Melissa Gilbert has been part of a number of famous shows over the years. In recent years, she became known for her appearances on When Calls the Heart. However, news has come out that she will not be part of the upcoming fourteenth season.
Melissa Gilbert Portrayed Georgie McGill On When Calls The Heart
Gilbert first rose to fame as a child actress on Little House on the Prairie, playing Laura Ingalls Wilder, a fictionalized version of the original books’ author. Appearing on the show from 1974 to 1983, she also reprised the role in various movie sequels.
In recent years, Gilbert has also become known for her appearances on Hallmark’s When Calls the Heart, a Canadian-based period drama often compared to Little House on the Prairie. On the show, Gilbert took on the role of forensic specialist Georgie McGill.
Georgie first appeared during a two-episode arc during Season 12. Gilbert later reprised the role in the following season. Throughout her time on the show, Georgie had a noticeable romantic connection with Jack Wagner’s Judge Bill Avery.
Since her previous time on the show, many fans wondered if Gilbert would return for Season 14. Recently, the actress herself took to Instagram to give her answer. As she explained, “Many people have asked if I will be returning to When Calls the Heart this coming season. The answer to that is no. I will not.”
Hallmark Channel Also Issued A Statement Over Gilbert’s Exit
According to the star, the issue is out of her hands. As she continued, “I am told this is due to ‘budget issues.’ That said, I wish all my sweet friends in Hope Valley a wonderful and successful season 14.” In the caption, Gilbert said that her time on the series was “lovely” but expressed, “It’s time to say farewell.”
During the share, Gilbert also shared her thanks towards Michael Landon Jr., an executive producer on the series, for bringing her onto the show. Notably, the producer’s father, Michael Landon, played Gilbert’s onscreen father, Charles Ingalls, on Little House on the Prairie. The actress concluded, “When one door closes, another one opens. Looking forward to whatever comes next.”
According to People, Hallmark Channel expressed that Georgie’s story is already done. As shared in a statement, “We can confirm that Melissa’s storyline on When Calls the Heart concluded in season 13. We adore Melissa and are always grateful when we get to work with her.”
Gilbert’s exit from the series also comes out amid her husband Timothy Busfield’s legal troubles. As previously reported, he turned himself into authorities in Arizona earlier this year. after an arrest warrant was issued for him on child sex abuse charges. He was indicted by a grand jury on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor, all of which as third-degree felonies. The charges reportedly pertain to events in October 2022 and September 2023.
What is your reaction to Melissa Gilbert’s recent share? Have you been following this story? Are you keeping up with When Calls the Heart? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest TV and celebrity news.
John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.
