Dakota Brinkman Is Melissa Gilbert's Oldest Son Who Also Ventured into Acting

Dakota Brinkman came from a family of actors and joined the entertainment industry in the late '90s. However, the most important role he played was being a father to his daughter.

Dakota Paul Brinkman was exposed to show business since birth, having been born to actress Melissa Gilbert and Bo Brinkman, the cousin of Dennis Quaid. He is also the nephew of Hollywood stars Sara Gilbert and Jonathan Gilbert.

Some of Dakota's other relatives in the industry include Randy Quaid, Buddy Quaid, Amanda Quaid, Buddy Quaid, and his grandparents, Barbara Cowan and Paul Gilbert.

With acting flowing through his veins, Dakota followed in his family's footsteps. However, he does not have many credits under his name.

Dakota Is Melissa's First-Born Son

Born on May 1, 1989, Dakota is the first son of Melissa and her first husband, Bo. His parents tied the knot in 1988, but a few years after his birth, their relationship ended with divorce. Shortly after, Dakota's mother gave Dakota a stepfather, Bruce Boxleitner.

The couple married on January 1, 1995, and had one son. Unfortunately, in 2011, Dakota was left without another father figure at home, as his mom and Bo called it quits. Nevertheless, Melissa is proud to have her children.

Dakota grew up to be a good man and a talented actor. He brought to life Young Evan in "Laws of Deception," Chad MacKenzie in "Safe Harbour," and James Schenker in "Shay." His last known acting credit was in 2016.

Dakota Is Already a Father Himself

In 2018, Dakota tied the knot with his longtime lover, Marissa Brinkman. Not long after, the couple welcomed a daughter, Ripley Lou Brinkman, in 2021. "The Little House on the Prairie" star was over the moon to become a grandmother and instantly shared a glimpse of her granddaughter on social media.

In 2022, Melissa dedicated a birthday post to Ripley, sharing an adorable photo of the toddler wearing a crown that read "one." While holding her milk bottle, Ripley was all smiles in the snap.

Melissa has eight other grandkids from her stepchildren. After leaving city life, her happiness became baking pies and spending quality time with all nine of them.

Dakota Has a Younger Brother, Michael

Dakota has one biological sibling, who his mother had in her second marriage. On October 6, 1995, Dakota officially became a big brother to Michael Boxleitner.

Melissa’s marriage ended after her affair with a co-star. Although she reportedly got down on her knees to beg for forgiveness, they eventually divorced.

Unlike his family, Michael lives a private life away from show business. He still, however, enjoys entertainment and likes watching Broadway shows and looking at art pieces.

Michael also has a close relationship with his mother. In 2019, he penned a sweet Mother's Day tribute to Melissa, writing:

“You are the person I aspire to be like. Thank you for the unforgettable birthdays, for giving me your dark sense of humor, for your contestant love and support, for being my mother.”

Dakota and Michael's mom met her second husband when she was still single with one child. When they tied the knot, Melissa Gilbert became a mom to two more of Bruce's kids from a previous relationship.

Melissa's marriage ended after her affair with a co-star. Although she reportedly got down on her knees to beg for forgiveness, she and Bruce eventually divorced.

After her second marriage, Melissa gave Dakota and Michael another stepfather, Timothy Busfield, with whom she remains married. The couple left city life to pursue a simpler life in Michigan, where everything is peaceful, accessible, and quiet.