Melissa Gilbert, known for her iconic role as Laura Ingalls Wilder in ‘Little House on the Prairie,’ recently shared candid reflections on her past relationship with Rob Lowe during an appearance on the ‘I Choose Me With Jennie Garth’ podcast. Gilbert described the experience as ‘horrible,’ stating that it was a tumultuous and difficult period in her life. She recalled how the intense fandom surrounding Lowe during their relationship left her feeling overshadowed and disrespected.
Gilbert, who dated Lowe on and off from when she was 17 to 2, admitted that the challenges of navigating fame from a young age were overwhelming. She noted that while she was prepared for the demands of the industry, such as premieres and award shows, she was not prepared for the public’s relentless focus on Lowe, who was in the early stages of his career. ‘It was like I didn’t exist. They just pushed right past me and stuck phone numbers in his pockets and stuff,’ she said.
Despite the difficulties, Gilbert acknowledged that the relationship provided valuable life lessons, teaching her about the importance of self-worth and what she would not tolerate in future relationships. ‘They’re hard because they usually are born of heartbreak and angst, but those are really valuable and important lessons,’ she said, noting that they also had some ‘really, really, really fun times.’
Additionally, Gilbert discussed her decision to leave Hollywood, sharing the pressures of staying young and thin in the industry. She explained how moving to Michigan in 2013 allowed her to focus on her well-being and embrace aging as a blessing. ‘I had to get out of there [L.A.], because it felt like I was not being authentically myself,’ she told People magazine. ‘In the five years that I was in Michigan, all of that stopped… I stopped everything and just focused on being as physically and emotionally healthy as I could.’
Gilbert’s reflections highlight the complexities of fame, the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a high-pressure environment, and the importance of self-acceptance. Her journey from Hollywood to a more fulfilling life in Michigan underscores her commitment to personal growth and well-being, offering a candid look at the personal and emotional challenges faced by public figures.