Melissa Gilbert Shares Her Struggles With Body Image In Hollywood | Megyn Kelly TODAY

While Melissa Gilbert says she never felt pressure to look a certain way as a star of “Little House on the Prairie,” her perspective changed as she ventured into the film industry at age 17. Gilbert details how she had a nose and breast implant surgeries before deciding to accept her body. Gilbert joins Megyn Kelly TODAY with her story of self-acceptance.
» Subscribe to TODAY: on.today.com/Su...
» Watch the latest from TODAY: bit.ly/LatestTODAY
About: TODAY brings you the latest headlines and expert tips on money, health and parenting. We wake up every morning to give you and your family all you need to start your day. If it matters to you, it matters to us. We are in the people business. Subscribe to our channel for exclusive TODAY archival footage & our original web series.
Connect with TODAY Online!
Visit TODAY's Website: on.today.com/Re...
Find TODAY on Facebook: on.today.com/Li...
Follow TODAY on Twitter: on.today.com/Fo...
Follow TODAY on Google+: on.today.com/Pl...
Follow TODAY on Instagram: on.today.com/In...
Follow TODAY on Pinterest: on.today.com/Pi...
Melissa Gilbert Shares Her Struggles With Body Image In Hollywood | Megyn Kelly TODAY

[@marjoriekelley4392]

My respect and admiration for Melissa Gilbert just increased tenfold after watching this clip! Good for you, Melissa, for not buying into all the hollywood glamour garbage!

[@NellieKAdaba]

Amen!

[@littleblondemop]

Plus, great sense of fashion here at least imo.

[@haircandykina]

Marjorie Kelley Agree!

[@mercedsoriano3581]

Amen

[@rosazafragarrido6527]

L

[@icecastles1432]

Kathryn Hepburn was just herself throughout the years and thought she was always glowing and beautiful , not to mention smart.

[@melindanash9990]

So very true.

[@peggysullivan5396]

She was t herself she was A hidden lesbian who couldn’t be who she was they say she never wore makeup was very masculine and wore very short hair and when she went to studios they dolled her up making her look more feminine then Hollywood ties her up with Spencer Tracy which they were not really a couple she liked women so really how much was she her true self ? They wouldn’t allow it

[@elvisobsessor]

Wow - she looks incredibly gorgeous. We love you, Melissa!

[@mperry1329]

Melissa takes good care of herself and she is in good shape and should be seen more and back on television. She looks great to me, she just has a wonderful way about herself.

[@jenwilhelmsen9160]

Absolutely give her so much credit. I grew up with her, and will always love Melissa Gilbert!

[@memessweett4005]

I have been watching Melissa my whole life. I'm almost 46 and I am happy to hear that she is gonna age naturally because most of us ladies will have to or at least I know I will. Choosing between Botox and fillers vs. getting groceries and paying bills is what it would boil down to for me. I had skin cancer removed from my nose and skin grafted so I'm already self conscious of my scaring . I will say though if I could afford it I would have Botox between my eyebrows because that is where the skin was grafted from and I always feel like I'm frowning or that I look angry . We all Have things we wish were different about ourselves but what it boils down to for me is the kind of person I am on the inside (my spirt ... my soul) I always try to be a good person .

[@susannaCdonovan23]

Meme's Sweet T We'll see if she perseveres, as visual is a huge part of Hollywood and no one comes away as natural for too long. She still young enough to get away with it.

[@pearlford8341]

Meme's Sweet T. Botox.fillers and whatever else are absolutely horrid i can honestly say i will never ridicule myself. I would rather look bit wrinkly an natural than a freak waking u every morning thinking what have i done to myself. CREEPY 👾👾

[@patriciaclements9457]

Good for you. Just don't forget to moisturize. That is OK. I am 73, and like Melissa, surgeries have taken their toll, but my face, neck, and chest are still relatively unwrinkled. I've used Vaseline for 45 years (plus other stuff now). No, I don't look 40, but skin health is extremely important as our first defense against disease. Back to Melissa, I knew when she was a child that she would be a beauty; who could not know. I watched her TV career with interest thereafter. She has done well for herself and is a good actor. While I loved the red hair, as a now grey red head myself, I love her beautiful natural look as well. Doesn't she look great, healthy, and happy?

