Who Is Melissa Gilbert Married To? Unveiling Her Journey with Timothy Busfield
Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield’s Love Story
Melissa Gilbert, beloved for her iconic role in Little House on the Prairie, has captivated audiences with her acting prowess. But it’s her personal life, specifically her marriage to actor Timothy Busfield, that many fans are curious about today. Their story is a classic tale of love found when least expected. After two previous marriages, both Gilbert and Busfield had been through their share of heartbreak. In 2012, they crossed paths in what can only be described as serendipitous circumstances.
According to Busfield, the encounter happened in a quiet bar, where he often went to watch sports and unwind. Melissa was sitting at the bar, sporting a fedora, and from that moment, their conversation flowed effortlessly (People, 2022). As Busfield recalls, “I knew she was the one. It felt so real.” Their meeting was an unplanned event that neither anticipated, but it sparked a romance that would eventually lead to marriage.
When Did Melissa Gilbert Marry Timothy Busfield?
On April 24, 2013, Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield tied the knot in a small, intimate ceremony in Santa Barbara, California (Nicki Swift, 2023). Gilbert wore an elegant red wedding gown by Morgane le Fay, breaking away from traditional white wedding attire. It was the third marriage for both, and their union was celebrated away from the spotlight of Hollywood. Instead, the wedding was a deeply personal affair, marking a new beginning for both actors.
Gilbert’s Previous Marriages: Lessons and Growth
Before marrying Timothy Busfield, Melissa Gilbert had two previous marriages. Her first marriage was to actor Bo Brinkman from 1988 to 1994, with whom she shares a son, Dakota Brinkman. Her second marriage was to actor Bruce Boxleitner from 1995 to 2011, and together, they have another son, Michael Boxleitner (Wikipedia, 2023). Both marriages taught Gilbert valuable lessons about love, growth, and resilience.
In an interview, Gilbert reflected on her growth from her previous relationships, stating, “I wouldn’t be the woman I am today if one thing had gone differently.” She credits her journey of personal discovery with leading her to the deep connection she now shares with Busfield (People, 2022).
What Makes Their Marriage Work: Insights from Melissa Gilbert
Unlike her previous marriages, Melissa Gilbert describes her relationship with Timothy Busfield as one built on mutual respect, equality, and laughter. In interviews, Gilbert has often expressed how much Busfield makes her laugh. “We laugh all day long. We constantly crack each other up,” she shared (Good Morning America, 2022). This sense of humor and understanding is a key component of what makes their marriage so fulfilling.
How Timothy Busfield Supports Melissa Gilbert’s Career
In addition to their personal connection, Timothy Busfield has been a supportive partner in Gilbert’s career. When Gilbert ventured into writing with her memoir, Back to the Prairie, Busfield was by her side, offering encouragement. The couple has also collaborated professionally, hosting a podcast together during the COVID-19 pandemic, where they discussed a range of topics, from Hollywood life to family (People, 2022).
What are Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield Doing Now?
Since their marriage, Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield have embraced a quieter life away from the Hollywood spotlight. In 2019, they purchased a cottage in the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York, where they continue to reside. They have renovated the property, calling it “the cabbage,” a combination of “cabin” and “cottage” (The New York Times, 2022).
Busfield and Gilbert often share snippets of their life on social media. Gilbert, who affectionately refers to Busfield as her soulmate, has frequently posted about their wedding anniversaries on Instagram, expressing her deep love for him (Instagram, 2022). “I have never been more content, more cherished, or happier,” she wrote on their sixth wedding anniversary.
A Look at Melissa Gilbert’s Family Life
In addition to her two sons from previous marriages, Melissa Gilbert is also a proud grandmother. Her son Dakota Brinkman and his wife welcomed a daughter, Ripley, in June 2021. Gilbert shared her excitement on social media, stating, “She was a warrior through the whole process, and he was the perfect partner to her” (Instagram, 2021).
What is Timothy Busfield Known For?
While Timothy Busfield is perhaps best known for his roles in Thirtysomething and The West Wing, he has also had a prolific career as a director and producer. His acting career spans several decades, with credits in both television and film. In recent years, Busfield has focused more on directing, although he continues to take on acting roles as well (Wikipedia, 2023).
Does Melissa Gilbert Have Children from Previous Marriages?
Yes, Melissa Gilbert has two sons from her previous marriages. Her eldest son, Dakota Brinkman, was born from her marriage to Bo Brinkman, while her younger son, Michael Boxleitner, is from her marriage to Bruce Boxleitner. Both sons have maintained a close relationship with their mother, and she often shares updates about them on social media.
Where Do Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield Live?
As mentioned earlier, the couple lives in the Catskill Mountains, where they have found peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The decision to move to the countryside was driven by their desire for a simpler, quieter lifestyle. Their home, which they lovingly renovated, is a place where they can escape the pressures of Hollywood and focus on their family and personal projects (The New York Times, 2022).
What’s Next for Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield?
Looking ahead, Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield show no signs of slowing down. Although they have stepped back from the limelight, they continue to work on personal projects, including Gilbert’s writing and Busfield’s directing. They remain active on social media, sharing glimpses of their life in the countryside and expressing gratitude for their shared journey (Instagram, 2022).
| Character | Biographical Detail |
|---|---|
| Melissa Gilbert | Born on May 8, 1964, in Los Angeles, California. Known for her role in Little House on the Prairie. Married to Timothy Busfield since April 24, 2013. |
| Timothy Busfield | Born on June 12, 1957. Actor and director, best known for Thirtysomething and The West Wing. Married to Melissa Gilbert since 2013. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who was Melissa Gilbert married to before Timothy Busfield?
She was previously married to Bo Brinkman and Bruce Boxleitner. - What does Timothy Busfield do now?
Busfield continues to act and direct, recently launching a podcast with Gilbert. - How did Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield meet?
They met in 2012 in a quiet bar, where they talked all night and immediately connected. - Where do Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield live?
They live in the Catskill Mountains, where they renovated a cottage.
References:
People.com
NickiSwift.com
Wikipedia.org
TheNewYorkTimes.com
Instagram.com
