Editing Missy Francis

{{Cast Data
| photo= 
| series=1980
|image=Melissa Francis at the Wall Street Money Never Sleeps Premiere (cropped).jpg| character=[[Little Girl]]
|born_month=12|born_day=12|born_year=1972| age= 
| death date= 
| death place= 
| nationality= US
| imdb= 0290261
| sortkey=Francis, Melissa 
|image2=Little Girl.jpg|image2name=Melissa Francis (20 September 2010)| instagram= melissaafrancis
}}

'''Melissa Ann Francis''' (born December 12, 1972), credited as '''Missy Francis''' during her childhood acting career, is an American actress, television journalist, and author best known for portraying Cassandra Cooper Ingalls on the [[w:NBC|NBC]] drama series ''Little House on the Prairie''. In the realm of the ''Battlestar Galactica'' franchise, she appeared in two episodes of ''[[Galactica 1980]]'' as a [[Little Girl|little girl]] in the three-part premiere "[[Galactica Discovers Earth]]".

==Biography==

===Early life and career beginnings===

Francis was born Vini Melissa Ann Francis in [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], the daughter of a small businessman and homemaker.<ref name="famouspeople_bio">{{cite web|url=https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/melissa-francis-44219.php#:~:text=Born%20Vini%20Melissa%20Ann%20Francis%20on%20December%2012%2C%201972%2C%20in%20Los%20Angeles%2C%20California%2C%20USA%2C%20Melissa%20is%20the%20daughter%20of%20a%20small%20businessman%20father%20and%20homemaker%20mother.%20She%20grew%20up%20alongside%20her%20older%20sister%20Tiffany.|title=Melissa Francis Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=|publisher=The Famous People|quote=Born Vini Melissa Ann Francis on December 12, 1972, in Los Angeles, California, USA, Melissa is the daughter of a small businessman father and homemaker mother. She grew up alongside her older sister Tiffany.}}</ref> She grew up with her older sister Tiffany in a household where their mother devoted considerable attention to advancing both daughters' entertainment careers, though this upbringing proved complex and challenging.<ref name="famouspeople_bio" /><ref name="kirkus_review">{{cite web|url=https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/melissa-francis/diary-stage-mothers-daughter/#:~:text=Chilling%20memoir%20by%20a%20Fox%20Business%20Network%20anchor%20and%20child%20star%20chronicles%20the%20misery%20of%20growing%20up%20with%20a%20cruel%2C%20controlling%20and%20abusive%20stage%20mother.%20Francis%E2%80%99%20narrative%20grabs%20readers%20immediately.%20One%20of%20those%20intimate%2C%20heartbreaking%2C%20doubled%2Dedged%20stories%20that%20is%20hard%20to%20read%2C%20impossible%20to%20put%20down.|title=Diary of a Stage Mother's Daughter|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=1 October 2012|publisher=Kirkus Reviews|quote=Chilling memoir by a Fox Business Network anchor and child star chronicles the misery of growing up with a cruel, controlling and abusive stage mother. Francis' narrative grabs readers immediately. One of those intimate, heartbreaking, doubled-edged stories that is hard to read, impossible to put down.}}</ref>

Francis began her entertainment career at six months old when she appeared in a [[w:Johnson_&_Johnson|Johnson & Johnson]] baby shampoo commercial.<ref name="cbn_interview">{{cite web|url=https://cbn.com/news/us/melissa-francis-dishes-about-faith-family-fox-news-and-lessons-prairie#:~:text=At%20only%20six%20months%20old%2C%20Melissa%20Francis%20landed%20her%20first%20big%20gig%20%E2%80%93%20a%20Johnson%20%26%20Johnson%20baby%20shampoo%20commercial.|title=Melissa Francis Dishes about Faith, Family, Fox News and Lessons from the Prairie|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=Wendy Griffith|date=16 June 2017|publisher=CBN News|quote=At only six months old, Melissa Francis landed her first big gig – a Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo commercial.}}</ref><ref name="lhotp_excerpts">{{cite web|url=https://littlehouseontheprairie.com/melissa-francis-lessons-from-the-prairie/#:~:text=From%20sudsing%20my%20hair%20to%20sell%20Johnson%20%26%20Johnson%20baby%20shampoo%2C%20to%20hawking%20(cold%2C%20painted)%20hamburgers%20for%20McDonald%E2%80%99s%2C%20to%20more%20serious%20turns%20in%20dramas%2C%20I%20had%20worked%20pretty%20steadily%20since%20before%20my%20first%20birthday.|title=Melissa Francis: Lessons from the Prairie|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=Melissa Francis|date=|publisher=Little House on the Prairie|quote=From sudsing my hair to sell Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo, to hawking (cold, painted) hamburgers for McDonald's, to more serious turns in dramas, I had worked pretty steadily since before my first birthday.}}</ref><ref name="lessons_book_p2">{{cite book|last=Francis|first=Melissa|title=Lessons from the Prairie: The Surprising Secrets to Happiness, Success, and (Sometimes Just) Survival I Learned on America's Favorite Show|year=2017|publisher=Hachette Books|isbn=978-1-60286-307-1|page=2|quote=From sudsing my hair in an infant tub to sell Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo, to hawking (cold, painted) hamburgers for McDonald's, to more serious turns in dramas, I worked pretty steadily from the time I was a baby though my teenage years.}}</ref> By age eight, she had already established herself as a working child actress, appearing in nearly 100 television commercials, including spots for [[w:McDonald's|McDonald's]].<ref name="lhop_bio">{{cite web|url=https://laurasprairiehouse.com/tv-series/cast-little-house-on-the-prairie/melissa-francis-biography/#:~:text=Francis%20began%20her%20entertainment%20career%20at%20a%20remarkably%20young%20age%2C%20appearing%20in%20over%20100%20television%20commercials%20by%20the%20time%20she%20was%20eight%20years%20old.|title=Melissa Francis Biography: From Little House on the Prairie to Acclaimed News Anchor and Journalist|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=26 April 2025|publisher=Laura's Prairie House|quote=Francis began her entertainment career at a remarkably young age, appearing in over 100 television commercials by the time she was eight years old.}}</ref><ref name="lhotp_excerpts" /><ref name="lessons_book_p2" />

