Melissa Gilbert’s first Christmas TV appearance wasn’t on the iconic series that made her a household name. At just four years old, Gilbert had a charming cameo on “The Dean Martin Christmas Show” back in 1968. In a brief scene, she smiled brightly as she sat on Santa’s lap, played by Bob Newhart, while he listed off all the gifts he’d bring her. The holiday special featured stars like Bob Hope and Lucille Ball, as well as Gilbert’s future TV dad, Michael Landon.
But how did a young Gilbert land such a coveted spot? According to reports, her grandfather Harry Crane, a writer for the Dean Martin roast and TV specials, helped secure her a role on Uncle Dean’s Christmas show. Gilbert has fond memories of visiting her grandfather on set, recalling that the only thing she knew about Dean Martin was his generous offering of candy in his dressing room.
While Gilbert’s first Christmas TV appearance was a star-studded affair, she would go on to create her own holiday magic on “Little House on the Prairie.” In the show’s first season, she appeared in the episode “Christmas at Plum Creek,” where the Ingalls family works together to buy gifts for each other. In a heartwarming final scene, Laura steals the show with her thoughtful gesture.
Reflecting on her time filming the Christmas episodes for “Little House on the Prairie,” Gilbert shared a behind-the-scenes photo on Instagram showing the crew creating fake snow for a scene in “The Blizzard.” She fondly remembered shooting the special Christmas episodes months in advance, celebrating the holiday season twice – once in real life and once on screen. For Gilbert, these episodes were a cherished childhood memory.
Melissa Gilbert may be best known for her role on “Little House on the Prairie,” but her journey to TV stardom began with a sweet Christmas cameo on “The Dean Martin Christmas Show.” From early beginnings to iconic holiday episodes, Gilbert’s career has been filled with festive moments that have left a lasting impact on audiences everywhere.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.