Melissa Sue Anderson, renowned for her portrayal of Mary Ingalls on “Little House on the Prairie,” had her first taste of fame at just 11. Before her iconic role, she’d already ventured into acting with commercials and appearances in shows like “Bewitched” and “The Brady Bunch.”

Born on September 26, 1962, in Berkeley, California, Anderson’s net worth, estimated at $1.5 million in late 2018, reflects her successful acting career across various film and TV projects. Raised mainly by her mother after her parents’ divorce at 13, Anderson began her journey with dance classes, leading to early appearances in commercials for Mattel and Sears.

Her breakthrough came with “Little House on the Prairie,” a series she dedicated eight years to, portraying life on a farm during the late 1800s. Post “Little House,” Anderson delved into diverse projects, earning a nomination for “Happy Birthday to Me” and making appearances in shows like “The Equalizer” and “Murder, She Wrote.”

Beyond acting, Anderson explored production, contributing to “Where Pigeons Go to Die” in 1990. Inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame in 1998, she starred in the short-lived series “Partners” in 1999. Transitioning away from extensive acting, Anderson took on roles like First Lady Megan Hollister in “10.5 Apocalypse” (2006) and a part in “Veronica Mars” (2014).

In 2002, Anderson’s family relocated to Montreal, and they became Canadian citizens in 2007. Balancing her roles as a stay-at-home mom and wife, Anderson embraced a quieter life, choosing family over a bustling acting career. Her autobiography, “The Way I See It: A Look Back at my Life on Little House,” offers insights into her life on the iconic show and reflects her perspective on her journey as a child star.