Melissa Gilbert Breaks Silence About Dean Butler

[@calvthomas6153]

This was my favorite show coming up as a child. I still watch it to this day:

[@curiousobserver97]

She is a beautiful person, inside and out. I loved growing up with her watching, LHOTP. Watching reruns brings me back to a happier, simpler time.

[@MirelleJanaWalter-yb7cz]

I was wstching the series for the first time when I was five years old. Now I'm 51 and I still love watching it. 🎉❤🎉

[@MamaPinks]

Same! I'm 55 and today, I just watched the episode when London's Circus came to town! ❤❤

[@t.h.8475]

I watched it growing up. My mom and I watched together when my mom was frail and lived with me. I loved it.

[@Clay-b1q]

Both Ingall Girls got two of the Most Appealing Men by far. BOTH. Outstanding!!

[@bunjijumper5345]

Even after all these years Half Pint still has my heart.

[@lindafoster2141]

MELISSA, I LOVED WATCHING YOU GROW ON LITTLE HOUSE, YOU AND DEAN DID A WONDERFUL JOB! I STILL WATCH IT TO THIS DAY!!!❤

[@djb6313]

I had such a crush on Dean Butler when I was younger. I used to watch the show mostly for him.

[@therosarylady]

I cherish this show...I'll watch it forevermore ❤

[@t.h.8475]

They were all such wonderful actors.

[@LittleBlueOwl318]

Both Melissa Gilbert and Justine Bateman are aging gracefully - and it's FANTASTIC!!

[@roxannebaughman4062]

She previously admits to fillers and had breastfeeding implants but she decided to stop doing fillers

[@GeminiladyJackson-xq6hc]

Justine's brother, Jason Bateman played James on the last season of the show .

[@thomasforst7327]

Melissa Gilbert is still so beautiful

[@coleenrudolph5807]

Lovely child who grew up to become a lovely woman❤️🙏🏻

[@EMuro-wu7uy]

It's good to be natural. I've never had cosmetic procedures or surgeries. I'm all natural and I live it

[@Anne_B.]

Agreed

[@pj-fx7gx]

How nice for you

[@lainiespeiser8233]

I always loved Almanzo what a hunk! And this was the usual age spread in those days. You were thought of as a spinster at 25, like Almanzo's sister, who was the school teacher.

[@JenniferBristol]

School teachers weren't allowed to marry. If they did, they had to resign.

[@christienelson1437]

I felt that the script did move very fast but not unrealistically. First Laura becomes a teacher and then she develops a love interest and then marries him. Sixteen years was a typical age for young women to marry at that time. The men would often be older because they needed to be more experienced and financially able to start a family. By sixteen a young woman would have known how to cook, clean, do laundry, care for animals and children. Gilbert was not experienced enough for the role.🙏💕

[@annstillwell730]

The real laura was 18 when she married.

[@diamondtiara84]

Sixteen was not a typical age for marriage at that time, except in the south. The typical age was early twenties, give or take. Late teens, or mid 20's was also common. I've read a lot of books written in the 19thc, as well as diaries and journals, and 16 was usually a teenager rebelling and eloping with a guy her parents disapproved of. (Yes, rebellion happened back then, too.) In real life, Laura was 18 when she married Almanzo.

[@Wrenmouse]

It was a shame she didnt realize how pretty she was. She was a lovely young woman. There was nothing wrong with her nose.

[@marypasco2213]

Her & Jennifer Grey.

[@subobing3551]

I read all The books and loved the series so much. This was an important part of my life in my childhood. I’m The same age as Melissa. 👍🏻❤️

[@lynnkreppenhofer259]

Come on people! SHE wasn't even a teenager yet. Cut her slack my god. She still pushed through it. PEOPLE, OR SHOULD I SAY A KID, HAS EVERY RIGHT TO FEEL THE WAY SHE DID. COME ON!

[@stephanievoy2426]

I'm sorry but she was 15 year's old , teenage year's are between 13 and 19.

[@bkzone8]

Absolutely! And we have to remember that kids then were more sheltered than they are today. Thank you for standing up for the young child she was!!

[@lynnkreppenhofer259]

@bkzone8 my pleasure!

[@lynnkreppenhofer259]

​@stephanievoy2426 I was wrong on her age but my point is still the SAME. it was WRONG for her age. Would you put your FIFTHTEEN year old daughter? If so, then that says it all.

