The Three Husbands Of Melissa Gilbert: Who Is The 'Little House' Star Married To Now?

Melissa Gilbert, the beloved actress forever etched into pop culture history as Laura Ingalls Wilder on Little House on the Prairie, has captivated fans for decades with her on-screen roles and candid off-screen life. As of December 15, 2025, the star is happily married to her third husband, a fellow actor and director who has found his own success and an Emmy Award in the television industry.

The journey to finding her "forever" love was one of self-discovery and two previous high-profile marriages. Gilbert's current chapter is marked by a simpler life in the Midwest, a stark contrast to the Hollywood spotlight, which she shares with her current spouse, Timothy Busfield.

Timothy Busfield: A Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Melissa Gilbert’s current husband is the accomplished actor, director, and producer, Timothy C. Busfield. Their relationship began in a unique way, meeting after both had been married twice before, leading to a profound connection built on shared experience and mutual respect.

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• Full Name: Timothy C. Busfield
• Date of Birth: June 12, 1957
• Age (as of 2025): 68 years old
• Birthplace: Lansing, Michigan, U.S.
• Spouse: Melissa Gilbert (m. April 24, 2013)
• Parents: Roger Busfield (drama professor) and Jean Busfield (secretary)
• Children: Three children from previous marriages (Wilson, Daisy, and Samuel)
• Notable Roles (Actor): Elliot Weston on thirtysomething, Danny Concannon on The West Wing, Arnold Poindexter in Revenge of the Nerds, and Mark on Trapper John, M.D.
• Notable Credits (Director/Producer): Directed episodes of thirtysomething, The West Wing, Sports Night, The Fosters, and Nashville.
• Awards: Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in thirtysomething.

Busfield is not only a veteran of the screen but also a dedicated theater professional. He is the founder of Theatre for Children, Inc., a non-profit organization focused on bringing the arts to young audiences.

His impressive career spans decades, balancing character acting with extensive directing work, making him a true Hollywood insider. This shared professional background with Gilbert, who also served as President of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), provides a solid foundation for their relationship.

The Sweet Story of Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield’s Third Marriage

Gilbert and Busfield’s love story is often cited as a heartwarming example of finding true love later in life. They met in 2012, after both had navigated the complexities of two previous marriages and the challenges of Hollywood life.

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They announced their engagement in January 2013 and married a few months later on April 24, 2013, in a private ceremony at the San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, California.

The couple recently celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary, with Gilbert often sharing heartfelt tributes to her husband on social media, calling him her "favorite person" and the love of her life.

Their connection was immediate and deep. Gilbert has spoken openly about Busfield being the first man she has been with who truly saw and accepted her for who she is, without the pretense of celebrity. Their marriage is a blended family, with both having children from their previous relationships.

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The couple decided to leave the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles behind, choosing a quieter, more grounded life in the Midwest. This move was pivotal in their relationship, symbolizing a commitment to simplicity and each other.

From Hollywood Star to Midwest Homestead: Their Life in Howell, Michigan

One of the most significant and recent updates in Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield’s life is their intentional decision to move away from the entertainment hubs of New York and Los Angeles. They settled in Howell, Michigan, where Busfield was originally from.

This lifestyle change was a deliberate choice to embrace a "back to the prairie" existence, a nod to Gilbert's iconic role but in a much more authentic, personal way. In her book Back to the Prairie: A Home Remade, A Life Rediscovered, Gilbert details their life in a small house that they lovingly restored, focusing on gardening, chickens, and community rather than red carpets.

The move to a simpler life has been therapeutic for Gilbert. She has spoken about how the tranquility of Michigan helped her shed the pressures of Hollywood, including cosmetic procedures and the constant need to maintain a youthful image. She has embraced aging naturally, a process her husband fully supports.

Key Aspects of Their Michigan Life:

• Location: A small, modest home in Howell, Michigan.
• Focus: Gardening, raising chickens, and spending time outdoors.
• Career Balance: While enjoying a quieter life, both continue to pursue creative projects, often collaborating on regional theatre productions, like at the Lansing-based professional theatre company, the Meadow Brook Theatre.
• Philosophy: A commitment to a minimalist and grounded existence, prioritizing well-being over celebrity status.

This current chapter is a testament to the couple’s desire for a genuine, uncomplicated life together, proving that the third time can indeed be the charm when it comes to love. Their partnership is a powerful blend of two creative souls who found peace and passion away from the noise of Tinseltown.

Melissa Gilbert’s Previous Marriages and Relationships

Before finding enduring happiness with Timothy Busfield, Melissa Gilbert was married twice, and her dating history includes relationships with several other notable figures, demonstrating a life lived fully in the public eye.

First Marriage: Bo Brinkman (1988–1994)

Gilbert's first marriage was to actor and writer Bo Brinkman. They wed in 1988 and had one son together, Dakota Paul Brinkman, born in 1989. The marriage lasted six years before they divorced in 1994.

Second Marriage: Bruce Boxleitner (1995–2011)

Her second husband was actor Bruce Boxleitner, known for roles in Tron and Babylon 5. They married in 1995 and had a son, Michael Garrett Boxleitner, in 1995. Their marriage lasted for 16 years, making it her longest union. They announced their separation in 2011, and the divorce was finalized later that year.

Gilbert's dating history also includes relationships with other famous names, including actors Rob Lowe and Tom Cruise, which were often highly publicized. These earlier chapters of her life, filled with the intensity of young Hollywood romance, ultimately paved the way for the mature, stable connection she now shares with Busfield.

The contrast between her highly public, often tumultuous early relationships and her current serene life in Michigan offers a compelling narrative of personal growth and finding contentment. Her journey from child star to a twice-divorced single mother, and finally to a happily married partner, resonates deeply with fans who appreciate her honesty about life's complexities.

In conclusion, Melissa Gilbert is currently married to Timothy Busfield. Their enduring marriage, which passed the 12-year mark in 2025, is a testament to a love built on shared values, professional parity, and a mutual desire for a grounded, authentic life far from the Hollywood glare.