===Film and television===

====1978–1979====

Francis made her television debut in the 1978 telefilm ''The Ghost of Flight 401''.<ref name="famouspeople_bio_career">{{cite web|url=https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/melissa-francis-44219.php#:~:text=In%201978%2C%20she%20appeared%20in%20her%20first%20TV%20project%2C%20a%20telefilm%20called%20%27The%20Ghost%20of%20Flight%20401%27.%20She%20had%20her%20big%20screen%20debut%20a%20year%20later%2C%20in%20%27Scavenger%20Hunt%27.|title=Melissa Francis Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=|publisher=The Famous People|quote=In 1978, she appeared in her first TV project, a telefilm called 'The Ghost of Flight 401'. She had her big screen debut a year later, in 'Scavenger Hunt'.}}</ref> The following year, she made her theatrical film debut in Michael Schultz's comedy ''Scavenger Hunt'' (1979).<ref name="famouspeople_bio_career" />

====1980====

In 1980, Francis appeared in two episodes of ''[[Galactica 1980]]'', specifically "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part II]]" and "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part III]]", credited as '''Missy Francis'''.<ref name="imdb_g1980">{{cite web|url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0080221/fullcredits/#:~:text=Melissa%20Francis%20%C2%B7%20Melissa%20Francis%20%C2%B7%20Little%20Girl%20%C2%B7%202%20episodes%20%E2%80%A2%201980|title=Galactica 1980 (TV Series 1980) - Full cast & crew|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=|publisher=IMDb|quote=Melissa Francis · Melissa Francis · Little Girl · 2 episodes • 1980}}</ref><ref name="epguides_g1980">{{cite web|url=https://epguides.com/Galactica1980/guide.shtml#:~:text=%22Galactica%20Discovers%20Earth%20(2)%22%20gs%3A%20Albert%20Paulsen%20%5B%20Unknown%20%5D%2C%20Louis%20Turenne%20%5B%20Unknown%20%5D%2C%20Michael%20Strong%20%5B%20Unknown%20%5D%2C%20Ted%20Gehring%20%5B%20Sheriff%20%5D%2C%20Curt%20Lowens%20%5B%20Gen.%20Wilhlem%20Yodel%20%5D%2C%20James%20R.%20Parks%20%5B%20Walt%20Griffin%20%5D%2C%20Bruce%20Wright%20%5B%20Aide%20%5D%2C%20Adam%20Starr%20%5B%20Willy%20Griffin%20%5D%2C%20Missy%20Francis%20%5B%20Little%20Girl%20%5D|title=Galactica 1980 (an Episode Guide)|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=Jeff DeVouge|date=|publisher=epguides.com|quote="Galactica Discovers Earth (2)" gs: Albert Paulsen [ Unknown ], Louis Turenne [ Unknown ], Michael Strong [ Unknown ], Ted Gehring [ Sheriff ], Curt Lowens [ Gen. Wilhlem Yodel ], James R. Parks [ Walt Griffin ], Bruce Wright [ Aide ], Adam Starr [ Willy Griffin ], Missy Francis [ Little Girl ]...}}</ref>

That same year, Francis appeared in the [[w:ABC|ABC]] sitcom ''Mork & Mindy'' in the season two episode "A Mommy for Mindy", playing the younger version of Mindy McConnell at age six.<ref name="imdb_bio">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0290261/#:~:text=Known%20for%3A%20The%20Dictator%2C%20Something%20About%20Amelia%2C%20Little%20House%20on%20the%20Prairie|title=Melissa Francis|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=|publisher=IMDb|quote=Known for: The Dictator, Something About Amelia, Little House on the Prairie}}</ref> Francis later recalled this experience fondly, describing how she walked around the set with a one-eyed teddy bear and how [[wikipedia:Robin Williams|Robin Williams]] intervened with the property manager to allow her to keep the toy, which she still has and her children now play with.<ref name="famouspeople_mork">{{cite web|url=https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/melissa-francis-44219.php#:~:text=In%201980%2C%20she%20got%20the%20chance%20to%20share%20screen%20space%20with%20Robin%20Williams%20in%20a%20season%20two%20episode%20of%20the%20ABC%20sitcom%20%27Mork%20%26%20Mindy%27.%20She%20played%20the%20younger%20version%20of%20Mindy%20and%20used%20to%20walk%20around%20the%20set%20with%20a%20one%2Deyed%20teddy%20bear%20in%20her%20arms.%20After%20the%20shooting%20was%20over%2C%20she%20wanted%20to%20keep%20the%20toy%20but%20the%20show%E2%80%99s%20property%20manager%20told%20her%20that%20it%20was%20not%20possible.%20Williams%20stepped%20in%20and%20convinced%20him%20to%20give%20the%20toy%20to%20Francis.%20She%20still%20has%20the%20bear%20and%20now%20her%20children%20play%20with%20it.|title=Melissa Francis Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=|publisher=The Famous People|quote=In 1980, she got the chance to share screen space with Robin Williams in a season two episode of the ABC sitcom 'Mork & Mindy'. She played the younger version of Mindy and used to walk around the set with a one-eyed teddy bear in her arms. After the shooting was over, she wanted to keep the toy but the show's property manager told her that it was not possible. Williams stepped in and convinced him to give the toy to Francis. She still has the bear and now her children play with it.}}</ref>

