Who is Melissa Sue Anderson?
Melissa Sue Anderson is an American-Canadian actress best known for her role as Mary Ingalls on the classic television series Little House on the Prairie (1974–1983).
Born on September 26, 1962, in Berkeley, California, she gained prominence as a child actress and later continued to make a mark in television and film. Anderson has since transitioned into a more private life, focusing on family while occasionally making public appearances.
What is Melissa Sue Anderson Net Worth?
Melissa Sue Anderson net worth is approximately $1.5 million. Her earnings primarily come from her acting career, royalties from Little House on the Prairie, and other television and film projects.
Additionally, she has authored a book detailing her experiences in Hollywood, further contributing to her wealth.
Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Loni Anderson |
| Full Name | Melissa Sue Anderson |
| Date of Birth | September 26, 1962 |
| Age (2024) | 61 years old |
| Height | 5’3″ (1.60 m) |
| Weight | 54 kg (119 lbs) |
| Nationality | American-Canadian |
| Profession | Actress, Author |
| Notable Role | Mary Ingalls (Little House on the Prairie) |
| Years Active | 1972–present |
| Spouse | Michael Sloan (m. 1990) |
| Children | 2 (Piper Sloan, Griffin Sloan) |
| Net Worth (2024) | $1.5 million |
| Early Career | Bewitched, The Brady Bunch |
| Major Films | Happy Birthday to Me (1981), Midnight Offerings (1981) |
| Autobiography | The Way I See It: A Look Back at My Life on Little House (2010) |
| Current Residence | Montreal, Canada |
Age, Height And Weight
- Age: As of 2024, Melissa Sue Anderson is 61 years old.
- Height: She stands at 5 feet 3 inches (1.60 meters).
- Weight: Approximately 54 kg (119 lbs).
Family And Legacy
Melissa Sue Anderson grew up in a small but supportive family. Her parents’ divorce when she was a teenager had a significant impact on her, and she was primarily raised by her mother. Despite these challenges, she remained focused on her acting career.
Anderson married television writer and producer Michael Sloan in 1990. The couple has two children, Piper and Griffin, and they eventually moved to Canada, where they became naturalized citizens in 2007.
Her legacy in Hollywood is largely tied to Little House on the Prairie, where she played one of the most memorable roles of the series. Her portrayal of Mary Ingalls, who eventually goes blind due to illness, was widely praised for its depth and realism.
Education And Early Life
Melissa attended local schools in Los Angeles while simultaneously working on her acting career. She was an excellent student and managed to balance her education with her television commitments. Her big break came when she landed small guest roles in popular TV shows such as Bewitched and The Brady Bunch before securing her role in Little House on the Prairie at just 11 years old.
Relationship And Marriage Life
Melissa Sue Anderson has been happily married to Michael Sloan for over three decades. The couple has prioritized a private life, moving away from Hollywood’s spotlight. They raised their two children in Canada, focusing on providing them with a normal upbringing. Despite her fame, Anderson has always emphasized the importance of family over career.
Career Journey
Melissa’s first television appearance was in an episode of Bewitched in 1972. She later appeared in The Brady Bunch as Millicent, the girl who gave Bobby his first kiss. These roles helped her gain industry recognition, leading to her iconic role in Little House on the Prairie in 1974.
Her portrayal of Mary Ingalls was one of the most beloved aspects of Little House on the Prairie. Initially playing the sweet older sister, Anderson’s character later faced a life-altering challenge when she lost her sight due to an illness. Her performance was critically acclaimed, earning her a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award.
After leaving Little House on the Prairie, Anderson pursued a variety of roles in both television and film. Some of her notable works include:
- Happy Birthday to Me (1981) – A cult-classic horror film.
- Midnight Offerings (1981) – A supernatural thriller where she played a young witch.
- Which Mother is Mine? (1979) – A heartfelt drama that showcased her acting range.
- The Equalizer (1985) – A guest appearance in the action series produced by her husband, Michael Sloan.
In 2010, Anderson published her autobiography, The Way I See It: A Look Back at My Life on Little House, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at her experiences on the show and her life after Hollywood.
Future Plans
Melissa Sue Anderson has largely stepped away from the entertainment industry, focusing on her family and personal interests.
While she occasionally appears at Little House on the Prairie reunions and gives interviews, she has no announced plans to return to acting full-time. She remains an influential figure among fans of classic television and is respected for her contributions to the industry.
FAQ About Melissa Sue Anderson
Q: What is Melissa Sue Anderson doing now?
A: She currently resides in Canada with her family and lives a relatively private life.
Q: Did Melissa Sue Anderson really go blind?
A: No, her blindness in Little House on the Prairie was purely fictional and part of her character’s storyline.
Q: How much did Melissa Sue Anderson make from Little House on the Prairie?
A: While the exact figures are not publicly available, child actors in the 1970s typically earned a few thousand dollars per episode. Over the years, she likely earned additional income from residuals and syndication.
Q: Has Melissa Sue Anderson acted recently?
A: She has made a few television appearances over the years, but she has not taken on a major acting role in recent decades.
Q: Why did Melissa Sue Anderson leave Little House on the Prairie?
A: She left the show to explore other acting opportunities and avoid being typecast.
Conclusion
Melissa Sue Anderson’s career has spanned decades, from her early days as a child star to her lasting legacy in Hollywood. While she has chosen a quieter life in Canada, her impact on television remains significant. Fans continue to admire her work, and her contributions to Little House on the Prairie ensure that she remains a beloved figure in entertainment history.
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