Melissa Sue Anderson, star of ‘Little House on the Prairie,’ speaks of her decision to leave Hollywood for Canada

How often have you thought about an old show you loved and wondered what the actors are up to now? Fans of “Little House on the Prairie,” eagerly following the adventures of the family on their farm in Plum Creek near Walnut Grove, Minnesota, may be curious about the actors’ lives today.

Those who admired Melissa Sue Anderson, who played Mary Ingalls, might have expected her to remain a TV fixture, but she chose a different path. Anderson left Hollywood and moved to Canada, speaking candidly about her decision.

She began her career in guest roles before becoming a central figure on “Little House on the Prairie.” Her portrayal earned her several nominations for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Reflecting on her role in 2010, Anderson told Pop Entertainment, “I’m lucky that there even was a character to play because in the book, there isn’t much of one… I’m fortunate that they discovered that I could act.”

After “Little House,” Anderson took on minor roles until she married television producer Michael Sloan in 1990. In 2002, they moved to Montreal with their two children, Piper and Griffin. By 2007, they became Canadian citizens. Anderson stepped back from showbiz to focus on her family.