Melissa Gilbert Reflects on Past Relationship with Rob Lowe

Recently, Melissa Gilbert reminisced about her romantic history during an episode of the podcast “I Chose Me with Jenny Garth.” The “Little House on the Prairie” actress, who dated Rob Lowe for six years, shared how her early relationship shaped her views on love and fame.

Looking back, Gilbert, who started dating Lowe at just 17, remarked, “I think I was somewhat naive back then.” Their relationship lasted from the time she was 17 until she was 23 years old.

Gilbert noted that observing Lowe’s rise to stardom was both thrilling and challenging. “I was not really prepared for all the attention that comes with it,” she confessed. “I mean, we were together, but at times, I felt invisible.” It wasn’t lost on her how confusing that period was, describing it as a “huge loss” that was “tough and terrifying.”

Representatives for Lowe did not provide any immediate comments regarding Gilbert’s reflections.

Despite the ups and downs of their relationship, she believes it taught her invaluable lessons on desire and what truly works for her. “I think I came to realize what I don’t need in relationships,” she said. “It was a wild time. We had a really good time, despite everything.”

Gilbert, who rose to fame as Laura Ingalls Wilder at the tender age of nine, later decided to step away from Hollywood. She explained how the pressure of the industry can be overwhelming, especially in a city like Los Angeles. She recalled feeling like she was always under scrutiny, emphasizing that it can be particularly tough for women, who often face harsh expectations about beauty and age.

“Living there is like being in a constant competition,” she said. “You have to grapple with aging and how you feel about it. It’s difficult.”

In 2013, seeking a change, Gilbert and her husband, actor Timothy Basfield, moved to Michigan. There, she embraced a simpler life, opting out of cosmetic procedures, even going so far as to remove her breast implants in 2015.

At 60, Gilbert views aging as a gift. “I had to leave L.A. to find myself again,” she reflected. “In Michigan, I was able to focus on being healthy, both physically and emotionally. Aging isn’t a curse—it’s actually a blessing.”