Melissa Gilbert's Kids: Meet the Actress' Blended Family

Melissa Gilbert grew up on the small screen playing the role of Laura Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie, but nowadays, the actress has a beautiful family of her own. In real life, the Hollywood alum is the loving mom of her two kids, Dakota Brinkman and Michael Boxleitner, and she’s also the doting stepmom of five other children.

Melissa became a mother for the first time alongside her first husband, Bo Brinkman. The couple, who tied the knot in 1988, welcomed their only son together, Dakota, the following year in 1989. Melissa and the Last Man Club star went their separate ways, however, in 1994.

After they divorced, the Thicker than Water actress found love again with her second spouse, Bruce Boxleitner. Following their nuptials in 1995, the pair welcomed Melissa’s second child, son Michael, later that year.

Thanks to her marriage with Bruce, the Christmas Pageant star also gained two stepchildren, Sam Boxleitner and Lee Boxleitner. Prior to walking down the aisle together, Bruce was married to his first wife, Kathryn Holcomb, with whom he welcomed Sam and Lee.

Like her first romance, it didn’t work out for Melissa and Bruce as they called it quits after 16 years of marriage in 2011. Even though the Safe Harbour actress and the Tron actor ultimately split, they still share an amicable relationship and Melissa is very much an involved mom in her stepkids’ lives to this day.

The Hometown Christmas actress’ family expanded for the third time after she married husband Timothy Busfield in 2013. Although the duo never had any children together, Melissa is the loving stepmother of his three kids, Samuel Busfield, Daisy Busfield and Wilson Busfield, whom he welcomed during previous relationships.

As a dedicated mama, Melissa is always giving fans heartwarming glimpses inside her life at home. In June, she shared a cute snapshot while enjoying a “socially-distanced dinner al fresco” with her youngest son, Michael. “So happy he’s here,” she gushed in the caption. “So happy we got the RV so we can be safe for the requisite 14 days.”

In February 2019, she also uploaded an adorable snap with her stepson Sam and his daughter, Lulabelle. “Three generations,” she captioned the post.

It sounds like Melissa has enough love in her heart for all of her kiddos!

Scroll through the gallery below to learn more about the actress’ blended family.

Dakota Brinkman

Melissa’s eldest son, Dakota, was born on May 1, 1989. According to IMDb, Dakota made his acting debut at the young age of 8 when he briefly appeared in 1997’s Laws of Deception. He’s also acted in 2007’s Safe Harbour and 2016’s Shay.

Dakota is also successful when it comes to his personal life. In March 2018, he married his longtime love, Marissa.

Michael Boxleitner

The Guest Artist actress’ second child, Michael, was born on October 6, 1995. It’s unclear what Michael does for work, but per his Instagram, he likes going to see shows on Broadway, he enjoys art and he also has a girlfriend named Hannah.

On Mother’s Day in 2019, Michael uploaded a rare tribute for his beloved parent. “You are the person I aspire to be like. Thank you for the unforgettable birthdays, for giving me your dark sense of humor, for your contestant love and support, for being my mother,” he wrote. “I hope that you had an incredible Mother’s Day. Oh, and thank you for giving birth to me, that’s pretty cool too. Love you, ma.”

Sam Boxleitner

Melissa’s eldest stepson is Sam, who was born on July 19, 1980. The actress’ second husband, Bruce, shares Sam with his ex-wife, Kathryn, whom he was married to from 1977 to 1987.

Like his stepmom, Sam is also an actor, having appeared in hit films like 2014’s Downstairs and The Badger Game, among many more. As for his personal life, Sam is married to his wife, Andrea Steele, and together they share their daughter, Lulabelle.

Lee Boxleitner

Lee is also another one of Melissa’s stepsons, who arrived in 1985 to parents Bruce and Kathryn. Although most of Lee’s Hollywood credits include directing, acting and editing, he’s most known for his work in the sound department.

He’s worked as a sound operator on countless films, such as Casa Vita, How Not to Propose, Letter Never Sent, Romantically Speaking and many more.

Samuel Busfield, Wilson Busfield and Daisy Busfield

Melissa gained three more stepchildren, Samuel, Wilson and Daisy, when she married her third husband, Timothy. The Field of Dreams actor welcomed Samuel and Daisy with his ex-wife, Jenny Merwin, while he also shares Wilson with ex Radha Delamarter. Aside from the occasional appearances on their stepmom’s Instagram, there isn’t too much to know about Sam, Daisy and Wilson.