====1979–1982: ''Joe's World'' and ''Little House on the Prairie''====

Between 1979 and 1980, Francis played Linda Wabash in 11 episodes of the [[w:NBC|NBC]] sitcom ''Joe's World''.<ref name="famouspeople_joes">{{cite web|url=https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/melissa-francis-44219.php#:~:text=Between%201979%20and%201980%2C%20she%20played%20Linda%20Wabash%20in%2011%20episodes%20of%20the%20NBC%20sitcom%20%27Joe%27s%20World%27.|title=Melissa Francis Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=|publisher=The Famous People|quote=Between 1979 and 1980, she played Linda Wabash in 11 episodes of the NBC sitcom 'Joe's World'.}}</ref>

In 1981, at age eight, Francis won what would become her most recognized role: Cassandra Cooper Ingalls on NBC's ''Little House on the Prairie''.<ref name="cbn_role">{{cite web|url=https://cbn.com/news/us/melissa-francis-dishes-about-faith-family-fox-news-and-lessons-prairie#:~:text=Then%20at%20eight%20came%20the%20role%20of%20a%20lifetime%20on%20one%20of%20the%20most%20popular%20shows%20of%20its%20time%2C%20Little%20House%20on%20the%20Prairie%2C%20starring%20Michael%20Landon.|title=Melissa Francis Dishes about Faith, Family, Fox News and Lessons from the Prairie|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=Wendy Griffith|date=16 June 2017|publisher=CBN News|quote=Then at eight came the role of a lifetime on one of the most popular shows of its time, Little House on the Prairie, starring Michael Landon.}}</ref> She played the character—an orphan adopted by the Ingalls family alongside her brother James, portrayed by [[wikipedia:Jason Bateman|Jason Bateman]]—for 21 episodes across the show's final two seasons (1981–1982).<ref name="famouspeople_lhop">{{cite web|url=https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/melissa-francis-44219.php#:~:text=In%201981%2C%20she%20joined%20the%20cast%20of%20NBC%E2%80%99s%20drama%20series%20%27Little%20House%20on%20the%20Prairie%27%20as%20Cassandra%20Cooper%20Ingalls%2C%20the%20adopted%20daughter%20of%20Caroline%20and%20Charles%20Ingalls.%20Francis%20appeared%20in%2021%20episodes%20of%20the%20show%20before%20leaving%20in%201982.|title=Melissa Francis Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=|publisher=The Famous People|quote=In 1981, she joined the cast of NBC's drama series 'Little House on the Prairie' as Cassandra Cooper Ingalls, the adopted daughter of Caroline and Charles Ingalls. Francis appeared in 21 episodes of the show before leaving in 1982.}}</ref> At the audition, Francis remembered encountering script language that seemed odd to her, with phrases like "Ma," "Pa," and "reckon," but her mother insisted she perform the lines exactly as written.<ref name="lhotp_excerpts" />

Francis later attributed winning the role in part to her ability to cry real tears on cue, which she achieved by imagining traumatic scenarios involving her pets rather than through traditional acting methods.<ref name="cbn_crying">{{cite web|url=https://cbn.com/news/us/melissa-francis-dishes-about-faith-family-fox-news-and-lessons-prairie#:~:text=One%20reason%20Melissa%20got%20the%20part%20was%20that%20she%20could%20cry%20real%20tears%20when%20it%20mattered.%0A%E2%80%9CAnd%20I%20didn%E2%80%99t%20do%20it%20the%20kosher%20way%2C%20the%20way%20you%E2%80%99re%20supposed%20to%20do%20it%20in%20acting%2C%20where%20you%E2%80%99re%20so%20into%20the%20character%20that%20you%20imagine%20the%20character%E2%80%99s%20pain.%20Instead%20what%20I%20would%20do%20is%20I%20would%20imagine%20all%20of%20my%20pets%20dying.|title=Melissa Francis Dishes about Faith, Family, Fox News and Lessons from the Prairie|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=Wendy Griffith|date=16 June 2017|publisher=CBN News|quote=One reason Melissa got the part was that she could cry real tears when it mattered. "And I didn't do it the kosher way, the way you're supposed to do it in acting, where you're so into the character that you imagine the character's pain. Instead what I would do is I would imagine all of my pets dying.}}</ref> She recalled her audition with series creator and star [[wikipedia:Michael Landon|Michael Landon]], describing him as electrifying the room: "I didn't know who he was, but you could tell by the energy in the room that he was an important person. He electrified the audition the moment he laughed at my wide eyes, framed by long ropes of brown braids."<ref name="lhotp_excerpts" /> Francis performed two scenes, with the second requiring her to cry on cue—her "signature magic" and forte.<ref name="lhotp_excerpts" />

Francis developed a close working relationship with co-star Jason Bateman, who played her adoptive brother James. She later confessed to having had "such a giant crush on him," recalling that "I just thought he was so handsome and charming but I was too young for him to pay attention to. He was so sweet to me."<ref name="hmb_interview">{{cite web|url=https://hollywoodmomblog.com/exclusive-interview-with-former-little-house-child-star-melissa-francis-on-memoir-diary-of-a-stage-mothers-daughter/#:~:text=I%20just%20thought%20he%20was%20fantastic...he%20was%20so%20handsome%20and%20charming%20but%20I%20was%20too%20young%20for%20him%20to%20pay%20attention%20to.%20He%20was%20so%20sweet%20to%20me%2C%20but%20he%20loved%20Melissa%20%5BGilbert%5D%20and%20I%20loved%20him.|title=Exclusive Interview with Former "Little House" Child Star Melissa Francis on Memoir, "Diary of a Stage Mother's Daughter"|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=|publisher=Hollywood Mom Blog|quote=I just thought he was fantastic...he was so handsome and charming but I was too young for him to pay attention to. He was so sweet to me, but he loved Melissa [Gilbert] and I loved him.}}</ref>

