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Melissa Gilbert Is a Loving Mom of 2 Handsome Sons Dakota & Michael — Meet Her Blended Family

Lois Oladejo
By Lois Oladejo
Dec 07, 2020
02:40 P.M.

Melissa Gilbert has had an amazing career starring in some of Hollywood's biggest movies. Her talent has endeared her to the hearts of movie lovers. Off the screen, she is a doting mom of two sons and five stepchildren.

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Fans will remember Melissa Gilbert as the stunning actress with excellent skills who captured their hearts with her performance on "Little House on the Prairie," where she played Laura Ingalls.

Actress Gilbert has amassed quite a family for herself in her three marriages. The actress has two sons of her own and five stepchildren, who she passionately loves.

Melissa Gilbert discusses "If Only" with the Build Series at Build Studio on August 14, 2017  | Photo: Getty Images

Melissa Gilbert discusses "If Only" with the Build Series at Build Studio on August 14, 2017 | Photo: Getty Images

The 56-year-old is the loving mom of her two sons, Dakota Brinkman and Michael Boxleitner, from two marriages. She became a mom for the first time in 1989 following her marriage to her first husband, Bo Brinkman, in 1988.

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The union produced her first son, Dakota Brinkman, and was ended in 1994. Michael Boxleitner, Gilbert's second son, was born in 1995 during her second marriage to Bruce Boxleitner.

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Gilbert became a stepmom to two of Bruce's sons, Sam Boxleitner and Lee Boxleitner, from his previous marriage.

In 2011, they parted ways after sixteen years together. According to reports, Gilbert and her step kids retained a strong bond even after the divorce.

Melissa seems to have inspired some of her children to follow in her career path.

Melissa Gilbert poses for a portrait at the 34th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival - "Guest Artist" Photo Call at Metro 4 Theatres on February 07, 2019 | Photo: Getty Images.

Melissa Gilbert poses for a portrait at the 34th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival - "Guest Artist" Photo Call at Metro 4 Theatres on February 07, 2019 | Photo: Getty Images.

In 2013, Gilbert found love again in the arms of Timothy Busfield. Although the couple never had any kids together, she became a stepmom to his three children from his previous relationships.

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Judging from her constant uploads of family moments on social media, Gilbert seems to be enjoying the thrill of family life. The actress loves giving her fans insight into her large family through her social media post.

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The mother of two once shared a cute picture of her and her youngest son, Michael, where she gushed over their moment on Instagram. Gilbert seems to have inspired some of her children to follow in her career path.

Her eldest son, Dakota, is said to be a talented actor in his own right. Sam, Melissa's eldest stepson, has appeared in hit movies like "Downstairs." Off the screen, Sam enjoys a successful personal life with his wife and daughter.

Gilbert must have gotten all the love and care she needed after her recent spinal surgery. The actress had the operation after learning that her third spinal fusion in 2016 had failed.

The actress shared updates on her recovery with her fans, where she revealed that she was doing fine following the successful surgery.

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