After leaving Little House on the Prairie in 1981, Melissa Sue Anderson transitioned from prairie girl to slasher film star in Happy Birthday to Me. The former child actor, who portrayed the wholesome Mary Ingalls for seven seasons, sought a drastic change from her iconic role.

“I was blind and boring… I couldn’t take it anymore,” the now 62-year-old reflects on her time as Mary, the blonde-haired eldest daughter of Charles and Caroline Ingalls. Her character’s journey captivated fans, but Anderson felt ready to move on.

Little House on the Prairie, one of television’s most beloved dramas, chronicled the lives of the Ingalls family in the 1870s. The series starred Michael Landon as Charles Ingalls, Melissa Gilbert as Laura, and introduced notable actors like Jason Bateman and Shannen Doherty. Anderson, who joined the show at just 11 years old, had previously appeared on Bewitched and The Brady Bunch before landing her breakout role.

After departing Walnut Grove, Anderson took on diverse projects, proving her range as an actor. From her prairie days to her foray into thrillers, fans have followed her evolution with fascination. Curious about what she’s been up to since? Keep reading!