Melissa Gilbert to Guest Star in Hallmark’s ‘When Calls the Heart’ Season 12 and Raises Awareness for Pancreatic Cancer

Melissa Gilbert, the beloved actress known for her iconic role as Laura Ingalls Wilder in the NBC series ‘Little House on the Prairie,’ is set to make a guest appearance in the upcoming Season 12 of Hallmark Channel‘s ‘When Calls the Heart.’ The announcement was made at the show’s annual Hearties Family Reunion fan event in Vancouver, Canada. Gilbert will star in a two-episode arc as Georgie McGill, a character who shares a surprising past with a special resident of Hope Valley.

The opportunity for Gilbert to join the series came about through her connection with executive producer Michael Landon Jr., the son of Michael Landon, who was her co-star and showrunner on ‘Little House on the Prairie.’ This casting continues the thematic link between ‘When Calls the Heart’ and ‘Little House on the Prairie,’ both known for their heartwarming stories of hope and human connection.

In addition to her acting endeavors, Melissa Gilbert has been actively raising awareness for pancreatic cancer, a disease she describes as ‘brutal and pernicious.’ She has spoken publicly about how the disease took the lives of two of her close friends and is now supporting efforts to raise awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research through her involvement with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN).

Gilbert is also scheduled to appear on ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show,’ where she will reminisce about the 50th anniversary of ‘Little House on the Prairie’ and discuss her current projects.