Melissa Gilbert has opened up about her decision to stay mum regarding Netflix’s fresh take on Little House on the Prairie.
In a heartfelt post on Substack, Gilbert, now 62, shared her thoughts, writing, “Here I am, nestled on a farm in Pennsylvania, trying to savor my morning ritual. Yet, today, something is persistently nagging at me,” she confessed. “I’ve chosen to stay silent since the release of the new Little House on the Prairie version.”
Gilbert revealed that her reluctance stemmed from “two reasons” she felt were compelling enough to keep her opinions private.
“Truthfully, I’m concerned about my ability to remain objective due to my deep emotional connection to the original series,” she explained. “Additionally, I believe it’s not my place to share my views. The audience’s reactions are what truly matter. Critics and commentators, on the other hand, are irrelevant.”
Nearly four decades ago, Melissa Gilbert captivated audiences as Laura Ingalls Wilder, a young girl growing up on the American frontier in the late 1800s. Her portrayal on Little House on the Prairie catapulted her to fame and she has been a public figure ever since. The beloved series, which chronicled a family’s struggles and triumphs in the Midwest, concluded its remarkable run years ago but remains fondly remembered today.
Based on the beloved book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little House on the Prairie follows the Ingalls family, who live on a farm on Plum Creek near Walnut Grove, Minnesota, in the late 1800s.
Gilbert starred as Laura on the original series alongside Michael Landon, Karen Grassle and Melissa Sue Anderson, decades before the Netflix version introduced Alice Halsey, Luke Bracey, Crosby Fitzgerald and Skywalker Hughes.
Though she initially kept quiet, Gilbert wanted to join in on the conversation about the latest take on the childhood classic.
“If you are like me and still crave the actual, real, one hundred percent truth, then I suggest you watch, what I consider to be the definitive documentary on the subject of Laura Ingalls Wilder,” she continued. “That documentary is PBS Laura Ingalls Wilder; From the Prairie to the Page.”
Little House on the Prairie debuted on NBC just over 40 years ago in September 1974 — and the beloved series often feels as relevant as ever today. The show is based on the series of books of the same name penned by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Following the adventures of the Ingalls family in Walnut […]
Gilbert urged fans of the series to form their own opinions on new versions of the story.
“I hope this helps to clarify things a bit. I truly believe there is lots and lots of room for many stories to come out of the Little House universe for decades to come,” she wrote. “Maybe some day, someone will do a version that is word for word and scene for scene the books Laura wrote. Maybe someone will take the whole thing in a different direction and in a different timeline. Who knows.”
She continued: “The important thing is that the core tenets of Laura’s stories continue to resonate today. Those are, to be kind, to be charitable, patient, tolerant, open, curious, loving. To support those in need. To care for, nurture and love one’s family. To respect nature. and be grateful for her bountiful gifts. To love God and each other.”
Little House on the Prairie is streaming now.