[@md8465]

Why not both? Improve your inner and outer self. I am all for it.

[@md8465]

Some people overdo it because they have a lot of money. I only have enough for one syringe so I look good and not overdone.

[@patrece1970]

I still watch Little House on the Prairie, love, love the show.

[@bellehause9303]

patrece1970 me too. it is on daily on cozi-tv

[@patrece1970]

Wow, didn't know that, thanks.

[@thowen1988]

Me too - we have the digitally remastered version of the LHOTP Series. The color is great.

[@ninjamistysninjanook664]

Have always loved her and always loved the show.

[@GalaxyjfrJdofkjf]

Me too ❤

[@julieanne2648]

always beautiful, smart, and great sense of humor!

[@ALEXMGFASHION]

I used to watch the show when I was a little girl, every day after school never lost an episode! I loved her character so much!

[@rickm2608]

I love this woman! Not because of Little House, but for all the things she did afterwards. She is a TREMENDOUS actress!

[@singers333]

Wanting to go natural now is strength in a world where everyone around you is pushing you no to.. you go Melissa..and thank you for all the years of happiness you gave us watching you on Little House..never tire of it.

[@franlooving4203]

Anne Harp: and I also love her movies from the 90s, etc. Another favorite is Sylvester from 1985 or so. She is a treasure.

[@danlivni2097]

I'm so glad Melissa got rid of her breast implants. They are not good for women. I'v heard a lot of disaster stories about breast implants.

[@cindythecatwoman1601]

Why put something in your body that's not supposed to be there in the first place? It's alright if you need it.

[@KlassyKat45]

Hollywood is finicky and cruel...especially to women. There's a double standard for women and men. Mary McDonough who played Erin in the Waltons got breast implants which leaked and she got Lupus from that along with some other health issues. We love Melissa the way she is.

[@michaelburkeofficial]

She looks beautiful!!!

[@sheer9568]

Great interviewer, unpretentious and real. I hope she stays true to herself, she is great.

[@cannelle-cx1eb]

She's adorable I always like her

[@victorortiz863]

I'm now in my 40S and I just watched little house yesterday July.2020. I still don't miss an episode. Little House still makes my day after work 👍💯🌈

[@ukmedicfrcs]

It's very comforting to watch shows like Little house and the Walton's.

[@tinaloveseddie]

I don’t think it’s so much her plastic surgery.... it’s more of a makeup/hairstyle/ wardrobe thing. A nice nude lipstick, easy on the blush, younger hairstyle, jeans, graphic tee with a chill faux leather pink moto jacket, a nice pair of open toe heels.😘👌

[@celestialcircledance]

I love her silky bob with the white streak but your right its not a young look . Does the goel always have to be to be frozen at twenty though which only really works anyway when viewed from afar ? Mature sometimes can be classy and timeless as opposed to frumpy and matronly .

[@celestialcircledance]

Dyed to cover up the grey for sure .light , long is the current thinking , playful layers or fringes . Think Suzanne Somers .

[@grational]

Yikes- Y'all will buy anything. She decided to go natural right after the work last done to her cheeks and jaw. You can't pull on the forehead the same way. She is full of botox too and uses e/t she can. She has pancake make-up on so all those who say age does not matter can say how great she looks for her age. She is just referring to not going 'full Cher' or even the thing formerly known as Kidman.

[@DianeHughes45]

@@grational funny you brought up Nicole Kidman; last night I saw her in a commercial for Oil of Olay and I kept thinking how ironic it was because she gets botox, fillers, lasers and chemical peels all the time! If a reputable cosmetic company such as Oil of Olay really wants to sell their products, it would be more convincing to actually use a real person, not an actor whose has so much done to her face she's unrecognizable!

