Big Stars, little city

“When we were looking to move, we wanted to be somewhere central, with easy access to planes and trains,” Gilbert said. “We came to Howell, we found the house on my birthday two years ago, and I fell in love.”

While most of Michigan continues to battle a prolonged economic downturn and higher than average unemployment, Busfield and Gilbert see something different. “Between Detroit, Lansing, and Ann Arbor there is potential, with a lot of growth happening,” Gilbert said. “Travel is heavier on (Interstate) 96 than it has been in the past.”

Gilbert, 50, and Busfield, 57, were also intrigued by the ongoing renovations at the Howell Opera House. The Victorianera gem in downtown Howell was built in 1881 and could be the home of a new, Gilbert/Busfield-led theater company.

“The plan is to have a resident theater, like the Purple Rose,” Gilbert said. The Purple Rose Theater Co., in nearby Chelsea, was founded by actor Jeff Daniels. “We love Jeff and want to work with him. There are limitless possibilities,” Gilbert said.

“We wanted to be able to do theater,” she continued. “We walked into the Opera House and it was perfect.” While the location continues to undergo renovations Busfield and Gilbert’s enthusiasm for the location has grown. “We pitched the idea of creating another storefront, the Opera House Annex,” she said. “It’s in the works.”

Gilbert’s headlong involvement with her new home took a political turn in 2014. The actress lent her voice to the gubernatorial election as a special guest at several election events for Democratic candidate Mark Schauer, who eventually lost to Gov. Rick Snyder.

“I’ve never experienced anything in my life like the Schauer campaign,” Gilbert said. “I’ve never worked that hard and been that shattered.” When asked if she believes that Snyder’s reelection will hinder any plans that she and Busfield have for business in Michigan, Gilbert remained optimistic. “I don’t see Michigan passing any tax incentives for film and television, but there are still giant films that will come.”

Snyder’s reelection likewise won’t affect Gilbert’s plans to remain in Michigan. “We aren’t moving,” she said. “We are here no matter what. Reports to the contrary are completely untrue.”

Even while living in Michigan, Gilbert and Busfield have maintained busy acting careers. The couple recently worked together on ABC’s “Secrets and Lies,” which premiered March 1. Both appear as actors in the series, and Busfield directed one episode. Busfield also landed a recurring role as Benjamin Franklin on the Fox series “Sleepy Hollow.”

Gilbert has also written a memoir, “Prairie Tale,” and a children’s book, “Daisy and Josephine.” She recently released “My Prairie Cookbook,” which is part scrapbook of “Little House” memorabilia and part cookbook.

“The fried chicken recipe is the cornerstone of the book,” she said. “My former mother-in-law is from Texas, and it’s her recipe that I’ve changed a bit. It’s really crispy and juicy — the secret is 15 minutes with the lid on, then 15 minutes with the lid off. My friends not only ask for the recipe, but they ask for me to make it for them.”

The cookbook includes recipes for Spicy Pumpkin Muffins, Real-Deal Lasagna, Gilbert Family Meat Loaf and Gingersnap- Pumpkin Pie, but none of the recipes include chocolate. When asked, Gilbert simply responded, “I’m not a chocolate person. Chocolate is not a priority for me.”