To embrace aging naturally, actress Melissa Gilbert has traded the glitz of Hollywood for the authenticity of New York City.
Melissa Gilbert discusses leaving Los Angeles due to its anti-aging culture, finding solace and new beginnings on New York's Upper West Side, Page Six reported.
Melissa Gilbert, best known for her role in "Little House on the Prairie," left Los Angeles in 2013. She relocated to New York City, citing the prevalent anti-aging atmosphere in LA as a major reason for her departure.
"I just didn't feel like that was a safe place for me to age. It’s so anti-aging, which is one of my least favorite expressions in the world," Gilbert commented. Her move marked a significant shift in her personal and professional life.
The pressure to remain youthful and maintain a small dress size was overwhelming for Gilbert in California. This atmosphere fueled her decision to seek a place where she could age without such pressures.
Upon arriving in New York, Gilbert experienced a profound shift in her perspective on aging. "I went from, ‘Oh God, I better not get older!’ to ‘Oh God, I’m so glad I’m older!'" she explained. The city offered her a refreshing outlook on life and self-acceptance.
Now residing on Manhattan’s Upper West Side with her husband, Timothy Busfield, Gilbert feels more at peace. The diverse and culturally rich environment of New York has allowed her to appreciate her life's journey more fully.
The move wasn't just a change in location but also a significant transition in her mindset towards aging and personal growth.
Melissa Gilbert is set to star alongside Mark Moses in the off-Broadway play "Still," opening February 6, 2025. The play explores the complexities of a couple trying to mend their relationship amid political differences.
Her role in the play draws directly from her personal experiences, particularly her divorces from ex-husbands like Bruce Boxleitner. "That did become untenable and it was before 2016 when things got even more heated," Gilbert shared about her past marital struggles related to political disagreements.
Reflecting on her personal life, Gilbert noted the relief she felt after her divorce: "I will say that both of those times 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 clamp down on my opinion or not start an argument because I disagreed."
Despite her move, Gilbert holds a deep affection for Los Angeles, her hometown. The recent wildfires in the Pacific Palisades area, which began on January 7, 2025, have reignited her emotional connection to the city. "I did not realize the depth of love that I have for my hometown until the wildfires,” she remarked with nostalgia.
Outside of acting, Gilbert has engaged with Modern Prairie, a company that focuses on clothing and decor. This involvement is another facet of her new life that blends her love for artistic expression with practical business ventures.
Her journey from a Hollywood actress to a more grounded and reflective life stage in New York City illustrates her quest for authenticity and self-acceptance amidst the external pressures of show business.
Gilbert's reflections on her life are poignant and resonant. "Sixty has been the most incredible year, just to look back on all the things I’ve done and to know that I’ve earned my opinions, I have value, I am wise. I have done so much and I continue to do it and it’s not over by any stretch of the imagination,” she says spiritedly.
Her transition to New York has been a transformative experience, leading her to rediscover and respect her own life's path. This shift has not only changed where she lives but also how she views herself and her legacy.
This story of change and adaptation, from a beloved TV actress to a woman who challenges societal expectations on aging, continues to inspire her fans and audience. Melissa Gilbert's journey serves as a powerful testament to the strength and resilience required to redefine oneself in the face of societal pressures.