[@grational]

Diane Hughes It's sad b/c she has a natural beauty and structure that would let her age well. She was aging well. Little modifications like modest Botox, are Ok. I know women who do so only b/c I have been told. But I see women who look bloated every cycle. TV as well - Natalie Pinkham on F1 Sky. It is a shame. It's a spectrum but to many of these people just look unnatural. We all understand the disproportionate demands of women to adhere to standards (their own, others incl. other women that's embedded in culture and commercially supported) I've aged and I get less looks ( a guy I assume you know), but you have to really take care of yourself in mind, body, diet, and routine and not base you expectations on media. You can see the difference, and feel it within. That was longer than I expected.

[@charlesnoble7470]

So proud to be her age and hear how she's contributed her authenticity, traits and talent.

[@brookehanley3659]

Melissa Sue Anderson was so beautiful.

[@mperry1329]

I like that Melissa Gilbert speaks openly about her feelings about the way Hollywood and society places on women to look good. I am 51 and I am seeing the changes in my body and my face. I am no longer slim as I was when I was 31 and had thick long hair and now it has thinned out and I do feel a little uncomfortable when I go out in the public, but I will learn to accept myself the way I am and this was a good commentary from Melissa Gilbert, so I will just learn from what she said. All of the comments on this board are great to read, so Bless you all for your comments.

[@RubberWilbur]

so why did Gilbert defend Roman Polaski while she was cohosting the view. She said that the 13 year old who Roman assaulted was not as bad because the "mom was in the building". My mouth dropped when I heard her say this.

[@dpcaiello]

I think Melissa looks better than ever

[@danamaupin8318]

I love Melissa Gilbert so much..I grew up watching LHOTP and I still do..I bought all the seasons on DVD and I especially love the seasons when she fell in love with Almonzo...Melissa is still such a beautiful lady with a kind soul...

[@wilderliving1704]

She looks more amazing than she ever has.

[@Shelleybean3315]

Melissa Gilbert.....she and her "Little House" family were such an integral part of my childhood❤; I Love her so much! I am sooooo happy to have been able to watch this. 😀💕 She is just as beautiful now as she was adorable back then. And what a talented, well-spoken, intelligent and still very much adored woman 💕💕

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Shelley hope you’re okay?

[@TaraEGirodmystictara50]

Same age as me, 54. She looks great.

[@mariellace2933]

I thought shes 70 to be honest wow.

[@mariellace2933]

Megyn kelly is 50 too and looks 30 years younger

[@djmixnmagic]

Megyn is 47.

[@mariellace2933]

djmixnmagic ok but megyn is only 6-7 years younger but looks 20 years younger than the older lady

[@djmixnmagic]

Megyn looks terrific (though black is too severe for daytime TV), and Melissa looks good, too. Megyn could certainly pass for her thirties, and Melissa looks her age so yeah, I agree with you.

[@sarahfleck5424]

Love her mindset on wanting to be herself, and being open to the public. Little House was a great show.

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Sarah hope you’re okay?

[@sayitloudblcknproud]

Melissa looks freaking amazing! I love that she's taking a natural approach to aging and doing it sooooo well!

[@ukmedicfrcs]

Everyone making comments about plastic surgery. Why do YOU care so much about what someone does with their body? That negativity is exactly why women feel pressured to look a certain way. Why are women so mean to each other? We all struggle with the same issues. I am almost 6ft tall and thin with a big chest and a small waist and i get accused of having some type of plastic surgery just about everyday from a female with low self esteem and its very sad. I wish we could just support each other. I tell women everyday that theyre beautiful.

[@diankreczmer6595]

Melissa Gilbert, so honest! Thank you for being you!

[@kaleoy7584]

I still remember she dated Rob Lowe.

[@astinmartin413]

I remember her being Sarah Gilbert's sister 😅😜

[@ladyesther]

Good for her! I have been feeling so old lately. It's great to just be...accept yourself, don't care, and not compare.

[@failyourwaytothetop]

Find strength in being old.

[@empireentertainmentevents1353]

Thank you MELISSA. You were so transparent with your past struggles. I am sure your effort here helped many Girls around the world who watched this realise that nobody should go through body shaming...and not to bow to to any pressure from anyone to alter their body.

[@jenniferwilson9579]

Inspirational !