During her time on ''Little House on the Prairie'', Francis worked closely with series creator and star Michael Landon, whose work ethic and business acumen left a lasting impression on the young actress. She later described Landon as combining qualities of "Santa Claus and a god-like figure," noting that he was among the first people in [[w:Hollywood|Hollywood]] to recognize the financial value of owning one's own production, as he "owned it, wrote it, created it, produced it, starred in it, directed it, everything."<ref name="cbn_landon">{{cite web|url=https://cbn.com/news/us/melissa-francis-dishes-about-faith-family-fox-news-and-lessons-prairie#:~:text=%E2%80%9CHe%20was%20sort%20of%20like%20Santa%20Claus%20and%20a%20god%2Dlike%20figure%20all%20rolled%20into%20one%2C%E2%80%9D%20Melissa%20recalled.%0A%E2%80%9CHe%20was%20incredibly%20fun%2C%20but%20he%20was%20also%20so%20hard%2Dworking%20and%20smart.%20On%20the%20set%2C%20he%20was%20one%20of%20the%20first%20people%20to%20figure%20out%20that%20in%20order%20to%20make%20a%20mint%20in%20television%2C%20you%20have%20to%20own%20the%20production.%20He%20owned%20it%2C%20wrote%20it%2C%20created%20it%2C%20produced%20it%2C%20starred%20in%20it%2C%20directed%20it%2C%20everything.%E2%80%9D|title=Melissa Francis Dishes about Faith, Family, Fox News and Lessons from the Prairie|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=Wendy Griffith|date=16 June 2017|publisher=CBN News|quote="He was sort of like Santa Claus and a god-like figure all rolled into one," Melissa recalled. "He was incredibly fun, but he was also so hard-working and smart. On the set, he was one of the first people to figure out that in order to make a mint in television, you have to own the production. He owned it, wrote it, created it, produced it, starred in it, directed it, everything."}}</ref> Francis credited Landon with instilling in the cast a sense of professionalism, responsibility, and respect for the collaborative nature of production that influenced her throughout her subsequent career.<ref name="cbn_landon_lessons">{{cite web|url=https://cbn.com/news/us/melissa-francis-dishes-about-faith-family-fox-news-and-lessons-prairie#:~:text=%E2%80%9CHe%20%5BMichael%20Landon%5D%20really%20taught%20us%20pride%20in%20a%20job%20well%20done%20%E2%80%93%20that%20we%20had%20a%20responsibility%20to%20show%20up%20rested%2C%20lines%20learned%2C%20hit%20your%20mark%2C%20be%20serious%2C%20do%20your%20job.%20It%20was%20a%20privilege%20and%20honor%20to%20be%20there%20and%20he%20wanted%20to%20make%20sure%20that%20everyone%20felt%20that%20way%20and%20it%20was%20a%20work%20ethic%20and%20a%20seriousness%20and%20a%20respect%20and%20a%20respect%20for%20your%20co%2Dworkers%20that%20I%20really%20carried%20on%20for%20the%20rest%20of%20my%20life.%E2%80%9D|title=Melissa Francis Dishes about Faith, Family, Fox News and Lessons from the Prairie|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=Wendy Griffith|date=16 June 2017|publisher=CBN News|quote="He [Michael Landon] really taught us pride in a job well done – that we had a responsibility to show up rested, lines learned, hit your mark, be serious, do your job. It was a privilege and honor to be there and he wanted to make sure that everyone felt that way and it was a work ethic and a seriousness and a respect and a respect for your co-workers that I really carried on for the rest of my life."}}</ref>

Francis later reflected that Landon ran the production "like a well oiled, highly efficient machine," and that "he wasn't a diva and didn't suffer any divas either. He led by example and we all followed suit."<ref name="wat_interview">{{cite web|url=https://womanaroundtown.com/sections/woman-around-town/melissa-francis-journey-from-the-prairie-to-fox/#:~:text=He%20ran%20the%20production%20like%20well%20oiled%2C%20highly%20efficient%20machine.%20He%20wasn%E2%80%99t%20a%20diva%20and%20didn%E2%80%99t%20suffer%20any%20divas%20either.%20He%20led%20by%20example%20and%20we%20all%20followed%20suit.%20But%20he%20was%20also%20a%20beaming%20ray%20of%20sunshine%2C%20a%20positive%20force%20of%20energy%2C%20and%20when%20you%20worked%20hard%20and%20did%20a%20good%20job%20he%20shown%20his%20bright%20light%20in%20your%20direction%2C%20inspiring%20you%20to%20do%20more.|title=Melissa Francis' Journey from the Prairie to Fox|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=Charlene Giannetti|date=|publisher=Woman Around Town|quote=He ran the production like well oiled, highly efficient machine. He wasn't a diva and didn't suffer any divas either. He led by example and we all followed suit. But he was also a beaming ray of sunshine, a positive force of energy, and when you worked hard and did a good job he shown his bright light in your direction, inspiring you to do more.}}</ref> She also remembered his playful side, recalling how "more than once, he turned to the kids to speak, and as he opened his mouth, a frog popped out! Our squeals of terror and disgust delighted his childish side and brightened the day."<ref name="lhotp_excerpts" />

