Melissa Gilbert Reveals Why She Left ‘Anti-Aging’ Los Angeles

In a new interview, Melissa Gilbert opened up about his journey from Hollywood to New York, leaving behind the “anti-aging” culture of Los Angeles to embrace life on the East Coast.

However, the actress noted that she still loves Los Angeles and realized her deep attachment to her hometown after the “wildfires.”

Now living in Manhattan with her husband, Timothy Busfield, Melissa Gilbert reflects on her past and future projects.

During a conversation with Page six, Gilbert, who stepped away from Hollywood in 2013, revealed she left the City of Angels for New York, describing California as a “so anti-aging” place.

The former “Little House on the Prairie” star, now 60, explained: “I just didn’t feel like it was a safe place for me. It’s so anti-aging , which is one of my least favorite expressions in the world.

Gilbert admitted that during her time in California, she often felt pressured to “not get older and stay a size 2 or 4 or whatever [she] was at that time. “

But his perspective shifted dramatically after moving to the East Coast. “I went from, ‘Oh my God, I better not get old!’ “To ‘Oh my God, I’m so glad I’m older!'” she said.

Gilbert continued: “I love how old I am right now. Sixty has been the most incredible year, just to look back on everything I’ve done and know that I’ve earned my opinions, I I have value, I am wise.”

She added: “I’ve done so much, and I continue to do so, and it’s no end by any stretch of the imagination.”

Now happily in Upper West Manhattan with her husband, Timothy Busfield, Gilbert shared that she still holds a deep affection for Los Angeles despite being left behind.

“I didn’t realize the depth of love I have for my hometown until the wildfires,” she said, referring to the Pacific Palisades Fire that broke out on January 7, 2025. . “The number of people I know who have lost everything, not Movie Stars and TV Stars.”

Although she admits that LA will always be special to her, Gilbert explained, “It just wasn’t the right place for me to live any longer, but it will always be my hometown.”

Looking ahead, the “Dancing with the Stars” alum is gearing up to star alongside “Mad Men” actor Mark Moses in the Off-Broadway play “Still.”

The drama explores the complexities of a couple reuniting after 30 years to determine “if they can rekindle this relationship now despite being political and polar opposites.”

During the conversation, Gilbert revealed that she drew on her life experiences for her role in “Still,” particularly her past marriages to Bo Brinkman (1988-1994) and Bruce Boileitner (1995-2011), where Different political opinions caused tensions.

“It became untenable, and that was before 2016 when things got even more heated,” the “Prairie Tale” author explained Page sixreferring to Donald Trump’s first term as president.

She continued: “I will say that in those two moments when I was single again, there was a weight that was lifted and a peace that filled my home because I didn’t have to hold on to my opinion or to Don’t start an argument because I don’t agree.”

Meanwhile, Gilbert has a full plate ahead, including a role in the Hallmark series “When Calls the Heart” and her work with Modern Prairie, a lifestyle brand catering to older women with clothing and decoration.

Performances of “Still” are scheduled to begin on February 6, 2025.

Gilbert appeared on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” on Oct. 30 and reflected on the enduring legacy of “Little House on the Prairie.”

When host Kelly Clarkson praised him for being part of such an iconic series, which aired from 1974 to 1983, Gilbert shared a touching personal moment about how the show continues to bring generations together.

“I look [Little House on the Prairie] Now with a few of my granddaughters,” she said in a clip shared on Instagram.

“They started watching, and it’s just amazing. And it also kills my mom when she walks in and sees we’re all watching… [it’s] multigenerational. Yeah, she just starts sobbing,” Gilbert shares.

When Clarkson asked why she thinks the show remains so impactful decades later, Gilbert highlighted its timeless themes and relevance.

“A lot of people will say it’s because the stories are about, you know, community and family and love and acceptance and all the good things in life that we all crave,” he said. she explained, by Good housekeeping.

Gilbert added: “But we were also telling the stories of America in 1974 through the lens of 1874. We were telling the stories of veterans coming home from Vietnam, but it was the Civil War… We were telling the stories of racism , anti-Semitism, chauvinism and all the things we are fighting against.