Additional Coverage:
- Melissa Gilbert Reveals How She Got Her ‘Little House on the Prairie’ Nickname ‘Half Pint’ (parade.com)
A “Half Pint” of History: Melissa Gilbert Reveals the Unexpected Origin of Her Iconic Little House Nickname
Fans of Little House on the Prairie have long known Melissa Gilbert as “Half Pint,” the spirited Laura Ingalls Wilder. But have you ever wondered how that famous nickname truly came to be? The beloved star recently shared a charming revelation, taking us on a delightful stroll down memory lane to the very first days on the set of the classic TV series.
It turns out, the iconic moniker wasn’t just pulled straight from the pages of the books. In a recent social media post, Gilbert, who now champions her Modern Prairie clothing line, recounted the hilarious backstory.
On that fateful first day of filming, there were two Melissas on set: Gilbert and Melissa Sue Anderson, who was already known as “Missy.” Young Melissa Gilbert didn’t have a nickname, and when asked by Michael Landon – the show’s director and her on-screen Pa, Charles Ingalls – she offered up a rather unexpected suggestion.
“I said, ‘I don’t know, why don’t you call me Moisha?'” Gilbert recalled.
Landon, apparently not a fan of the idea, quickly retorted, “No, we’re not calling you an old Jewish man’s name. There’s no way.
You’re going to be Half Pint!”
And just like that, a legend was born! From that moment on, Gilbert has been “Half Pint” to her Little House family. Even now, decades later, the cast and crew remain the only ones who consistently use the affectionate nickname.
The anecdote clearly resonated with fans, who flooded the comments with their delight. Many shared how the nickname connected Gilbert to the real Laura Ingalls, while others fondly remembered being called “Half Pint” themselves.
For nine seasons, from 1974 to 1983, Little House on the Prairie captivated audiences. Melissa Gilbert was just 9 years old when she was cast, growing up before our eyes as Laura. While the show remains a cherished piece of television history, Gilbert acknowledges that its universe is vast, even commenting earlier this year on the potential for new interpretations, like a Netflix reboot.
But no matter what new versions may emerge, one thing is for sure: for generations of fans and her original TV family, Melissa Gilbert will always be our unforgettable “Half Pint.”