Francis and co-star [[wikipedia:Melissa Gilbert|Melissa Gilbert]] later discussed the fact that none of their ''Little House'' co-stars "ended up in jail or rehab," with both attributing this success to "the way Michael ran the set."<ref name="wat_interview" /> Francis emphasized that Landon "expected us to work like adults since we made adult paychecks, but he always took a moment to make us laugh until we cried."<ref name="wat_interview" />

====Later acting work====

Francis continued her acting career through the 1980s with appearances in several notable productions. In 1983, she played Paula Beckwith in the drama film ''Man, Woman and Child'', starring alongside [[wikipedia:Martin Sheen|Martin Sheen]] and [[wikipedia:Blythe Danner|Blythe Danner]].<ref name="imdb_bio" /> She appeared in the 1984 television movie ''Something About Amelia'', which tackled the sensitive subject of incest and received critical acclaim.<ref name="imdb_bio" /> 

In 1986, Francis starred as Sarah Bishop in the short-lived [[w:CBS|CBS]] family drama series ''Morningstar/Eveningstar''.<ref name="famouspeople_ms">{{cite web|url=https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/melissa-francis-44219.php#:~:text=In%20the%20short%2Dlived%20CBS%20family%2Ddrama%20series%20%27Morningstar%2FEveningstar%27%20(1986)%2C%20she%20portrayed%20Sarah%20Bishop.|title=Melissa Francis Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=|publisher=The Famous People|quote=In the short-lived CBS family-drama series 'Morningstar/Eveningstar' (1986), she portrayed Sarah Bishop.}}</ref> Her television guest appearances during this period included ''St. Elsewhere'' (1986), ''Hotel'', ''A Year in the Life'', ''ALF'', and ''Hardball''.<ref name="imdb_bio" />

Francis's later film work included a role as young Cynthia in the 1988 horror thriller ''Bad Dreams''.<ref name="famouspeople_bd">{{cite web|url=https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/melissa-francis-44219.php#:~:text=She%20had%20a%20small%20role%20in%20the%201988%20horror%20thriller%20%27Bad%20Dreams%27.|title=Melissa Francis Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=|publisher=The Famous People|quote=She had a small role in the 1988 horror thriller 'Bad Dreams'.}}</ref> Her final acting role came in 2012 with a small part in [[wikipedia:Sacha Baron Cohen|Sacha Baron Cohen]]'s satirical comedy ''The Dictator''.<ref name="famouspeople_dictator">{{cite web|url=https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/melissa-francis-44219.php#:~:text=Her%20last%20film%20was%20the%202012%20satirical%20comedy%20%27The%20Dictator%27.|title=Melissa Francis Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=|publisher=The Famous People|quote=Her last film was the 2012 satirical comedy 'The Dictator'.}}</ref>

===Education and transition to journalism===

By age 18, Francis had grown uncertain about pursuing acting as a lifelong career.<ref name="cbn_transition">{{cite web|url=https://cbn.com/news/us/melissa-francis-dishes-about-faith-family-fox-news-and-lessons-prairie#:~:text=By%20age%2018%2C%20Melissa%20wasn%E2%80%99t%20sure%20she%20wanted%20to%20make%20acting%20her%20life%20so%20she%20switched%20gears%20%E2%80%93%20completely%20%E2%80%93%20and%20headed%20to%20Harvard%20to%20major%20in%20economics%20with%20the%20goal%20of%20becoming%20a%20television%20news%20reporter.|title=Melissa Francis Dishes about Faith, Family, Fox News and Lessons from the Prairie|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=Wendy Griffith|date=16 June 2017|publisher=CBN News|quote=By age 18, Melissa wasn't sure she wanted to make acting her life so she switched gears – completely – and headed to Harvard to major in economics with the goal of becoming a television news reporter.}}</ref> A decade after ''Little House on the Prairie'' ended its historic run, she decided to leave Hollywood behind and board a plane to [[w:Boston|Boston]] to study economics at [[w:Harvard_University|Harvard University]].<ref name="lhotp_excerpts" /> She graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics.<ref name="famouspeople_harvard">{{cite web|url=https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/melissa-francis-44219.php#:~:text=After%20graduating%20from%20high%20school%2C%20Francis%20attended%20Harvard%20University%2C%20from%20where%20she%20earned%20her%20Bachelor%20of%20Arts%20degree%20in%20economics%20in%201995.|title=Melissa Francis Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=|publisher=The Famous People|quote=After graduating from high school, Francis attended Harvard University, from where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in economics in 1995.}}</ref> During her time at Harvard, she served as executive editor of the Harvard College Economist Magazine and captain of the Harvard Polo Team.<ref name="imdb_harvard">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0290261/bio/#:~:text=Graduated%20from%20Harvard%20University%2C%20class%20of%201995%2C%20with%20a%20Bachelor%20of%20Arts%20degree%20in%20Economics.%20She%20was%20also%20the%20executive%20editor%20of%20the%20Harvard%20College%20Economist%20Magazine%20and%20captain%20of%20the%20Harvard%20Polo%20Team.|title=Melissa Francis - Biography|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=|publisher=IMDb|quote=Graduated from Harvard University, class of 1995, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. She was also the executive editor of the Harvard College Economist Magazine and captain of the Harvard Polo Team.}}</ref>