[@sherry1253]

she was a 15 yr old actor-there was no sex scenes, no make out scenes she had to be an actor and act as a wife and mother as most 15 yr olds were at that time depicted in the plot she was to ACT in

[@anamarieph8597]

This and Thorn birds, were my guide to adult life

[@barbaraturner40]

Glad this didn’t get ugly loved the show!!!

[@ClaireTarpey-i4f]

The funny thing is that Melissa Gilbert is only a month older than me & we're both women & we also have another connection...LHOtP...whereas Melissa Gilbert was uncomfortable at first with Dean Butler, I had a mad crush on the man & would dearly have loved to have been paired with the man. Also, Michael Landon played her father on the show and was a father figure to her as he was to a lot of women our age. My family wasn't all warm and fuzzy like the Ingalls, so Michael Landon was the perfect father that i thought my father wasn't. Later on, i realized both Michael Landon & my father were both good fathers, just in different ways. I was crushed when he died, & i never knew the man! I still miss my own father.

[@ShanteBarze1950]

Yes! Michael Landon was one of my favorite Actor's too. I loved him on Bananza & Highway To Heaven, just like I like him on Little House Of The Prairie.

[@arfriedman4577]

I was a kid when Laura and Almonzo got together. I thought it was sweet. I didn't know anything at that time about age difference and discomfort, and it being wrong. I think i recall reading a few prairie books. The prairie business should do well for her. Nice film. Much success, health, happiness and blessings toall.

[@autumnfall8829]

I have always thought Melissa Gilbert was beautiful, and she still is.

[@TimothyPeterson-mc4gf]

This show delt with the moral values of family life

[@LE64SAM-IAM]

Apparently, Melissa Gilbert should have read Laura Ingalls Wilder's books. At least it was only a 9-year difference, rather than the true-life 10 years of Almanzo and Laura.

[@audreysnyder6900]

Yeah right?

[@video198712]

That's exactly what I said to myself when I read about all the uproar that Dean Butler was so much older than Melissa, etc. The real Almonzo was was old than the real Laura. Melissa should have done some research when they got to that part of Laura Ingalls Wilder's life story

[@ShanteBarze1950]

You're right, back then the age people kind of frowned upon it, today age gap doesn't matter so much.

[@ClaireTarpey-i4f]

@@ShanteBarze1950 I have something that's even a little creepier... although I'm sure, (& I pray that I'm not putting him on a pedestal or anything, but I'm really hoping that I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt), my father was 21 yrs older than my mom & also, he was her babysitter, at one time! I was so grossed out when my parents calmly & like it was no big deal, just dropped that bomb on me! What's even worse is that my mom didn't even go to church all that much & ppl knew that my mom was a lot younger than my father & I always looked older than I was, so ppl would think I was my mom! Yay! NOT!

[@pamhoosier8592]

My husband was 12 years older than me and we loved each other dearly. We didn't let our age gap bother us. It's just a number.

[@Flowernbloom1]

If anyone gets a chance go visit Laura Ingalls Wilders house and Museum in Mansfield Missouri. You will love it !!!

[@christienelson1437]

De Smet , South Dakota also has two lovely museums showing the families homes.

[@laurahutter9176]

I visited the Laura Ingalls museum in Pepin, WI where she was born and where Little House in the Big Woods took place. I was giddy like a kid even though I was in my late 50s. Lol

[@jerrilynhenson9024]

Sure wasn’t much about Dean. But i watched it because I still like her.

[@CherylSpottedBear]

that's how it was in the olden days my Grandma was married at 13 and she wasn't ready.

[@mrgreene3290]

Gilbert states that Butler was 8yrs older than she was on the program, but historically, that wasn't very much different than real life back then. Many women didn't live long lives due to childbirth and hardships in farming, and men was often required to be able to independently provide for their wives and subsequent children so had to have a livelihood somewhat well established in order to marry.

[@pattimessenger6214]

And, it was close to the real life age difference between the real Almanzo and Laura,

[@WendyKayNelson]

I love the show. I love that romance.

[@earlymorningtwilight9119]

My grandma was 16, and grandpa was 26.

[@BHRoadStories]

The place is very beautiful

[@lisayoder5686]

Melissa is my same age, and I had such a crush on Michael Landon, I was SUPER jealous of her getting to be called 'half-pint' by him.

[@julieberry2793]

He was an onscreen dad figure for me! Mine wasn’t the best and it really was nice to get lost in the show!

[@iyshstara]

She was like the Emma Watson of the 70s. Bravo for being such a strong fair-minded female youth protagonist!!! Definitely helped my sanity 🙏

[@carlosadiaz]

The real Almanzo was born in 1859 and Laura in 1867. The age gap was true to the real life couple.

