Melissa Sue Anderson

Melissa Sue Anderson: Before having kids, I instinctively knew that I would be one of those people who couldn't balance a career and raise children well. I didn't want my kids to grow up around a parent who's being stopped and asked for autographs all the time. They've been able to grow up being the stars of the household.

Melissa Sue Anderson: (about her "Little House" character going blind in Season 4 of the show) It was exciting and challenging at the beginning, but a very difficult thing to sustain over a period of years. As far as what Mary could do, my character became limited because she couldn't see. There were a lot of situations I shouldn't have been in involved in, but for the viewers' sake I had to be, so they wouldn't think Mary had disappeared. But being blind, she probably wouldn't have been in those situations. This, ultimately, is the reason why I decided not to stay with the show and only do three episodes in the 8th season. It would have been harder to leave if I hadn't been blind on the show. But because of those limitations, it wasn't as difficult to leave. I would go back for a reunion, but it would be a lot more fun if Mary could hit her head on a rock and get her sight back!

Melissa Sue Anderson: (about Michael Landon) One time, he challenged me to a chili-and-onions contest. I might have won, but I can't remember. I was too sick! He was great, a terrific guy. As a person, I think I turned out well, and he was part of that. When I heard about the cancer, I suddenly realized I always took him for granted. It was how you would feel about a parent.