Melissa Sue Anderson is a talented American-Canadian actress, widely recognized for portraying Mary Ingalls in the beloved NBC series Little House on the Prairie (1974–1983). With a career spanning decades, she has amassed an estimated net worth of $1.5 million, largely thanks to her work in television and film. Anderson began her career at a young age, initially appearing in commercials before landing the iconic role defining her early career.
Beyond Little House on the Prairie, Anderson ventured into various roles in both films and TV shows, with notable performances in the films Midnight Offerings (1981) and Happy Birthday to Me (1981). In 2010, she published an autobiography, The Way I See It: A Look Back at My Life on Little House, offering fans an intimate look at her experiences growing up in the spotlight.
Melissa Sue Anderson Wiki & Quick Facts
- Net Worth: $1.5 million
- Full Name: Melissa Sue Anderson
- Date of Birth: September 26, 1962
- Age: 62 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of Birth: Berkeley, California, USA
- Nationality: American-Canadian
- Interesting Fact: One of the wigs she wore in her films was made from Yak hair
- Height: 5 feet 3 inches (1.6 cm)
- Weight: 123 lbs (56 kg)
- Eye Color: Blue
- Hair Color: Blonde
- Citizenship: American-Canadian (naturalized Canadian citizen in 2007)
- Notable Awards: Nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Little House on the Prairie
- Autobiography: Published The Way I See It: A Look Back at My Life on Little House in 2010
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Early Life
Melissa’s interest in acting began early. Encouraged by her dance teacher, she started taking acting classes at eight. Her family supported her ambitions, allowing her to participate in local theater productions and commercials.
Education
Balancing her education with her acting career, Melissa attended Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy in La Canada Flintridge, California. Despite the challenges of being a child actress, she managed to maintain a sense of normalcy and graduated from high school at the age of fifteen.
Career
Melissa’s career in entertainment started with television commercials, eventually leading to her first TV appearance in a 1972 episode of Bewitched. At just eleven years old, she was cast as Mary Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie, a role she held for seven seasons. In addition to her iconic part on Little House, Melissa also guest-starred in shows such as The Love Boat, The Equalizer, and Murder, She Wrote.
In 2010, she released her memoir, The Way I See It: A Look Back at My Life on Little House. After marrying Michael Sloan in 1990 and starting a family with two children, Melissa shifted her focus toward family life, taking on fewer acting roles.
Today, Melissa resides in Canada, where she is also a Canadian citizen.
Family & Personal Life
Melissa has an interesting family and personal life:
- Parents: She was born to James and Marion Anderson. Her parents divorced when she was thirteen.
- Siblings: Melissa has one sibling, a younger sister named Maureen.
- Relationship: She is married to Michael Sloan, a producer and writer. They tied the knot in 1990.
- Children: The couple has two children, a daughter named Piper Sloan, born in 1991, and a son named Griffin Sloan, born in 1996.
Melissa has largely stepped back from acting to focus on her family, and they currently reside in Canada.
Conclusion
Melissa Sue Anderson’s career, highlighted by her iconic role as Mary Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie, has left a lasting impact on television history. Despite her early fame, she has managed to maintain a relatively private life, focusing on family and personal pursuits after stepping away from the spotlight.
Her autobiography, The Way I See It, offers a glimpse into her experiences growing up in the public eye, reflecting both the challenges and rewards of her early stardom. Today, Anderson enjoys a quieter life in Canada, where she continues to be remembered fondly by fans for her enduring contributions to entertainment.
What happened to Melissa Sue Anderson?
Melissa continued her acting career after “Little House on the Prairie,” appearing in various TV shows and movies. She also published an autobiography titled “The Way I See It: A Look Back at My Life on Little House” in 2010.
How old is Melissa Sue Anderson?
Melissa was born on September 26, 1962, making her 62 years old as of 2024.
Where is Melissa Sue Anderson now?
She currently resides in Canada. She became a naturalized Canadian citizen in 2007.
What does Melissa Sue Anderson look like today?
While there are no recent public photos, Melissa has maintained a relatively private life. She is known for her blonde hair and blue eyes.
What is Melissa Sue Anderson doing now?
Melissa Sue Anderson continues to act occasionally and focuses on her family life. She has also been involved in writing and promoting her autobiography.
Why did Melissa Sue Anderson leave Little House on the Prairie?
Melissa left “Little House on the Prairie” after the seventh season to pursue other opportunities and roles in her acting career.
Who is Melissa Sue Anderson married to?
Melissa is married to Michael Sloan, a television producer and writer. They have been married since 1990.
Who did Melissa Sue Anderson play on Bewitched?
Melissa appeared in an episode of “Bewitched” titled “Tabitha’s First Day of School,” where she played a character named Millicent.
How much is Melissa Sue Anderson worth?
While exact figures can vary, Melissa Sue Anderson’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million.
How tall is Melissa Sue Anderson?
Melissa Sue Anderson is 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) tall.
What does Melissa Sue Anderson do?
Melissa Sue Anderson continues to act occasionally, writes, and focuses on her family life.
Who is her husband?
Her husband is Michael Sloan.
What happened to Melissa Sue Anderson after Little House?
After “Little House on the Prairie,” Melissa Sue Anderson continued her acting career, appearing in various TV shows and movies. She also wrote an autobiography and became a Canadian citizen.
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