'Melissa Gilbert, known for her role in 'Little House on the Prairie,' reveals the reason behind her departure from Hollywood: "I had to escape."'

After gaining fame as a child star, Melissa Gilbert "had to leave" Hollywood to star in "Little House on the Prairie."

At the age of 9, Gilbert secured the part of Laura Ingalls Wilder, further establishing herself as a promising actor.

"Gilbert shared with People magazine that he faced all the pressures of living in Los Angeles, where everyone is in the entertainment industry. He explained how walking into a restaurant in the city turns heads and creates a competitive atmosphere, especially for female actors. This pressure to stay thin and young makes it difficult to feel comfortable in one's own skin as a result of the aging process."

"No matter how much we try to delay it, aging is inevitable," she stated. "Are you going to embrace the aging process and live a fulfilling life, or are you going to resist it, become unhealthy, and feel like there's something wrong with you for growing older and that you're defective because you're no longer young?"

In 2013, Gilbert and her husband, actor Timothy Busfield, relocated to Michigan. Since then, the actress has refrained from using Botox or facial fillers, and in 2015, she underwent surgery to remove her breast implants.

The 60-year-old film producer emphasized aging is a "blessing."

"She shared with People that she felt like she wasn't being true to herself in L.A., so she left for Michigan to focus on her health. After five years, she realized that aging is not a curse but a blessing, as it shows her dedication to being healthy."

In 2018, Gilbert and her spouse purchased a cottage in upstate New York.

The couple spent time fixing it up before moving in.

"In a 2022 interview with Planet Chronicle Digital, Gilbert recounted their first night in their new home. They had spent the day cleaning and were waiting for the delivery of appliances. As they settled down on a mattress on the floor in the living room, Gilbert realized that this was their new home and that they would be tackling the renovation process on their own. The experience filled them with excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead."

Gilbert admitted she does not miss Hollywood.

""I miss my loved ones in Los Angeles dearly and wish I could see them more often. I hope that as things improve and we don't go backward, I'll be able to visit them whenever I need to," said the "Tenure" star."

After a long time, I was able to visit my mom in LA last summer. It was a meaningful experience. I got to see my kids and granddaughter too. Although I miss them, I'm grateful for the memories we created together.