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12 Years And A 'Raggedy' Cottage: Inside Melissa Gilbert And Timothy Busfield's Simple Life Revolution

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Melissa Gilbert and her husband, Timothy Busfield, are celebrating a remarkable milestone: over a decade of marriage. As of late 2025, the couple remains one of Hollywood's most enduring and surprisingly grounded pairs, having traded the glitz of Los Angeles for a drastically different, intentionally "raggedy" life in a small cottage in the Catskills, New York. This conscious shift away from the spotlight is the secret to their lasting partnership, which they often describe as a true and equal collaboration.

Their love story is a testament to finding a second—or in their case, third—chance at happiness, built on mutual respect and a shared desire for a simpler, more authentic existence. After both were twice-divorced, the former *Little House on the Prairie* star and the Emmy-winning *Thirtysomething* actor found a deep connection that led to a private wedding in Santa Barbara in 2013. The focus now is not on red carpets, but on gardening, theatre, and cherishing their roles as partners and grandparents.

Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield: A Complete Biography and Relationship Profile

Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield’s relationship is often highlighted by their shared history in the entertainment industry and their parallel journeys through multiple marriages before finding each other. They share a blended family and a deep professional respect, frequently collaborating on stage and screen projects.

  • Melissa Gilbert (The Actress)
    • Full Name: Melissa Ellen Gilbert
    • Born: May 8, 1964 (Age 61 in 2025)
    • Notable Career: Laura Ingalls Wilder on *Little House on the Prairie*, two-term President of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG).
    • Previous Marriages:
      • Bo Brinkman (1988–1994)
      • Bruce Boxleitner (1995–2011)
    • Children: Son Dakota Brinkman (from first marriage), son Michael Boxleitner (from second marriage).
    • Grandchildren: Granddaughter Ripley (born to Dakota and his wife, Marissa).
  • Timothy Busfield (The Actor/Director)
    • Full Name: Timothy Charles Busfield
    • Born: May 30, 1957 (Age 68 in 2025)
    • Notable Career: Eliot Weston on *Thirtysomething* (Emmy Award winner), Danny Concannon on *The West Wing*, director and producer.
    • Previous Marriages: Twice divorced (names of previous wives include Radha Delamarter and Jennifer Merwin).
    • Children: Son Samuel Busfield, daughter Daisy Busfield, and son Wilson Busfield (from previous marriages).
  • The Current Marriage
    • Wedding Date: April 24, 2013
    • Location: San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, California.
    • Current Residence: A small cottage in the Catskills, New York.
    • Relationship Status: Happily married, celebrating 12 years of "true partnership, love, laughter, and compassion."

The Radical Move to the Catskills: Trading Hollywood for a 'Raggedy' Cottage

The most defining and unique chapter of Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield’s marriage is their radical decision to leave their comfortable lives in California and relocate to a rustic, 14-acre property in the Catskills region of New York. This move, which took place in 2019, was not a glamorous celebrity downsize, but a deliberate pivot toward simplicity and self-sufficiency.

Gilbert has been candid about their initial living conditions, famously describing their new home as a "raggedy little house" that was a far cry from her previous luxurious residences. The cottage required significant work, including cleaning out mice and mold, before they could truly settle in. The actress embraced this challenge, viewing it as a cleansing of her past Hollywood persona and a step toward a more authentic version of herself.

Their philosophy centers on *simple living*, a stark contrast to the high-pressure, image-obsessed world of Los Angeles. They focus on gardening, raising chickens, and enjoying the natural environment. Gilbert has spoken extensively about how this lifestyle has grounded their marriage, allowing them to focus on each other and their shared values rather than external pressures. This deliberate choice has become a cornerstone of their enduring bond.

The couple initially moved to Busfield’s home state of Michigan after their wedding, where they lived for five years, before eventually finding their permanent, simple haven in the Catskills. This willingness to uproot their lives together demonstrates a deep commitment to prioritizing their partnership over career convenience.

How a Shared Passion for Theatre Keeps Their Marriage 'Grounded'

While they have left the Hollywood machine behind, Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield have not abandoned their creative careers. Instead, they have channeled their energy into a shared passion for regional theatre, which serves as both a creative outlet and a bonding activity for their marriage.

Busfield, an accomplished director and producer, and Gilbert, a celebrated stage actress, frequently collaborate. They co-produced and directed the play *Guest Artist*, a project that allowed them to merge their professional lives with their personal partnership. This collaboration is a key part of how they keep their relationship "grounded," as it fosters a sense of being "equals in everything," a sentiment Busfield has expressed about their dynamic.

Their joint ventures often take them to classic summer playhouses, such as the Totem Pole Playhouse in Pennsylvania, where they continue to work on stage productions. This shared professional life allows them to travel and work together, reinforcing their connection. They have even started a new company together, indicating a long-term commitment to their theatrical partnership.

In a world where celebrity marriages often buckle under the weight of separate careers and distance, Gilbert and Busfield have actively chosen to intertwine their professional and personal lives. They view their work as a joint endeavor, whether they are performing on stage or simply going on a rare date night, which Gilbert shares on social media, often involving simple pleasures like vegan food and a movie.

A Third-Time Charm: The Secret to Their Lasting Partnership

Both Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield entered their marriage with the experience of two previous divorces, giving them a unique perspective on what it takes to make a relationship last. This shared history of past failures, rather than being a burden, seems to have been the foundation for their success.

Gilbert has revealed that the key to their longevity is a conscious effort to maintain a strong partnership. They prioritize open communication, laughter, and compassion—the very qualities she celebrated on their anniversary. Busfield has described Gilbert as "the one," emphasizing that their connection was immediate and profound, based on a mutual understanding and equality that was missing in their prior relationships.

Their life in the Catskills, embracing the "raggedy" and natural, symbolizes their commitment to focusing on what truly matters: a healthy, simple, and supportive relationship. By stepping away from the pressures of Hollywood and creating a life centered on their family and shared creative passions, Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield have successfully redefined what a celebrity marriage can be in the modern era. Their story is an inspiring example of a third-time charm that continues to thrive and grow stronger with each passing year.

melissa gilbert and husband
melissa gilbert and husband

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