Little House on the Prairie star Melissa Gilbert shared a heartfelt tribute to Robert Redford after the iconic actor’s death at 89.
On Tuesday, Sept. 16, the former child actress behind Laura Ingalls Wilder took to Instagram to respond to the news of Redford’s death.
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“In 1975 , our neighbor down the street, Mrs Conway, took a bunch of us kids to the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood, to see The Great Waldo Pepper. I was 11-years-old and the moment Robert Redford appeared onscreen I gasped and whispered, ‘I’m going to marry him,'” Gilbert captioned her update.
Next to an old photo of Redford during his prime, she declared, “I fell in love that day.” Gilbert explained that she “spent decades watching his work as an actor, director with admiration, awe and a desperately fluttering heart.”
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She also recalled running into Redford during a chance meeting while on a skiing vacation with her family.
“One day during this trip, I was picking the kids up after skiing, in sweats, no makeup, and wild, sweaty hat hair…just not my best look. We were walking down a path to the car when I saw Jamie Redford walking towards us and then I saw Bob,” Gilbert shared. “My heart dropped to my feet. I actually turned to run away and my boys blocked my path.”
Related: Little House on the Prairie Actress Dead at 89
In her lengthy post, Gilbert confessed, “I honestly have no memory of what was said that day. I do remember that later I was told I’d been invited to his Christmas party…at his home. I went, terrified that I’d say something or do something innately, dorkily, me. I shouldn’t have worried at all. Bob was warm, inviting, engaging and funny. “
She concluded her touching tribute by declaring, “I will never, ever forget that wonderful night. I send all my love to Bob’s family, friends and all who knew him and loved him. I sure did. Good night sweet prince. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. #rip.”
Gilbert’s followers flooded her comments with reactions to Redford’s death and her unique story, with one Instagram user writing, “What a great memory ❤️.”
Another fan shared, “My first crush. What a true gentleman. 💝.”
Someone else echoed, “What amazing memories and experiences you have. I thought we’d have him longer. He was always so full of life 😢 He was such a beautiful human. He will be missed. The world was better with him here 💔.”
Meanwhile, yet another Instagram user commented, “Wow! I love this story. Thanks for sharing. ❤️ Rip sweet and wonderful Robert Redford. 🕊️.”
Next: Little House on the Prairie’s Melissa Gilbert Sends Message After Charlie Kirk’s Death
Related: Robert Redford Dead at 89: What He Said About the Famous Roles That Defined His Career