[@HelenWoodward-y1h]

There has never been another series to even equal Little house. ALL the cast were perfectly chosen, I watch it at least once a month…just to feel at home. Love it totally love it, it will never die or even fade I popularity because it has become a sort of lifestyle for those of us who can’t see ourselves inside the Little House❤❤

[@ally_bally6728]

Thank goodness I saw this. I’m almost ages with Melissa and I’ve loved her all my life. I love that she’s growing old gracefully. I’m trying to also. It doesn’t mean we’ve let ourselves go people. It’s all natural as it should be. And healthier. Go Melissa Go!!!💕💕💕

[@jeniferburton5235]

I think she looks great!! Always beautiful Melissa Gilbert.

[@lindawilliams1050]

I saw Melissa in Millburn New Jersey performing Little House on the prairie.Always will be a fan.

[@saltwatercb]

Am I the only one who thinks it's a tad ironic that Megyn Kelly is handling this discussion, given that she herself represents both the type of beauty and age-defying ideal that women are encouraged to pursue? Maybe Kelly is just genetically blessed, clean-living, and has not resorted to Botox, etc., but she looks about 32 or 33 (she'll be 48 in November). She's actually only six years younger than Gilbert, but one wouldn't likely guess that given their current appearances. I scrolled through probably two hundred comments and was surprised to not see any regarding this angle.

[@mb-vf3qb]

Wow megan looks amazing !!didn't kno her age.she looks 30.

[@shananquade7553]

I thought the same thing. Megyn is naturally more conventionally beautiful but she for sure is having all of the face stuff done that Melissa is turning her back on. Very ironic.

[@janeschmidt9611]

I’ve always loved Melissa and have so much admiration and pride for her as she has matured. Good for her! 🥰

[@powergirl7619]

I love this lady!!🌹

[@abigalebuss5277]

I'm glad to finally get to see this interview, it was preempted in my timezone. If she doesn't feel badly about her hair turning gray then maybe I will finally not feel so bad about mine turning gray either! I have seen her several times over the years during her 'Little House' days and she seemed very down to earth even back then. I'm glad she's not letting anything or anyone change her. Be who you are "Half Pint".

[@kimpurnell]

More women need to take the same stance... Authentic self... if millenials are told to be this in business.. then it also applies throughout life.. Women at all ages, shapes and colours are great.. Speak up ladies.. Especially in Hollywood.. Create roles for yourselves and show yourselves and the system will change.

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Kim hope you’re okay?

[@joanlantis4497]

i wish i could go all natural like melissa but i dont have her money to do all of the procedures she had done before she went "all natural".

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Joan hope you’re okay?

[@littleblondemop]

I loved her on Little House even though they were re-runs when I watched and I love her genuineness here. She looks great embracing her age.

[@MC-ol1nd]

Late to this but I absolutely loved this interview. Little House was my favorite show growing up and now I'm re-watching all of it while I quarantine. I adore Melissa and her transparency in this interview. Her hair looks fabulous. Now that I would do one day if I get the courage to show my grays.

[@naureenpocoyo6400]

I like to remember her as laura ingalls..the beautiful country girl.

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Naureen hope you’re okay?

[@BG-ig6fd]

To Melissa Gilbert: I just want to say the natural, authentic you was apparent even as a young kid. Your acting was natural (not over done) on Little House. As an adult, rewatching the show again, I was impressed by your acting talent. They did a good job choosing you for the role of Laura Ingalls. I’m sorry you went through some rough periods. I appreciate you being so honest now. Thank you from women around the world.

[@dannyhuffman]

Hey girl thank God it's Friday

[@Lisa54321]

She looks great! Thanks for the inspiration Melissa! ❤️

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Leiza hope you’re okay?

[@kaysonrhodes5482]

I loved watching Little House when I was growing up it is such a great show Really good tv not like the shows on theses days

[@theresabollman8061]

Happy for Melissa and Tim...glad they are together.

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Theresa hope you’re okay?

[@nancyericson4263]

She looks good but the lipstick is just a bit too much. Just a little softer color would be less harsh.

