44+ Get images of Melissa Gilbert
44+ Get images of Melissa Gilbert. Melissa ellen gilbert (born on may 8, 1964) is an actress, writer, and producer who is best known for playing charles ingalls' (michael landon) second . Melissa gilbert is an american actress and director. The former "little house on the prairie" star is recovering from a fourth spinal surgery.read more: She got her big break at age 8 playing laura ingalls wilder . Melissa gilbert had 'wanted to be a grandma forever,' a friend tells closer exclusively after the star's granddaughter ripley was born.