Melissa Gilbert Reflects on Her Romantic Past
Melissa Gilbert recently shared her thoughts on her past relationships during her appearance on the podcast “I’ll Choose Me with Jenny Garth.” The former star of “Little House on the Prairie” opened up about the impact of fame on her dating life, particularly regarding her six-year relationship with Rob Lowe.
Looking back, Gilbert described herself as rather naive during her time with Lowe, which spanned from when she was 17 to 23. “It was a turbulent period,” she admitted. “Watching his rise in the industry, I don’t think I was really prepared for what that entailed.”
She often felt overshadowed during their relationship, stating, “I always thought every girl and woman was my sister, but during that time, I didn’t really feel seen.”
Gilbert candidly acknowledged that this phase of her life was particularly challenging. “To call it confusing feels like an understatement; it was a significant loss. It was tough and terrifying.”
Representatives for Lowe have not responded to requests for comment.
Despite the difficulties, she expressed gratitude for the lessons learned about love and desire. “I think I learned a lot about what didn’t work for me and what I wouldn’t accept moving forward. Those tough moments often come from heartbreak and anxiety, but they teach you invaluable lessons. We genuinely had a lot of fun together.”
Having landed the role of Laura Ingalls Wilder at age nine, Gilbert also discussed her decision to step away from Hollywood in 2013. “The pressure in L.A. was overwhelming,” she noted. “It’s like working in a mall where everyone is constantly checking on appearances.”
She highlighted the challenges of aging in that environment: “Are you going to embrace aging and be happy about it, or fight it and feel inadequate?”
In 2013, Gilbert and her husband, actor Timothy Basfield, relocated to Michigan. Since then, she has chosen to forgo cosmetic procedures, even having her breast implants removed in 2015.
Now at 60, Gilbert views aging as a “blessing.” “Leaving L.A. made me feel more authentic. In Michigan, I took a step back and concentrated on my physical and emotional health. Yes, I’m aging, but that’s not a downfall; it’s a gift.”
