Melissa Sue Anderson was born on September 26, 1962, in Berkeley, California. She’s famous for playing Mary Ingalls on the TV show “Little House on the Prairie” in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Though we don’t know her exact net worth, reports suggest it was around $1.5 million in 2018. She attributes her financial success to her dedicated acting career, spanning various films and TV roles.
Melissa Sue, the younger of two siblings, moved from the San Francisco Bay area to Los Angeles at a young age. Her entertainment career started when a dance instructor suggested she get an agent. This led to commercials for big companies like Mattel and Sears. She appeared on shows like “Bewitched,” “The Brady Bunch,” and had a cameo in “Shaft.”
Her breakthrough was “Little House on the Prairie,” where she played Mary for eight years. After leaving the show, she had a role in the horror movie “Happy Birthday to Me,” earning a nomination.
Melissa Sue Anderson, Lindsay or Sydney Greenbush, Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert from the TV series “Little House on the Prairie” (1974) 📺 pic.twitter.com/ZghI2Sfxr6
— Groovy History (@GroovyHistory) March 9, 2022
Later, she took on the role of assistant producer for Michael Landon’s last film, “Where Pigeons Go to Die,” in 1990. She was honored in 1998 in the Western Performers Hall of Fame. However, her TV show “Partners” faced issues in 1999.
Her acting roles decreased over time. Notable later roles include First Lady Megan Hollister in the 2006 miniseries “10.5 Apocalypse” and a small part in “Veronica Mars” (2014).
In her book, “The Way I See It: A Look Back at My Life on Little House,” Melissa Sue talks about being a child star and shares insights on her relationships with cast members.
In 2002, her family moved to Montreal, and in 2007, they became Canadian citizens. Melissa chose to be a stay-at-home mom over pursuing her acting career.
On set of THE BRITS ARE COMING starring Uma Thurman and Tim Roth. pic.twitter.com/x68VoeZ58C
— Melissa Anderson (@MelissAnderson) August 7, 2015
Reflecting on her time on “Little House on the Prairie,” she highlighted the challenges her character faced.
Melissa Sue Anderson’s journey in the entertainment industry, especially as Mary Ingalls, is well-remembered. Her decision to prioritize family over acting sets an example of a balanced life. While her legacy continues to evolve, her influence inspires fans and professionals to pursue their goals.
