Melissa Gilbert, the actress known for her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder in 'Little House on the Prairie,' has revealed her long-standing struggle with misophonia. This neurological disorder causes strong, unpleasant emotional responses to certain sounds and visual triggers, such as chewing, swallowing, and smacking lips. Gilbert shared that she often felt miserable and guilty towards her loved ones due to these triggers, which she experienced frequently on the set of the show.
2. Teaming Up for Awareness
Gilbert is now working with the Duke Center for Misophonia and Emotional Regulation to spread awareness about the condition. Despite being recognized by some experts, misophonia is not yet included in diagnostic manuals. Gilbert's journey to understanding her condition involved weeks of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to learn how to manage her triggers.
3. Little House on the Prairie Legacy
Adapted from Laura Ingalls Wilder's books, 'Little House on the Prairie' ran on NBC from 1974 to 1983. Gilbert played the character based on Wilder herself and continued her role in multiple made-for-TV movie specials after the original show ended.
4. Cancellation of Reunion Events
The cast of 'Little House on the Prairie,' including Melissa Gilbert, has announced that they will no longer support or appear at fan events produced by Gravel Road Markets LLC. This decision was made due to poorly organized and executed events, which included running out of food and overselling tickets. The cast expressed their disappointment and concern for the well-being of their fans.
5. Personal Experience with Event Organizer
Gilbert personally experienced issues with the event organizer, Jack Bishop, who allegedly advertised her as a co-producer of the events without her consent. She had to take matters into her own hands by posting on social media to clarify her absence from the reunions. This experience led her to advocate for an investigation into Bishop's business practices.
6. Cast's Joint Statement
The cast released a joint statement expressing their appreciation for their fans and their commitment to ensuring that future events are well-organized and respectful. They also encouraged fans to seek clarification from Eventbrite regarding the status of the canceled events.
7. Future Plans for 'Little House Love'
Despite the recent challenges, the cast of 'Little House on the Prairie' remains dedicated to their fans. They plan to continue bringing 'Little House Love' to the world in 2025, promising bigger and better experiences for their multigenerational fan community.