[@sandyschipper1400]

I thought the series went on way too long, just like the Waltons.

[@unstepintime]

Melissa Gilbert's husband is a nerd. Lol. Edit: So I don't get any hate he was in the Revenge of the Nerd movies.

[@laurajames4981]

I thought he was. Love the nerd movies too

[@amyhillick2448]

He was also in many respectful shows like 30 Something and The West Wing

[@unstepintime]

@@amyhillick2448 Of course.

[@Greek316]

Cool fact. Didn't know that.

[@Greek316]

@@amyhillick2448 Revenge of the Nerds is also respectable! It was filmed at a university and it had titties!

[@madeleine9907]

This is so ridiculous he was very cute and not that old 😅

[@LE64SAM-IAM]

@@madeleine9907 For a 15-year-old, 9 years is a fairly large span.

[@sdamom621]

She is expressing her feelings.

[@slay2483]

Very cute isn't enough for everyone. At her age that's a pretty big gap.

[@Mxyzptlksac]

@@LE64SAM-IAMright? At 15 a 23 year old is old!

[@karenkramer3760]

Agreed. There were no sex scenes. they barely kissed.

[@run4funs24]

I didn't dirnt realize that The chic on the Roseanne tv show Sarah Gilbert is Melissa and Johns sister.

[@hope03743]

There is an 8-year difference between Laura and Dean in a 10-year difference between the real lore and Almanzo

[@jackkircher1755]

I found it Aaron I that while she and Alison were inseparable and played rivals, the two Melissas did NOT get along in real life. In fact Melissa Sue Anderson snubbed off many if the kids onset

[@QueenOfTheNorth65]

I read the entire series of LHOTP books shortly before the show went on the air. When Almanzo was cast, I thought they made a terrible choice. The actor and character seemed like such a dork, and seemed to have a 1970’s haircut. He was nothing like his character in the book.

[@billythomas4804]

So many great performances from wonderful actors on LHOTP. My favorite was Mrs. Olsen.😊

[@michellelansky4490]

Well she certainly did a good job of it.

[@Shakespearelover1717]

I still watch the show. One of my favorites is a Christmas show where Laura sold her horse to Nellie so that she could get the money to buy her mother’s gift. There was nothing wrong with Melissa Gilbert’s looks. How sad to put her under the pressure to conform to a subjective beauty standard!!!

[@anaarredondogarcia]

I stoped watching when they brought him in. As a young girl I didn’t like a grown man as a romantic interest for Laura. I didn’t like it.

[@lightninseed]

It's definitely weird looking back at it. They could have prolonged that story for another season.

[@Mxyzptlksac]

I saw him on Broadway as Rapunzel’s Prince in Into The Woods

[@SinfulScents]

I remember watching this as a little girl and I did even at that little age think it was strange she was with someone so much “ bigger or older” and the wedding I was confused why they got married…I saw him as a grown man when I was a little kid and her as a young girl if you will❤

[@h.calvert3165]

Why are you showing Jackie Gleason when you reference her grandfather? 🤔

[@amyhillick2448]

Her grandfather worked on The Jackie Gleason Show

[@lightninseed]

When I first started hearing about her problems with him, I didn't quite understand it. But as I've gotten older, I get it now. She was still a kid and he was a young man. If you ask me, looking back at it, they could held off on getting the two of them together so quickly. I mean, it happened within one season. What was the hurry?

[@finster1968]

This is not something Melissa Gilbert recently “broke silence” about. She’s spoken about this for years!

[@KH-co4ez]

I imagine he felt a little awkward too having to kiss a girl that young even if it was acting.

[@anico8688]

I don't feel sorry for the fact that she had to wear the petticoats and dress costumes, nor do I feel sorry that she had to become "romantically involved" onscreen unless it was pushed onto her against her will by her parwnt, like Brooke Shields. She could have stopped acting as soon as she began pubescence. Other actors leave Hollywood before they begin their teen years.

[@jennyvoorhaar9547]

There is a scene where Natalie Wood was seen instead of Melissa Gilbert!

[@barbaraburgio6737]

Um….its called “acting”. That’s what she was paid to do. If she didn’t like it she could have left her contract.😊

[@Scottslaw]

I don't think any actor can just leave a contract but she wouldn't have to renew...

[@isabelladifede1464]

Erano belli lui anche adesso

[@Mxyzptlksac]

He used to sing to her on set between scenes in the bed to ease the tension. He understood it was awkward for her as well as him.

