Flash Back to Melissa Gilbert’s Most Memorable Post-‘Little House’ Roles

Melissa Gilbert now and then composite — Dominik Bindl/Getty Images; Everett Collection

It’s hard to believe that more than 50 years have passed since Little House on the Prairie first premiered. It’s even crazier to think that Melissa Gilbert, best known for playing Laura Ingalls on that classic show, turns 61 years old today! While best known for her nine seasons on the prairie, Gilbert’s career included plenty of other notable roles you may have forgotten about. Case in point:

“Deanie” Loomis

SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS, Melissa Gilbert, 1981,

Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett Collection

In 1961, a pre-depression period film called Splendor in the Grass launched rookie actor Warren Beatty and Natalie Wood‘s careers to new heights. Twenty years later, Gilbert was chosen to star in a made-for-television remake that boasted an equally captivating cast, including Ned Beatty (ironically, he had no relation to Warren) and emerging star Michelle Pfeiffer (who did ok for herself, we’d say!)

Batgirl

Gilbert’s signature voiceover opportunity came in the form of giving life to Batgirl on Batman: The Animated Series from 1992 through 1994. Working alongside VO heavyweights like Kevin Conroy (who played Batman), Mark Hamill (The Joker), and Arleen Sorkin (Harley Quinn), Gilbert’s work was well-received by fans. Unfortunately, the sequel series, The New Batman Adventures, saw a change in the guard, as Tara Strong was recruited to replace her.

Shari Noble

Warner Bros. Television/Courtesy Everett Collection

Nip/Tuck, the popular drama starring Julian McMahon as womanizing plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Troy, never shied away from an opportunity to shock viewers. And in a way, guest-starring on the show to create one of those “can you believe they did that?” moments was almost like a badge of honor. However, whether Melissa looks back on her role in Season four’s episode “Shari Noble,” during which she pursues nipple reconstruction after being assaulted by a dog, as a source of professional pride is up for debate.

“Ma” Gilbert??

Actress Melissa Gilbert performs a rehearsal for the National Tour of "Little House on the Prairie The Musical" at The New 42nd Street Studios on September 2, 2009 in New York City.

Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images

Talk about going back to your roots! In 2008, a musical stage adaptation of Little House debuted at The Guthrie in Minneapolis, NJ. Among the cast members were several veterans of the original TV series, including Melissa as Caroline Ingalls, the matriarch of the family. The show shifted to the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ before touring the nation and recapturing the nostalgic hearts of lapsed Little House fans everywhere.

Herself

DANCING WITH THE STARS, Melissa Gilbert, 'Episode 1403', (Season 14, aired April 2, 2012), 2004-.

Adam Taylor/ABC/Courtesy Everett Collection

12 years ago, Melissa’s birthday was a bittersweet celebration. Nine weeks earlier, she’d debuted as a contestant on the 14th season of Dancing with the Stars (against fellow celebrities like Gladys Knight and Jaleel White, no less!), allowing a whole new generation of TV viewers to fall for her (except, this time, we got to see the real Melissa instead of a character.) Partnered with popular pro dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy, she absolutely thrived on the show by impressing judges and fans alike with her dance skills.

Sadly, the duo’s time in the competition was destined to come to an end, and they were eliminated on the same day that Melissa celebrated her 48th year on the planet. Not to worry – those nine weeks in the high-pressure spotlight not only cemented her as an enduring force in the entertainment world, but gave her career an added boost that would allow her to continue entertaining us year after year, on and off the prairie. Happy birthday, Melissa Gilbert!