Melissa Gilbert and Melissa Sue Anderson End Decades-Long Feud With Heartwarming Reunion

Former “Little House on the Prairie” co-stars Melissa Gilbert and Melissa Sue Anderson have reconciled. The actresses, who famously did not get along as children, have mended their rift. Gilbert shared the joyful news on Instagram this week.

The reunion marks a significant moment for fans of the classic TV series. It closes a chapter of well-documented off-screen tension. The healing comes after a period of personal loss for Anderson.

From Set Rivals to Reconnected Sisters

Gilbert posted a photo with Anderson on December 27. The picture also included actress Betty Buckley. Gilbert called the reconnection a secret she had been keeping close to her heart.

She described long, healing talks and shared laughter. The pair discussed their unique shared history. According to Gilbert, they can now move forward as the friends they always wanted to be.

Melissa Sue Anderson played Mary Ingalls, the older sister to Gilbert’s Laura. Anderson left the series in 1981. Their real-life dynamic was strained for decades.

In a 2014 interview, Gilbert stated Anderson “hated” her as a child. She used words like “horrid” and “mean” to describe their past relationship. Co-star Alison Arngrim once noted Anderson seemed “appalled” by her and Gilbert.

A Healing Moment After Personal Tragedy

This reconciliation follows a difficult period for Melissa Sue Anderson. Her husband, television writer Michael Sloan, passed away in August. His death was reported by Deadline.

Gilbert has been married to actor Timothy Busfield since 2013. Her Instagram message framed the reunion as a wonderful Christmas gift. It emphasized healing and the blessing of renewed friendship.

For longtime viewers, this news provides a feel-good epilogue. It transforms a story of childhood rivalry into one of adult understanding. The “Ingalls girls” have finally found peace.

The Melissa Gilbert and Melissa Sue Anderson reconciliation offers a powerful lesson in forgiveness. It proves that some TV family bonds can transcend even the most difficult pasts.

Thought you’d like to know

When did Melissa Gilbert and Melissa Sue Anderson reunite?

Melissa Gilbert announced their reconciliation in an Instagram post on December 27. The actual reunion and talks happened prior to that public announcement, which Gilbert called a secret she had been keeping.

What was the cause of their original feud?

Reports and past interviews indicate they did not get along as child stars on the “Little House” set. Gilbert has said Anderson was “hateful” and “mean” to her when they were young, a dynamic observed by other cast members.

Are other “Little House” cast members involved?

No, this reconciliation appears specific to Gilbert and Anderson. Co-star Alison Arngrim, who played Nellie, has historically been a close friend of Gilbert’s and commented on the past tension between the two Melissas.

How have fans reacted to the news?

The response on social media and fan forums has been overwhelmingly positive. Many fans expressed emotional delight at hearing the two actresses have healed their long-standing rift.

Trusted Sources: Deadline, UPI, Instagram.