Melissa Gilbert's Childhood on the Prairie

In 1974, Melissa Gilbert, the young star of Little House on the Prairie, was Hollywood's "it" girl. For 10 years, Melissa portrayed Laura Ingalls on what would become one of the most popular TV series of all time. Melissa spent her formative years on the Walnut Grove set, and, looking back, she says that experience shaped her in many ways.

Melissa says her greatest influence was Michael Landon, the show's executive producer, director, writer and star. "I learned from the best," Melissa says. "I had Michael Landon as a boss, and he was brilliantly talented. I mean, the show's never been off the air. It went into syndication while we were shooting it."

Watch as Melissa discusses the show's popularity and reveals which onscreen archrival was actually her closest friend.

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