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The Unexpected 'Little House' Life: 5 Shocking Facts About Melissa Gilbert's Husband, Timothy Busfield

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Melissa Gilbert’s husband, Timothy Busfield, is the anchor to her surprising second act, a life far removed from the glitz of Hollywood and the fame of Walnut Grove. After two decades of living the high-profile celebrity life, the actress known globally as Laura Ingalls Wilder has traded red carpets for rustic living, a transformation she credits largely to her current spouse and their shared vision of a simpler existence. As of December 23, 2025, the couple is celebrating over 12 years of a deeply connected, "grounded" marriage, proving that sometimes, the third time is truly the charm for finding true partnership.

The couple's love story is not one of Hollywood fairy tales but of two seasoned actors finding a profound connection later in life, leading them to an unassuming, 14-acre property in the Catskill Mountains of New York. This drastic change in lifestyle, which Gilbert chronicled in her New York Times bestselling memoir, *Back to the Prairie*, is a testament to the strength and authenticity of their bond. Their life together is filled with homesteading, growing their own food, and a commitment to a minimalist, low-key existence that has revitalized Gilbert's health and happiness.

Complete Profile: Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield’s Life and Careers

Before finding their peaceful life together, both Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield had established successful careers in television and film, as well as complex personal histories, including two previous marriages each. Their combined biographies paint a picture of resilience, talent, and ultimate contentment.

Melissa Gilbert (The Actress)

  • Full Name: Melissa Ellen Gilbert
  • Born: May 8, 1964 (Age 61 as of 2025)
  • Birth Place: Los Angeles, California, United States
  • Profession: Actress, Director, Producer, Author, Entrepreneur
  • Most Famous Role: Laura Ingalls Wilder in *Little House on the Prairie* (1974–1983)
  • Political Career: Ran for U.S. Congress in Michigan (2016)
  • Previous Marriages:
    • Bo Brinkman (m. 1988–1994), son Dakota.
    • Bruce Boxleitner (m. 1995–2011), son Michael.
  • Current Residence: A rustic cottage in the Catskill Mountains, New York.

Timothy Busfield (The Director & Actor)

  • Full Name: Timothy C. Busfield
  • Born: June 12, 1957 (Age 68 as of 2025)
  • Birth Place: Lansing, Michigan, United States
  • Profession: Actor, Director, Producer, Educator
  • Most Famous Roles: Elliot Weston in *Thirtysomething*, Danny Concannon in *The West Wing*, and Arnold Poindexter in *Revenge of the Nerds*
  • Major Awards: Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for *Thirtysomething* (1991)
  • Previous Marriages:
    • Radha Delamarter (Actress/Director)
    • Jennifer Merwin (Fashion Designer), children Daisy and Samuel.
  • Current Role: He continues to work as a director and actor, often collaborating with Gilbert.

The Secret to Their 'Grounded' 12-Year Marriage

Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield married on April 24, 2013, in a private ceremony at the San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, California. Their relationship began after they reconnected years after first meeting, both having gone through two divorces. Gilbert has been outspoken about the success of their partnership, attributing it to several key factors that keep their bond strong and "grounded" after more than a decade together.

1. A Shared Vision for Downsizing and Simplification

In 2018, the couple made the radical decision to leave their high-cost, high-stress life in Los Angeles and move to a modest, 14-acre property in the Catskills. This move was a deliberate act of downsizing and simplifying, allowing them to step away from the pressures of the entertainment industry. They purchased a rustic, 1890s-era cottage that they affectionately call their "little house in the woods." This shared commitment to a minimalist lifestyle has become a cornerstone of their marriage, focusing on experiences rather than material possessions.

2. The 'Little House' Lifestyle: Homesteading and Chickens

Gilbert's current life mirrors her iconic role more closely than anyone could have predicted. She and Busfield actively practice homesteading, growing their own food, and raising chickens. She has embraced a vegan lifestyle, and the two enjoy simple pleasures like date nights that involve vegan food, a movie, and grocery shopping. This shared passion for a self-sufficient, rural existence, which she details in *Back to the Prairie*, has given them a common project and a deep sense of purpose outside their acting careers.

3. The Power of Partnership and Laughter

Gilbert frequently praises Busfield for his unwavering support and their ability to keep each other laughing. On their 12th anniversary, she publicly celebrated their "true partnership, love, laughter, compassion." She has described their relationship as one where they feel like a team, able to tackle any challenge together. This emphasis on mutual respect, humor, and teamwork—a departure from the more volatile relationships of her past—is the true foundation of their lasting romance.

From Hollywood Star to Catskills Homesteader: Their Unexpected Journey

The journey from the bright lights of Los Angeles to the quiet seclusion of the Catskills was a significant, life-altering decision for both actors, but especially for Gilbert. She has spoken about how the move was essential for her mental and physical well-being, allowing her to shed the anxieties and expectations of celebrity. The couple's home, which they renovated themselves, is a reflection of their commitment to authenticity and simplicity.

Embracing the Rustic Charm and Challenges

Their life is far from glamorous. Gilbert has openly shared anecdotes about the challenges of country living, including battling mice and dealing with the realities of an old, rustic house. However, these shared struggles have only brought them closer. Busfield, an Emmy-winning actor and director, is often seen by Gilbert's side, whether they are tending to their garden or simply enjoying a quiet moment with their rescue dog, Chicago.

A Blended Family Life

While Melissa and Timothy do not have children together, they successfully navigate a blended family dynamic with children from their previous marriages. Gilbert has two adult sons, Dakota and Michael, and Busfield has three children: a son, Sam, and a daughter, Daisy, as well as another child from his first marriage to Radha Delamarter. This maturity and experience in co-parenting and blending families is another factor contributing to the stability of their current marriage, allowing them to focus on their partnership without the pressures of raising young children together. Their life in the Catskills is a refreshing, grounded chapter for two people who have spent their lives in the public eye, proving that the greatest love stories are often the most simple ones.

melissa gilbert husband
melissa gilbert husband

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