Francis chose Harvard in part because of its geographic distance from Los Angeles, seeking to establish independence from her complicated family situation.<ref name="distractify_husband">{{cite web|url=https://www.distractify.com/p/melissa-francis-husband#:~:text=As%20Melissa%20explained%20in%20a%20previous%20interview%20with%20HuffPost%2C%20she%20chose%20the%20prestigious%20institution%20because%20of%20its%20geographic%20location.%20%E2%80%9CI%20was%20going%20to%20eventually%20go%20to%20college%20no%20matter%20what%20%5B...%5D%20I%20decided%20to%20go%20to%20Harvard%2C%20the%20place%20I%20had%20been%20accepted%20that%20was%20the%20furthest%20from%20Los%20Angeles.|title=Melissa Francis' Husband Is Managing Director Wray Thorn — Details|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=17 September 2020|publisher=Distractify|quote=As Melissa explained in a previous interview with HuffPost, she chose the prestigious institution because of its geographic location. "I was going to eventually go to college no matter what [...] I decided to go to Harvard, the place I had been accepted that was the furthest from Los Angeles.}}</ref> During college, she worked various jobs including as a waitress and twice served as an NBC News intern before graduating.<ref name="imdb_harvard" /> To help finance her education, she took on work in food services, chopping vegetables for minimum wage—an experience that shocked her former ''Little House'' co-star Melissa Gilbert.<ref name="hmb_interview" /> Francis attributed her willingness to take such jobs to the work ethic instilled by Michael Landon, noting that unlike many former child stars who might think "I can't go wait tables, I've been a star," she was "so focused on what was next, that I was going to do anything to get there."<ref name="hmb_interview" />

The transition from acting to journalism proved more challenging than Francis anticipated. Despite her extensive television experience, she found the skills required for broadcast journalism markedly different from those needed for scripted performance. She took a significant pay cut from her college job managing a tech team at $25 per hour to work in television news at $6.10 per hour, running teleprompter, cutting tapes, and working with antiquated equipment in [[w:Portland,_Maine|Portland, Maine]].<ref name="cbn_paycut">{{cite web|url=https://cbn.com/news/us/melissa-francis-dishes-about-faith-family-fox-news-and-lessons-prairie#:~:text=%E2%80%9CI%20had%20a%20great%20job%20in%20college%20where%20I%20was%20managing%20a%20tech%20team%20and%20making%2025%20bucks%20an%20hour%20as%20a%2022%2Dyear%2Dold%20in%20college%20and%20it%20was%20great%20but%20I%20took%20this%20huge%20pay%20cut%20down%20to%20%246.10%20an%20hour%20to%20run%20teleprompter%20and%20cut%20tapes%20and%20get%20yelled%20at%20by%20the%20main%20anchor%20because%20the%20prompter%20was%20so%20ancient|title=Melissa Francis Dishes about Faith, Family, Fox News and Lessons from the Prairie|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=Wendy Griffith|date=16 June 2017|publisher=CBN News|quote="I had a great job in college where I was managing a tech team and making 25 bucks an hour as a 22-year-old in college and it was great but I took this huge pay cut down to $6.10 an hour to run teleprompter and cut tapes and get yelled at by the main anchor because the prompter was so ancient"}}</ref><ref name="lhotp_excerpts" />

A year later, Francis landed what she described as her "big break" in [[w:New_Hampshire|New Hampshire]], moving in front of the camera—only to experience severe difficulties and ultimately get fired.<ref name="lhotp_excerpts" /> Francis faced considerable challenges in her first on-air position, finding that looking into a camera for live television felt vastly different from acting. She described experiencing severe nervousness, feeling as though "a black abyss just sucked the air out of my body" when looking into the camera lens.<ref name="cbn_abyss">{{cite web|url=https://cbn.com/news/us/melissa-francis-dishes-about-faith-family-fox-news-and-lessons-prairie#:~:text=%E2%80%9CI%20just%20had%20such%20nerves%20and%20I%20would%20look%20into%20the%20camera%20and%20it%20felt%20like%20a%20black%20abyss%20just%20sucked%20the%20air%20out%20of%20my%20body%2C%20I%20could%20barely%20speak|title=Melissa Francis Dishes about Faith, Family, Fox News and Lessons from the Prairie|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=Wendy Griffith|date=16 June 2017|publisher=CBN News|quote="I just had such nerves and I would look into the camera and it felt like a black abyss just sucked the air out of my body, I could barely speak"}}</ref> This struggle culminated in being fired from her first on-air job by a new news director who gave her 30 minutes to pack her belongings and leave.<ref name="cbn_fired">{{cite web|url=https://cbn.com/news/us/melissa-francis-dishes-about-faith-family-fox-news-and-lessons-prairie#:~:text=I%20just%20had%20such%20nerves%20and%20I%20would%20look%20into%20the%20camera%20and%20it%20felt%20like%20a%20black%20abyss%20just%20sucked%20the%20air%20out%20of%20my%20body%2C%20I%20could%20barely%20speak%2C%20so%20I%20was%20trying%20to%20get%20through%20that%20process%20but%20I%20didn%E2%80%99t%20have%20time%20before%20I%20got%20fired%20by%20a%20brand%20new%20news%20director%20who%20took%20over%20the%20station.%20As%20the%20first%20order%20of%20business%2C%20she%20told%20me%20I%20had%2030%20minutes%20to%20pack%20up%20my%20things%20and%20get%20out.|title=Melissa Francis Dishes about Faith, Family, Fox News and Lessons from the Prairie|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=Wendy Griffith|date=16 June 2017|publisher=CBN News|quote="I just had such nerves and I would look into the camera and it felt like a black abyss just sucked the air out of my body, I could barely speak, so I was trying to get through that process but I didn't have time before I got fired by a brand new news director who took over the station. As the first order of business, she told me I had 30 minutes to pack up my things and get out."}}</ref>

