Cassandra from 'Little House on the Prairie' Was Thrown from Car by Her Own Mother - Now She Raises Her Kids Differently

• At eight years old, Melissa Francis, a.k.a. Cassandra Ingalls from "Little House on the Prairie," observed her mother's treatment of her older sister.
• Despite their complex childhood, both siblings became future Hollywood stars.
• Today, Melissa Francis is a successful news anchor and a doting mother to her three children.

Melissa Francis is an American actress and television news personality known for her notable roles in the entertainment industry. She gained prominence as a child star for her portrayal of Cassandra Cooper Ingalls in the beloved television series "Little House on the Prairie."

Her performance as Cassandra, the adopted daughter of Charles and Caroline Ingalls, endeared her to audiences worldwide. In addition to her acting career, Francis has successfully transitioned into television journalism, working as a news anchor and correspondent for various networks.

In her memoir, "Diary of a Stage Mother's Daughter," Francis recounted her complicated relationship with her controlling mother. When Francis was just eight years old, she witnessed her mother repeatedly throwing her older sister, Tiffany Ann Francis, out of the car.

Both of her pregnancies were perilous, and her doctor warned that another one could be life-threatening.

When it was Francis' turn, she decided to take a different approach. Instead of waiting helplessly, she ran onto a nearby golf course, found shelter in the underbrush, and took a refreshing nap.

She questioned what she truly wanted at that moment—perhaps an apology or an end to the domination. Regardless, she eventually made her way back home, casually walking into the family kitchen and making a peanut butter sandwich.

Francis' family led a semi-Hollywood life, with her father owning a small business and her mother dedicating herself to pushing her children into the world of TV commercials.

While her mother was devoted, she reportedly possessed a mercurial and domineering nature. She showed no resistance regarding her efforts to provide her kids with riding lessons, skating lessons, and the best education they could afford. However, her vigilance also acted as a suffocating leash that she could tighten whenever necessary.

Francis' memoir vividly portrayed the tumultuous dynamics within the family, with the mother at the center of it all. Extended periods would pass where she remained inert, unable to handle housework or grocery shopping. The girls would often go hungry while their mom lay on her bed, consuming potato chips and sinking into foul moods that had consequences for everyone around her.

One memorable incident involved Francis' mother kidnapping the neighbors' old dog and leaving it at a pound in another city, where it was destined to be put down. Francis described this act as effectively murdering their neighbor's dog as an act of revenge. Another instance showcased her mom's destructive tendencies when she took a hammer to a car in a parking lot.

Tiffany, Melissa's older sister, faced her own struggles as she failed to meet their mother's expectations. She experienced a decline in commercial opportunities, began associating with the wrong crowd, and turned to drinking. Tiffany became a target for their mother's relentless attacks, adding to the already toxic environment.

It is worth noting that Tiffany, born on March 25, 1969, in Los Angeles, California, was an actress known for her roles in "Goosehill Gang and the Vanishing Schoolmate" (1980) and "Champions: A Love Story" (1979). She passed away on July 4, 2002, in California.

Inside Melissa Francis' Married Life & Motherhood Journey

In May 1999, Francis tied the knot with her husband, Wray Thorn. Years later, in a 2012 interview, she shared a unique detail about their relationship. Despite her belief that she had the "ugliest feet in the world," Thorn saw beyond her insecurities and assured her that her feet were not ugly but rather sad.

Moving on from her acting career, Francis reflected on her transition in a 2014 interview. The former child artist revealed she no longer felt comfortable acting and realized it was time for a new chapter in her life.

Her decision to attend Harvard University was driven by a desire to explore new avenues beyond the glitz and glam of Hollywood. In pursuit of her passions, she embraced the opportunity for personal and intellectual growth.

The path to parenthood was challenging for Francis and her husband. Her hereditary condition, Factor V Leiden, posed risks during pregnancy, making it difficult for her to conceive. Both of her pregnancies were perilous, and her doctor warned that another one could be life-threatening.

Nevertheless, the couple yearned for a third child. With the help of a generous surrogate family, they welcomed their daughter, Gemma, into the world, bringing immense joy and completing their family. Gemma shares a strong resemblance to her mom and looks like Francis' carbon copy.

Today, Francis, who played Cassandra in the historical drama series "Little House on the Prairie" for two seasons, treasures her role as a mother to her three children, Thompson, Greyson, and Gemma. In her book, "Melissa Francis: Lessons from the Prairie," she affectionately referred to them as her "three precious jewels."

Understanding parents' struggles, the "Bad Dreams" alum offered encouragement and empathy. Rather than succumbing to societal pressures, she urged parents to find moments of respite. She reminded them that even those who seemed like superheroes often navigated life's challenges like everyone else.

Melissa Francis' Relationship with Her Kids

Francis shares a sweet relationship with her three bundles of joy. She encourages her children to embrace their authentic selves and live life to the fullest. Her Instagram account is filled with adorable pictures of her family, capturing precious moments that reflect their individuality and joy.

She loves celebrating special occasions, like her children's birthdays, has a soft spot for warm family hugs, and enjoys walks with their dog alongside her daughter. Francis also prioritizes mother-daughter dates and cherishes the unique personalities of her children.

In contrast to her own upbringing, Francis has chosen to raise her kids differently, allowing them to be loud and free without conforming to societal expectations of perfection.

She aims to break down the illusion of fake perfection often portrayed on social media and in culture, emphasizing that nobody is flawless.