Jennifer Garner boldly declares about 'Fake Mother' Melissa Gilbert from 'Little House on the Prairie'

Jennifer Garner recently spoke warmly about her longtime friend and on-screen fake mother, Melissa Gilbert, three decades after they worked together on the Danielle Steel mini-series Zoya. On December 2, Gilbert, 61, shared a video from her lifestyle brand, Modern Prairie, featuring Garner, 53.

In the clip, Garner reflected on her first Screen Actors Guild experience: Thirty years ago, I had my first-ever SAG job playing Melissa Gilberts daughter in Zoya. Melissa taught me everything. She was incredibly kind. I had never been on camera beforeI only wanted to perform on stage.

She continued, Melissa and I have remained friends for 30 years. Shes always called herself my fake mother and me her fake daughter. I love her with all my heart.

The video highlighted Gilberts work with the nonprofit Save the Children through a Modern Prairie initiative. Garner described a special quilting project, where Gilbert joins women via Zoom to quilt together. Participants from across the U.S. contributed quilt squares that were combined into friendship quilts.

The quilts feature the Pas Bear Claw pattern, a design referenced in Laura Ingalls Wilders books, including On the Banks of Plum Creek and These Happy Golden Years. Garner, a self-proclaimed Laura Ingalls enthusiast, expressed her excitement over the connection.

Five of these friendship quilts will be auctioned for Save the Children as part of Giving Tuesday. Garner praised the initiative: What a wonderful gift for children everywhere and for the lucky people who receive these beautiful quilts. Melissa even signed hers at the bottom. Thank you, fake mother!

In her Instagram caption, Gilbert expressed her affection for Garner: I can barely find the words to describe how much I love @jennifer.garner! She is a magical person. I am so grateful for our 30-year friendship! Love, love, love you.

This story was first published by Parade on December 2, 2025.

Author: Sophia Brooks