Date of birth: May 8, 1964 (Age: 62 as of September 2026)
Height: 5′ 3″ (160 cm)
Weight: 133 pounds (60 kg)
Melissa Gilbert body measurements:
Chest: 39″ (86 cm)
Waist: 28″ (64 cm)
Hips: 38″ (89 cm)
Bra size: 36C
Shoe size: 7 (US)/37 (EU)
Hair color: Red
Eye color: Hazel
Melissa Ellen Gilbert was born on May 8, 1964, in Los Angeles. She became widely known as Laura Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie, a role she played from childhood into early adulthood, and later served as president of the Screen Actors Guild.
Gilbert has written several books, including Prairie Tale, My Prairie Cookbook and the 2022 memoir Back to the Prairie. She married actor and director Timothy Busfield in 2013.
Gilbert has publicly discussed choosing to have breast implants removed in 2015. The updated article reports that decision without repeating humiliating comments attributed to a former partner or joking about her body. Claims about a fixed dance-with-weights routine are identified as older material, not a current program.
Updated details
Biographical and career details were reviewed and the article text was updated on September 7, 2026. Historical measurements and past routine descriptions are identified as such.
