Little House on the Prairie star Melissa Gilbert celebrated Dick Van Dyke’s 100th birthday by sharing a throwback clip of her father, Paul Gilbert, on The Dick Van Dyke Show.
On Saturday, Dec. 13, the former child actress—who played Laura Ingalls Wilder in the historical drama series—took to Instagram the sweet shoutout.
“In honor of @official_dick_van_dyke‘s 100th birthday, I’m so happy to share this amazing footage with my Daddy,” Gilbert captioned her update. “Thank you for sharing with me such a powerful memory of my dad. On this birthday I wish for you all the happiness, love, health, peace and LAUGHTER!!!”
The accompanying video featured a clip from a 1964 episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show titled “My Mother Can Beat Up My Father.” Her dad, Paul, played a character named Mr. Cavendish.
In the comments, Instagram users delighted in the throwback featuring the newly-minted centenarian and Gilbert’s father.
One follower declared, “What an amazing memory!”
Another fan shared, of Paul, “I remember him in Cat Ballou too. He was a great character actor 💜.”
Someone else wrote, “HBD Dick Van Dyke! Melissa, it must be heartwarming to be able to see and hear your dad, captured on film forever.”
A different follower commented, “A true legend. What an amazing man. Happy 💯 Birthday 🎂 🥳 🎉.”
Meanwhile, yet another Instagram user wrote, “Ditto!!! 🥳🥰🙏🏼💙🎊🎉🎁🎂 Happiest birthday to him, and I’m happy that you got to see your dad again. 😊.”
Paul and his actress wife, Barbara Crane (later known as Cowan), adopted Melissa when she was an infant. Paul died in 1976, while Barbara died in 1999.
Next: Little House on the Prairie: Dean Butler Addresses Melissa Gilbert Age Gap After Her “I Was 15” Post
This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 14, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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