[@brookehanley3659]

The lipstick is way too red.

[@brookehanley3659]

The eye make up is minimal.

[@ShandeleReynolds]

she's not THAT old geez

[@kristinfenstermacher4575]

I think she looks good the way she is

[@Ace-ke7fq]

@@brookehanley3659 exactly, y do women wear so much crap,.looking older then they r..folks lie to them thats y,.oh, u look great,. meanwhile...look like 65 year old with the street makeup//

[@freespirit2364]

Very refreshing attitude . Go Melissa. Love the look.

[@michelecondenzio4517]

Melissa your an incredible woman. I deeply respect and admire all you have done to live your life by your standards not "Hollywood's" I ,also, love you as an actress. Been watching you since little house on the prairie. God Bless you,Tim and your children.🙏❤️

[@deonaboyle7651]

I really didn’t know much about her adult life until this interview. Look how far you’ve come sweetheart. So proud of you and glad to see you happy with a good head on your shoulders. I really admire you.

[@dorikienitz8650]

Loved little house on the prairie and Laura! Grew up watching the series (I think Melissa and I are the same age) As Melissa ages, I have so much admiration for her choices, her truth and her natural beauty!!!

[@BitterblueTunes]

Melissa Gilbert is the best! 💕

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Shell hope you’re okay?

[@annpayton]

Love Melissa's 'white-blonde' streak ❤

[@wisewillow5731]

Class act! Love the fact she is also wearing flats and embracing a little grey... and that voice! It hasn’t changed!

[@joycehumphries392]

God bless you Melissa!! You are Beautiful!! Your are genuine!!

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Joyce hope you’re okay?

[@cpt4168]

Yay! You go, girl! Proud of Melissa's decision to eschew all further work on her body and to just be natural. Wish more would do this :)

[@saralove8297]

One of my favorite shows

[@TT-rz5td]

Love what she is wearing. She looks classy.

[@chellebellenn]

I love Melissa Gilbert! She’s always been so beautiful! I wish she would do more acting

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Chelsea hope you’re okay?

[@cindythecatwoman1601]

She's right there is a lot of pressure put on women to stay young. Women and girls should be able to be who they are. I'm glad she's setting an example.

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Cindy hope you’re okay?

[@merarisanchez4328]

She’s such an inspiration! Always beautiful, always friendly and good spirited. Just like Laura!

[@Lisa-jg6mf]

Beautiful lady xx

[@makeuphappy1]

She is amazing !!!!!! Go Melissa !💕👏🙏

[@number1nanaof2]

I don’t know just when this was, but Melissa, you look fantastic. I love your hair. Good for you to stand up for yourself and what you believe in....YOU! I loved Little House. It was such a wonderful family show. One my daughters could watch. So much of that kind of show is gone today 😢 I had no idea what you had to go through on Dancing With The Stars...you were great. Just wanted to let you know how loved you are. I hope this gets passed in to you. ❤️❤️❤️

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Diana hope you’re okay?

[@yvonneerrend8217]

Great lady!. Love her.

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Yvonne hope you’re okay?

[@kimberleydownes3411]

How refreshing. She is beautifully comfortable in her own skin.. Hollywood take note o the authentic beauties.

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Kimberly hope you’re okay?

[@lisaward9202]

Love the hair!

[@tanedasmith9370]

Great interview! She looks fantastic! She got tattoos? Get out! You go girl👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾😂😂😂

[@sheilalindenstein8263]

Still love her as much as I did when I was younger. Melissa is pure beauty.. inside and outward

[@Almarico3840]

She is beautiful inside and outside, thank you for gime my happy life every day, l still watching your movie 🍿 💗💗💗

[@mi2ube]

That is so cool! I have those shoes Melissa’s wearing! Very comfortable.

[@carriekassick7311]

You can age in New York, lol! I love her, she’s always been someone I’ve watched grow and feel so proud of! Lol, I don’t know why I’m proud, but I am happy for her becoming a strong, confident woman. I didn’t know Tim was her husband, but he played my favorite character on 30 Something, I absolutely loved the turn-around his character made! What a nice couple they must be! 💖

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Carrie hope you’re okay?

