• Born on 28th April 1967 in California, US
• Adopted by Barbara and Paul Gilbert; siblings are Sara and Melissa Gilbert
• Attended Hamilton College and Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College
• Acting career from 1974-1984, most notably in the series "Little House on the Prairie"
• Retired early to pursue a career in business and is now a stockbroker
• Estimated net worth of $2 million
Known for movies
Short Info
Fact | Younger adopted brother of Melissa Gilbert. |
Contents
Who is Jonathan Gilbert?
Jonathan J. Gilbert is actually his adopted name, and although under the sign of Cancer on the 28th of April 1967, in Los Angeles, California USA, his birth name isn’t known. Jonathan is a 51-year-old Caucasian actor-turned-stockbroker, perhaps best known to the world for his significant presence on the TV screen as Willie Oleson in the NBC TV series entitled “Little House on the Prairie.” Aside from that, he has had a number of other roles across various films and TV shows over the course of his somewhat lucrative acting career from 1974 to 1984.
Early Life and Education
Although Jonathan is also known for being the brother of Sara Gilbert and Melissa Gilbert, two accomplished names in cinematography, they aren’t blood related – he was adopted by Barbara (nee Crane) and Paul Gilbert, both of whom were also actors. It is unknown what happened to him before he was adopted, as well as what happened to his biological parents and what their identities and professions are. It is known that Jonathan had an interest in acting from his early childhood, inspired by his adoptive family’s professions. As per his education, there’s no confirmed information as to what high school he attended, but upon matriculation he enrolled at Hamilton College, from where he graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Later, he went on to further his education at the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College, from where he graduated with a Master of Business Administration degree in finance. It’s interesting that Jonathan, unlike most early actors, actually completed his education even after establishing himself in the entertainment industry.
Career
Love Life
Even though Jonathan was a fairly popular youngster due to his early fame, there is no information about any segment of his love life. He has kept any romantic involvements out of the media’s eye to this day there aren’t even any rumours – and until he chooses otherwise, nothing can be said with certainty on this matter.
Family Tragedy

What is Jonathan Gilbert’s Net Worth?
Have you ever wondered how rich Jonathan Gilbert is, as of mid-2018? According to various authoritative sources, it has been estimated that the current total of Jonathan’s accumulated wealth is over $2 million, largely aided by his successes in the entertainment industry and as a stockbroker, As his career continues to develop, the said amount can be expected to increase.
Body Measurements
Concerning the physical attributes of the retired actor, no information is available. His hair is dark brown as well as his eyes, while his body shape is generally described as regular.
Social Media Presence
Due to the major influence of social networks, it is nowadays a regular thing for active actors to nourish a close and active relationship with their fans, for the sake of increasing the popularity of the titles they’re working on, and thus their own net worth. However, it looks like Tony himself doesn’t care much for this celebrity trend, having retired as an actor anyway, so his Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts are either non-existent or not publicly accessible.
Social profile links
Facts
# | Fact |
---|---|
1 | Is a stockbroker. [June 2003] |
2 | Older adopted brother of Sara Gilbert. |
3 | Stepson of Warren Cowan. |
4 | Brother-in-law of Bruce Boxleitner. |
5 | Younger stepbrother of Claudia Cowan. |
6 | According to the Chinese calendar, he was born in the Year of the Monkey. |
7 | After leaving acting, Jonathan earned his BA from Hamilton College and an MBA in Finance from the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College. |
8 | Adopted son of Paul Gilbert and Barbara Cowan. |
9 | Younger adopted brother of Melissa Gilbert. |
10 | Grandson of Harry Crane. |
Pictures
Movies
Actor
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|---|---|---|
Little House: The Last Farewell | 1984 | TV Movie | Willie Oleson |
Little House: Look Back to Yesterday | 1983 | TV Movie | Willie Oleson |
Little House on the Prairie | 1974-1983 | TV Series | Willie Oleson |
The Miracle Worker | 1979 | TV Movie | Jimmy |
Archive Footage
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|---|---|---|
Little House Years | 1979 | TV Movie | Willie Oleson |
Awards
Nominated Awards
Year | Award | Ceremony | Nomination | Movie |
---|---|---|---|---|
2008 | TV Land Award | TV Land Awards | Siblings That Make You Grateful for Your Own Crazy Family | Little House on the Prairie (1974) |
Source: IMDb, Wikipedia
5 Comments
A very informative article, but it has just one little inaccuracy. April 28th is Taurus not Cancer. I’m an astrologer.
I’m sorry this absolutely can not be the actor who played willie in little house on the prairie! Your eyes dont change from blue to brown after your 18 years old! I can’t believe anyone could possibly think it’s the same person!
I said that also. There are too many differences with the one they are saying is him. No way.
The adult in that photo is NOT Jonathan Gilbert from Little House on The Prairie!
I agree, the adult in the pictures is NOT Jonathan Gilbert. The eye color is different, his face shape and facial features are very different, his lips are very different.