Hallmark star Melissa Gilbert is receiving love from a friend and fellow former child star as she faces one of the most difficult times in her life.
On January 16, the “Little House on the Prairie” and “When Calls the Heart” star received a supportive message from “One Day at a Time” actor Glenn Scarpelli on social media, as he sent “love” without commentary on her personal life.
The loving message was shared days after Gilbert’s husband, actor and producer Timothy Busfield, turned himself in to the Albuquerque Police Department following a warrant for his arrest. Busfield is facing charges of sexual abuse involving a minor when he was a director for the Fox TV series “The Cleaning Lady,” according to court documents obtained by local news station KOAT. The actor has denied the allegations against him and vowed to fight to clear his name, he said in a video message posted by TMZ.
Glenn Scarpelli Said He Is Sending ‘Just Love’ to Melissa Gilbert
Scarpelli, 59, is best known for his role as Alex Handris on the CBS sitcom “One Day at a Time,” from 1980 to 1983. The series aired at the same time as Gilbert’s final seasons playing Laura Ingalls Wilder on NBC’s “Little House on the Prairie.”
In the aftermath of Gilbert’s personal crisis, Scarpelli posted a throwback photo of the two posing with fellow ‘80s child star Lisa Whelchel (“The Facts of Life”). He captioned the post with a simple show of support for Gilbert.
“Loving my Ol’ Friend Melissa Gilbert right now. No commentary, just love… That is all,” Scarpelli wrote.
He added the hashtags #love #support #friendship #melissagilbert.
Fans reacted in the comments section to note that Scarpelli has a kind heart.
“Melissa has always been one of my favorite child actresses and I that you and she are still close friends, Glenn,” one fan wrote.
“Well said, such a tough time for her❤️,” another fan agreed.
Melissa Gilbert & Her Co-Stars Have Not Directly Addressed the Allegations Against Busfield
GettyGilbert, 61, has not directly spoken about the allegations against her husband of 12 years. She deactivated her Instagram account, and her rep, Ame Van Iden, told People magazine that Gilbert is “not making public statements at this time” as she honors the request of her husband’s lawyers.
“During this period, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment,” Van Iden added. “Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time.”
Gilbert’s longtime “Little House on the Prairie” co-stars have also not publicly addressed the legal situation involving Busfield.
On the Jan. 15 episode of “The Little House on the Prairie 50th Anniversary“ podcast, host Pamela Bob appeared to reference the topic as co-hosts and “LHOP” alum Alison Arngrim and Dean Butler looked on. Bob noted that it had been a “tough week,” and said she was happy to have old episodes of “Little House” as a “safe space.
It is unclear when the podcast episode was taped.
Sad.