher.
Melissa played “Half Pint” from 1974 to 1983, through which she became a fan favorite and captured viewers’ attention. However, her path to that role was not through professional tutoring. Instead, Melissa recalls a casual method her mother used, which eventually set her apart from other contestants. The actress also shared how she got the news about her selection.
Melissa Gilbert in ‘Little House’
The casting process for Little House on the Prairie came at an unexpected time for Melissa, who had just been rejected for a part in a remake of A Miracle on 34th Street. Still facing disappointment, she remembers finding comfort in her father’s workshop, where he reassured her that something better was waiting and days later she had the opportunity to audition for her breakthrough role.
Unlike the other contestants, Melissa did not arrive at auditions with curled hair or lovely outfits. Her mother kept it simple, encouraging her to focus on listening and being present. Speaking about her appearance, she recalled changing into her audition uniform, which consisted of overalls, a flannel shirt, and tennis shoes, while her mother styled her hair into pigtails. Melissa noted that whatever dirt was on her face at that time was just left there.
Melissa Gilbert will always be grateful to Michael Landon’s family
A few weeks after the audition, Michael Landon’s daughter, Leslie, shared the good news with Melissa that her father had cast her as Laura. Overwhelmed with joy, she ran to her school office and requested to use their phone to reach her mother, and this was met with a mixed reaction as the selection had not been announced officially.
The reveal landed Leslie in trouble, but that day became the beginning of a friendship with Lesley and the Landon’s family at large. Melissa, at one point, had to move in with the Landons due to her mother’s failed relationships. To date, Melissa considers the late actor, who died of pancreatic cancer in 1991, a father figure who shaped her career and life and who made her believe in “family.”