[@polekat86]

They don't earn the stars, they pay for the stars on the walk of fame.

[@BilliePayneboysel]

I wish you Melissa haft pint would come to oklahoma

[@GeanieG]

I enjoy the dive into a show that I loved, but I can only take the AI voice for so long. I'd much rather hear a real voice.

[@southbound804]

17? I moved out of my parents at that age. And everybody I know had been close to the other sex. Alot of girls had crushes on older guys.

[@janealber1436]

It played on Buffy, the vampire slayer.How weird is that that Sarah?Michelle keller would have the same relationship with dean butler , no melissa

[@brandirogers4326]

Laura Ingalls was a child and Dean Buttler was a man.She was married at 16. I remember watching episode and they would be have argument because he is expecting wife and Laura is young women.

[@brendasherwood9389]

back then it was like then. Men in their 30's married 16,17, or 18 yrs old. There was 16 yrs between my grandparents.

[@janeheston8320]

My fourth great grandparents she was 13 and he was 27 the preacher told her to stuff TBE front of her dress so she looked more mature

[@sylviarocha1974]

The real almanzo and the real laura had a 10 year age gap

[@yogachica117]

What about Dean Butler?? Melissa was hot and heavy and madly in love with Rob Lowe when she was 17 years old.

[@willnoiles2001]

Very little is about her relationship with Dean Butler…

[@mariealexander5800]

I can understand not getting all caught up in the Hollwood look, and don't mean to be unkind, but it seems like she's let her self go instead of just aging gracefully. I'm her age and have had no cosmetic surgery and rarely wear make-up, but I'm not opposed to a little haircolor. She is beautiful, but girl put some color in your hair. It's like she wants to look older. Forgive if I'm wrong. Just think she can still be beautiful even at our age. Anyway love Melissa.

[@lesliemoore2644]

Gray hair is very hard to color 🤦‍♀️

[@ShanteBarze1950]

I feel the same way, it does age her more than her age. I color my hair ever so often, I too am not sucked into the glam look, I don't like a lot of make-up weighing down my face.

[@MaryEverling]

As someone a couple of yrs younger than Melissa Gilbert, I’m all in on aging gracefully naturally, my hair is almost completely gray, I love her embrace of it!

[@tetasnuttyworld6203]

Everyone should do what they want to!

[@stacystoltz8722]

❤😊🎉

[@ellen375]

How very burdensome. Give her a cookie.

[@Christian_Ada1]

Brooke Shields was only 12 or 13 when she did the movie pretty baby having kissing scenes with an adult 30-year-old in the film pretty baby Hollywood was always about that Peedough life

[@omittable]

You would think that casting could find a more suitable Almonso🤷‍♀️

[@mousemd]

Wow, how different she looks. Then again I look a lot different. I am slightly older

[@barbaraturner40]

Oh it’s the west wing guy I did not realize!!!!

[@user-bl6ne3hc6n]

Funny because of the age difference, she used to call him Chester the Molester😅😅,

[@victoriagoforth9748]

That wasn’t nice.. He was hired to play a part..

[@user-bl6ne3hc6n]

@victoriagoforth9748 ya, remember she was 15 he was 22, and she took her frustration on Dean, and at that time Melissa wasn't talking to Michael,

[@victoriagoforth9748]

@@user-bl6ne3hc6n It must have make him feel horrible to be called that..

[@user-bl6ne3hc6n]

@victoriagoforth9748 according to Dean's book, Landon wasn't that nice to Dean, just a little jealous of a new younger handsome man on the set, and he knew Melissa was mostly joking, I believe she hasn't apologize to Dean until their little reunion special on t.v. 15 20 years ago, their still good friends,

[@victoriagoforth9748]

@@user-bl6ne3hc6nThat’s good to know.. But he was still just a young guy himself..

[@googleuser2226]

But did she love that paycheck???? It’s called ACTING for a reason.

[@aldatosoni5874]

La Gilbert è sopravvalutata come attrice! Era molto più brava e spontanea quando era bambina ...già da quando ha cominciato ad acquisire sembianze da adolescente si vedeva che recitava, non era più "naturale"....

[@ChrisHauser1]

She did not have much of teenage years when in to marriage no single life

[@lynnmckenna9934]

This is a ridiculous video- so many false assumptions! Can’t even finish watching!

[@WheresJohnsSocks]

"Manly" lol

[@cynthiatalbert3037]

I'm surprised that they didn't wait for her to be over 18 and have someone closer to her age! Her feelings are completely understandable.🫤