By Staff Writer: Kate Bauer

Howell High School students got a sneak peek into the lives of actors Timothy Busfield and Melissa Gilbert as they shared some of their working experiences on Friday, April 25. Staged in the auditorium, HHS teachers Ms. Tracy Ash and Mr. Brian Riordan interviewed the stars about their careers and why they decided to join our community.

Busfield, known for his roles in 30 Something and West Wing, is a native to the state, being born and raised in the East Lansing area. Son of a theatre professor, Busfield pursued acting throughout high school and college.

“I have never been one to live in Los Angeles,” said Busfield. “I like Howell because it is the central location of my friends and family.”

Gilbert had a less traditional start in acting than her husband. Being a child of Hollywood entertainers, she began working at the considerably young age of two by starring in commercials. After being cast as Laura Ingalls Wilder on Little House on the Prairie, Gilbert’s ‘momager’ set up a production company where they sought roles that they felt were right for her.

After marrying, the couple honeymooned in Holly, Michigan, Busfield’s then-home. Gilbert quickly fell in love with the comfortable environment and sense of community, leading the newlyweds into making the state their permanent home.

“I just fell in love with this house,” said Gilbert, “and I said I wanted that for my birthday.”

Although they escaped the craziness of Los Angeles, the two don’t have any plans on retiring. Gilbert is wrapping up on her third children’s book and working on a theatre project in Pennsylvania and Busfield is directing a project in Vancouver in the upcoming weeks.