Despite this setback, Francis persevered, working her way through various local news circuits before eventually landing positions at major networks.<ref name="cbn_persevere">{{cite web|url=https://cbn.com/news/us/melissa-francis-dishes-about-faith-family-fox-news-and-lessons-prairie#:~:text=%E2%80%9CAnd%20I%20went%20back%20to%20my%20apartment%20and%20I%20mostly%20cried%20and%20felt%20sorry%20for%20myself.%20I%20always%20say%20that%E2%80%99s%20step%20one%20on%20the%20road%20to%20recovery%2C%20wallow%20in%20a%20giant%20vat%20of%20self%2Dpity%2C%20get%20it%20out%20of%20your%20system%2C%20%E2%80%98oh%2C%20God%2C%20why%20me%3F%E2%80%99%E2%80%9D|title=Melissa Francis Dishes about Faith, Family, Fox News and Lessons from the Prairie|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=Wendy Griffith|date=16 June 2017|publisher=CBN News|quote="And I went back to my apartment and I mostly cried and felt sorry for myself. I always say that's step one on the road to recovery, wallow in a giant vat of self-pity, get it out of your system, 'oh, God, why me?'"}}</ref>

===Journalism career===

Francis began her journalism career with reporting positions at [[w:CNET|CNET]] and [[w:CNBC|CNBC]]. At CNBC, she worked as an energy and financial reporter, covering issues related to oil pricing, energy sector corporations, and economic factors affecting energy pricing and consumption.<ref name="celebrity_net_worth">{{cite web|url=https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-businessmen/wall-street/melissa-francis-net-worth/#:~:text=Francis%20was%20later%20hired%20as%20an%20energy%20and%20financial%20reporter%20for%20CNBC%20in%202003.%20There%2C%20she%20covered%20issues%20related%20to%20oil%20pricing%2C%20the%20corporations%20and%20companies%20operating%20within%20the%20energy%20sector%2C%20and%20various%20economic%20issues%20affecting%20energy%20pricing%20and%20consumption.|title=Melissa Francis Net Worth|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=13 July 2024|publisher=Celebrity Net Worth|quote=Francis was later hired as an energy and financial reporter for CNBC in 2003. There, she covered issues related to oil pricing, the corporations and companies operating within the energy sector, and various economic issues affecting energy pricing and consumption.}}</ref> During her tenure at CNBC, she served as an anchor on shows including ''Power Lunch'', ''The Call'', and ''On the Money'', and co-hosted ''It's the Economy'' on [[w:MSNBC|MSNBC]].<ref name="hachette_bio">{{cite web|url=https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/melissa-francis/diary-of-a-stage-mothers-daughter/9781602861756/#:~:text=Melissa%20Francis%20is%20an%20anchor%2C%20inspirational%20speaker%2C%20and%20host%20on%20the%20Fox%20Business%20Network%20and%20Fox%20News%20Channel%2C%20and%20a%20regular%20contributor%20on%20financial%2C%20economic%2C%20and%20political%20issues%20on%20shows%20such%20as%20The%20Five%2C%20Outnumbered%2C%20Happening%20Now%2C%20and%20America%27s%20Newsroom.%20Prior%20to%20her%20role%20at%20Fox%2C%20Melissa%20spent%20nine%20years%20at%20CNBC%20anchoring%20Power%20Lunch%2C%20The%20Call%2C%20and%20On%20the%20Money.|title=Diary of a Stage Mother's Daughter|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=|publisher=Hachette Book Group|quote=Melissa Francis is an anchor, inspirational speaker, and host on the Fox Business Network and Fox News Channel, and a regular contributor on financial, economic, and political issues on shows such as The Five, Outnumbered, Happening Now, and America's Newsroom. Prior to her role at Fox, Melissa spent nine years at CNBC anchoring Power Lunch, The Call, and On the Money.}}</ref>

In 2005, Francis was hired to host CNBC's ''On the Money''.<ref name="famouspeople_cnbc">{{cite web|url=https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/melissa-francis-44219.php#:~:text=In%202005%2C%20she%20was%20hired%20to%20host%20CNBC%E2%80%99s%20%27On%20the%20Money%27.|title=Melissa Francis Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=|publisher=The Famous People|quote=In 2005, she was hired to host CNBC's 'On the Money'.}}</ref> Her reporting eventually attracted the attention of Fox News, where she encountered a different editorial philosophy. Francis has recounted that while at CNBC, she reported that the mathematics behind the [[wikipedia:Affordable Care Act|Affordable Care Act]] didn't add up based on her economics background, and was subsequently called to account and told she was "disrespecting the office of the president" and instructed to cease such reporting.<ref name="cbn_aca">{{cite web|url=https://cbn.com/news/us/melissa-francis-dishes-about-faith-family-fox-news-and-lessons-prairie#:~:text=Melissa%20loved%20her%20time%20at%20CNBC%20until%20one%20day%20she%20reported%20that%20the%20math%20on%20Obamacare%20didn%E2%80%99t%20add%20up.%0A%E2%80%9CAnd%20I%20was%20called%20up%20into%20the%20principal%E2%80%99s%20office%20and%20told%20that%20I%20was%20disrespecting%20the%20office%20of%20the%20president.%20Wait%20%E2%80%93%20I%E2%80%99m%20just%20doing%20math%20and%20by%20the%20way%2C%20I%20have%20a%20degree%20in%20economics%20and%20I%20was%20told%20to%20stop%20and%20I%E2%80%99m%20embarrassed%20to%20say%20I%20did%20pipe%20down%20because%20I%20loved%20my%20job%20and%20I%20wanted%20to%20keep%20it.%E2%80%9D|title=Melissa Francis Dishes about Faith, Family, Fox News and Lessons from the Prairie|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=Wendy Griffith|date=16 June 2017|publisher=CBN News|quote=Melissa loved her time at CNBC until one day she reported that the math on Obamacare didn't add up. "And I was called up into the principal's office and told that I was disrespecting the office of the president. Wait – I'm just doing math and by the way, I have a degree in economics and I was told to stop and I'm embarrassed to say I did pipe down because I loved my job and I wanted to keep it."}}</ref>