[@johnlamon3397]

Live your life and love your life, create a foundation for our children's future. Do not let not someone's ideations make life unrealistic and false, build resilience.

[@seven471]

We are supposed to focus more on our spiritual self and our soul as we get older and less on our bodies

[@pamelalester3502]

You go melissa I'm 66 and I am all natural.

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Pamela hope you’re okay?

[@Jay_190]

I am 14 years old and absolutely looove little house! I am so happy to see that Mellisa isn’t giving in anymore to that Hollywood garbageeee.laura is def my favorite character!! All I’m saying is that seriously everyone reading this please, you do you!!

[@VidaLuz]

I love Melissa shes part of my life. Kissis from France

[@ValerieSunshine]

Awesome human being!

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Valerie hope you’re okay?

[@4067tbone]

Middle age onset sucks but we all have to learn to live with it.

[@sewhoppy]

Happy for Melissa Gilbert

[@swedeman5785]

Thanks for this,Little House is on Swedish Cable tv daily at 3 -4 pm..And I only hear "half-pine",Mr Landon never said the T...or he sais it so fast...

[@mprkg]

Melissa was very pretty on Little House! Was just watching episodes from when she was 15, 16, 17, 18. Then she got terrible nose job! You can see her first nose in the final episodes of LHTOP. Then she started dying her hair horrific orange colors, fillers all over, heavy smoker and drinker, blew up her lips, and got MASSIVE Fake bo o bs and her short body 5'2." She really ruined her face and body with awful plastic surgeries and lip plumpers.

[@martharodriguezovalle4506]

Por favor póngalo también en Español, para saber que dicen. Me encantan todo lo relacionado con la family Ingalls.

[@angeceleste3347]

Great show ! Unforgetable Ever love you Mrs Gilbert

[@sherriewhite7509]

I always thought she didnt need that nose job! or anything else that she got done!

[@audrasitarek9113]

Sherrie White she was a natural beauty. Her nose was pretty!

[@Angie-yp5eu]

Melissa Gilbert is beautiful no matter what. I have grown up watching Little House on the Prairie..she is my idol 💞, Ohhh I just wish I could know her and meet her in real life🤗💞

[@claudianowakowski]

She is fortunate to have naturally thick, healthy hair. Many women her age do not.

[@claudianowakowski]

@@elbeejay2820 Me too, but I was losing my hair much younger. I have been wearing pieces for years.

[@pookiebear364]

Melissa, dont touch a single line.. You have earn them and your a beautiful & talented woman. I wish you happiness in the future.

[@trigkraft2004]

So refreshing, thank you!

[@JoseMorales-lw5nt]

To all my BTAS fans, you might recall Melissa Gilbert as the actress who brought to life Barbara Gordon/ Batgirl! Andrea Romano always had an ear for casting actors who had voices with character! Even in this video, you can close your eyes and hear Batgirl! God bless you, Melissa Gilbert for staying strong... 🇵🇷🇺🇸😎

[@petercommon4459]

SHE IS AN AMAZING ACTRESS!!!!

[@shaelynb6283]

It’s disheartening whenever I see someone dislike something about their body or feel ashamed and pressured by others. But then I’m like hold up why don’t I feel the same way towards my own body. Because of this fallen world we are on borrowed time and our bodies are rapidly changing and moving towards death. But truly there is a precious soul beneath that body that is so beloved by God , it’s so valuable to Him that he sent His one and only son Jesus Christ to die for your precious soul !! And through Jesus Christ you can be resurrected to new life in a newly transformed body that doesn’t age but best of all no one will care about body image as they do in this world , they will be too busy enjoying God’s presence of true joy and peace.

[@dannyhuffman]

Hi Shaelyn hope you’re okay?

[@believeinyourself7511]

All these fillers and implants just look so fake.

[@jmelouise3]

I wanna see her tattoos!!

[@mad7fisher]

I remember, growing up in the 80's , pics in tabloids of her and up and coming actor Rob Lowe, they were a couple for years

[@kimporter1744]

Love her on Little House!