Melissa Gilbert
Actress
About This Interview
In her three hour interview for the Archive of American Television, Melissa Gilbert discusses her career as an actress/producer/director. She shares stories of her famous grandfather, Honeymooners creator Harry Crane, and recalls her early foray into acting in television commercials. Gilbert then details her time playing "Laura Ingalls" on the much beloved series Little House on the Prairie. She describes working with Michael Landon, and recounts memorable episodes, including "The Lord is My Shepherd," "Laura Ingalls Wilder," in which her character gets married, and the series finale, "The Long Farewell." Gilbert talks of playing Helen Keller in the TV movie The Miracle Worker, for which she was nominated for an Emmy, discusses playing the title role in the made for TV movie, The Diary of Anne Frank, and speaks of her production company, Half-Pint Production. She also describes her directorial debut on the after-school special, Me and My Hormones. Amy Harrington conducted the interview on April 18, 2011 in Tarzana, CA.
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Highlights
Melissa Gilbert on "Laura Ingalls Wilder" episode of Little House on the Prairie where her character gets married
Clip begins at: 16:18, Duration: 01m 43s- Melissa Gilbert on the final episode of Little House on the Prairie, "The Last Farewell" and blowing up the set
Clip begins at: 21:19, Duration: 04m 19s 
Melissa Gilbert on her character "Laura Ingalls" and how Laura differed from her sisters
Clip begins at: 36:43, Duration: 06m 20s- Melissa Gilbert on being nominated for an Emmy for The Miracle Worker
Clip begins at: 52:31, Duration: 01m 31s 
Melissa Gilbert on running for and becoming SAG President
Clip begins at: 30:25, Duration: 06m 06s
Interview
- Part 1
- On her early years and being adopted; on her grandfather Harry Crane, creator of The Honeymooners; on her childhood in the Valley; on deciding to be an actress and how she got involved in the business - started in commercials
Clip begins at: 0:14 - On her first TV role - on Gunsmoke; on appearing on Emergency; on appearing on Dean Martin's Christmas Special
Clip begins at: 17:57 - On getting cast as Laura Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie; on Michael Landon's fabulous hair; on the premise of Little House on the Prairie; on her character "Laura Ingalls"; on how closely the TV series followed the books; on how she learned she won the role
Clip begins at: 25:27 - On Michael Landon's importance to the show; on Michael Landon getting disillusioned with the series and leaving the show; on "Laura Ingall's" style
Clip begins at: 47:43 - Part 2
- On the production schedule for Little House on the Prairie; on realizing she was famous and on her fans; on reactions from peers
Clip begins at: 0:0 - On specific episodes of Little House on the Prairie: "The Lord is My Shepherd," and "Laura Ingalls Wilder;" on finding out the show was canceled; on the final episode of the show, "The Last Farewell;" on the legacy of Little House on the Prairie; on Michael Landon's impact on the industry; on Production Manager Kent McCray
Clip begins at: 13:43 - On doing talk shows as a child; on doing an episode of Fernwood 2-Night; on appearing on Hollywood Squares as a child and as an adult; on appearing on Battle of the Network Stars; on becoming a spokesperson for the Action Drug Prevention Program
Clip begins at: 36:16 - On starting Half-Pint Productions; on playing "Helen Keller" in the play and TV movie, The Miracle Worker; on being nominated for an Emmy for The Miracle Worker; on starring in and producing Diary of Anne Frank
Clip begins at: 44:34 - Part 3
- On the TV movie Splendor in the Grass; on Choices with George C. Scott; on the sitcom Stand by Your Man; on doing the voice for "Batgirl" on the animated Batman series; on the short-lived series Sweet Justice; on appearing on Babylon 5
Clip begins at: 0:0 - On directing the after-school special Me and My Hormones; on serving as President of the Screen Actors Guild; on 9/11 happening in the middle of her SAG campaign for President; on her responsibilities as SAG President; on attempts to merge SAG and AFTRA; on the mission of SAG
Clip begins at: 23:32 - On appearing on Touched By an Angel, and Nip/Tuck; on playing "Ma" in "Little House: The Musical;" on advice to aspiring actors; on advice to sister Sara Gilbert when she started acting; on the highlight of her career; on upcoming projects - books she's written
Clip begins at: 42:13
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Was not sure what to expect with her interview- often former child actors have some myths to protect...or sour grapes to squeeze. Melissa is direct and enthralling.
"The ultimate TV comfort food" -- and I can't go a single day starving... It's my safe place every day.
What an incredible interview with a wonderful actress. Love Melissa and her stories and memories are what real hollywood is made of. Thank you for this,all I can say is more,more,more:)!
Love this!!!!!!
What a pleasure it was to watch this great interview. Melissa Gilbert comes across as a genuine, smart, and beautiful example of all that's right with the entertainment industry.
She is a Queen, pure emotion and pure energy, nothing more to say ... thank you, thank you and THANK YOU!
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