Little House on the Prairie NBC TV Cast Information
Melissa Sue Anderson graced the small screen as
Mary Ingalls in TV's beloved "Little House on the Prairie" for 8
years. Now all grown up, you can still catch this famous child star
at the movies and on TV.
Melissa Sue Anderson was born in Berkeley, California, September 26,
1962. A self-proclaimed "quiet, shy girl," she loved reading books,
writing and spending quiet afternoons at home alone. On the advice
of a dance teacher, Anderson's parents went in search of an agent
for their talented daughter in the late 1960s. Told by the teacher
that she had a natural beauty and talent, Anderson began auditioning
for minor commercial roles in California. Within her first year,
with several commercials under her belt, the cute blonde haired,
blue-eyed beauty was in demand.
Bitten by the acting bug, Anderson began auditioning in Hollywood
for small television roles. In 1973, she got her wish as she was
cast as Millicent in an episode of "The Brady Bunch" entitled "Never
Too Young." Now known professionally as "the girl who gave Bobby his
first on-screen kiss," Anderson sought new roles, enjoying the ever
increasing attention. The following year, she won a bit part in the
movie "Shaft."
At 12 years old, Melissa auditioned for Michael Landon with the hope
of winning a role on a new television series. Beating out hundreds
of competitors, Anderson accepted an offer to play Mary Ingalls on
Landon's "Little House on the Prairie," a role that would change her
life and cast her into the spotlight forever. Filming began in 1974
and for the next 8 years, Anderson would literally grow up in front
of the camera, playing a character she deemed " like myself." During
summer breaks and over long holiday hiatuses, Anderson made guest
appearances and took on other roles. Determined not to be typecast,
she guest starred on the wildly popular television series, "The Love
Boat," playing her first ever adult role.
As the popular series came to an end in 1980, 20 year old Anderson
continued to enhance her resume, picking up bit parts in in shows
like "The Equalizer, "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," and "Murder, She
Wrote." She also auditioned for and won many title roles in
television feature films, such as "The Loneliest Runner," and
"Advice to the Lovelorn."
Today, Melissa Sue Anderson acts whenever she can. In 1998, she
played a title role of Dr. Marilyn Blake in the television movie
"Earthquake in New York," and she continues to audition and act on a
regular basis. Anderson still lives in California and remains in
close contact with several former cast members from "Little House on
the Prairie."
In 2006, Melissa performed in 10.5: Apocalypse as First Lady Megan
Hollister. Also in 2005, Melissa did a interview with VH-1 for the
100 Greatest Teen Stars of All time.
Recently, Melissa published her memoir "The Way I See It" where she wrote about her memories on Little House and life.
Click here to read our exclusive interview with Melissa.
Did you know?
Melissa Sue Anderson brought the Michael Landon movie "Where Pigeons
Go To Die" to him? She also has a credit in this movie as Producer.
