Some faces stay with us for decades, and Melissa Sue Anderson is one of them. Born in 1962 in Berkeley, California, and raised in Los Angeles, she began her career in commercials—Barbie dolls, specifically—but quickly showed a depth and presence beyond her years.
A Star Is Born on Little House on the Prairie
At just 12, Melissa landed the role that would define her career: Mary Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie (1974–1983). As the older Ingalls daughter, she portrayed unimaginable struggles, including the unforgettable storyline in which Mary loses her sight in the two-part episode “I’ll Be Waving as You Drive Away.” Her raw, emotional performance resonated nationwide, establishing her as one of television’s most iconic young actors.
Melissa Sue Anderson’s career reminds viewers that true talent isn’t just about age—it’s about the ability to move audiences and create unforgettable moments.