In January 2012, Francis joined Fox Business Network as an anchor.<ref name="celeb_nw_fox">{{cite web|url=https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-businessmen/wall-street/melissa-francis-net-worth/#:~:text=Melissa%20joined%20the%20Fox%20Business%20Network%20in%202012.|title=Melissa Francis Net Worth|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=13 July 2024|publisher=Celebrity Net Worth|quote=Melissa joined the Fox Business Network in 2012.}}</ref> At Fox, she received encouragement from the late [[wikipedia:Roger Ailes|Roger Ailes]], who advised her to be authentic and take risks, telling her that audiences could detect insincerity.<ref name="cbn_ailes">{{cite web|url=https://cbn.com/news/us/melissa-francis-dishes-about-faith-family-fox-news-and-lessons-prairie#:~:text=Soon%20after%2C%20Melissa%20made%20the%20jump%20to%20Fox%20News%2C%20where%20the%20late%20Roger%20Ailes%20gave%20her%20some%20life%2Dchanging%20advice.%0A%E2%80%9CHe%20said%20to%20me%20on%20day%20one%3A%20you%20be%20you%3B%20take%20risks%2C%20go%20big%20or%20go%20home%2C%20in%20so%20many%20words.%20He%20said%20you%20have%20to%20really%20be%20authentic%3B%20people%20in%20the%20audience%20can%20tell%20when%20you%E2%80%99re%20being%20fake%20and%20they%20hate%20it.%E2%80%9D|title=Melissa Francis Dishes about Faith, Family, Fox News and Lessons from the Prairie|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=Wendy Griffith|date=16 June 2017|publisher=CBN News|quote=Soon after, Melissa made the jump to Fox News, where the late Roger Ailes gave her some life-changing advice. "He said to me on day one: you be you; take risks, go big or go home, in so many words. He said you have to really be authentic; people in the audience can tell when you're being fake and they hate it."}}</ref> From 2012 to 2015, she hosted the series ''Money with Melissa Francis''.<ref name="celebrity_net_worth" /> In 2014, she became a recurring co-host of Fox News Channel's talk and news commentary program ''Outnumbered''.<ref name="celeb_nw_outnumbered">{{cite web|url=https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-businessmen/wall-street/melissa-francis-net-worth/#:~:text=In%202014%2C%20Francis%20became%20a%20co%2Dhost%20of%20the%20series%20%E2%80%9COutnumbered.%E2%80%9D|title=Melissa Francis Net Worth|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=13 July 2024|publisher=Celebrity Net Worth|quote=In 2014, Francis became a co-host of the series "Outnumbered."}}</ref> In 2015, she began co-hosting ''After the Bell'' on Fox Business Network alongside Connell McShane.<ref name="celeb_nw_afterbell">{{cite web|url=https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-businessmen/wall-street/melissa-francis-net-worth/#:~:text=The%20following%20year%2C%20she%20began%20co%2Dhosting%20the%20television%20series%20%E2%80%9CAfter%20the%20Bell.%E2%80%9D|title=Melissa Francis Net Worth|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=13 July 2024|publisher=Celebrity Net Worth|quote=The following year, she began co-hosting the television series "After the Bell."}}</ref> She also anchored Fox News Channel's ''Happening Now'' newscast and appeared regularly on programs including ''The Five'' and ''America's Newsroom''.<ref name="hachette_bio" />

In November 2017, Francis was promoted to permanent co-host of Fox News Channel's midday ensemble show ''Outnumbered'', where she and anchor [[wikipedia:Harris Faulkner|Harris Faulkner]] were joined by a rotating panel of two other women and a sole male panelist, labeled the "One Lucky Guy."<ref name="wapo_settlement">{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/media/2022/06/19/fox-news-melissa-francis-gender-pay-gap-settlement/#:~:text=After%20making%20numerous%20appearances%20on%20Fox%20News%2C%20she%20was%20promoted%20in%20November%202017%20by%20the%20flagship%20channel%20as%20a%20permanent%20co%2Dhost%20for%20its%20midday%20ensemble%20show%20%E2%80%9COutnumbered%2C%E2%80%9D%20where%20she%20and%20anchor%20Harris%20Faulkner%20were%20joined%20by%20a%20rotating%20panel%20of%20two%20other%20women%20and%20a%20sole%20male%20panelist%2C%20labeled%20the%20%E2%80%9COne%20Lucky%20Guy.%E2%80%9D|title=Fox News paid $15 million to former host who filed pay disparity claim|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=Paul Farhi|date=19 June 2022|publisher=The Washington Post|quote=After making numerous appearances on Fox News, she was promoted in November 2017 by the flagship channel as a permanent co-host for its midday ensemble show "Outnumbered," where she and anchor Harris Faulkner were joined by a rotating panel of two other women and a sole male panelist, labeled the "One Lucky Guy."}}</ref> Francis continued co-hosting Fox Business's ''After the Bell'' show and made frequent guest appearances on [[wikipedia:Tucker Carlson|Tucker Carlson]]'s highly rated prime-time opinion show.<ref name="wapo_settlement" />

However, Francis said she was granted only a negligible increase in compensation with the promotion. She believed her salary, which was below $1 million, was far less than what her peers were making, but agreed to wait for the next contract negotiation in 2019.<ref name="wapo_settlement" /> In the meantime, she began asking former colleagues and agents what other people were earning at Fox News, personally attempting to investigate and research the pay disparities.<ref name="wapo_settlement" />

On November 11, 2019, Francis had a contract negotiation call with Dianne Brandi, a former executive vice president for legal and business affairs for Fox News. When Brandi told Francis that her new contract would not include an increase in compensation, Francis said she responded by telling Brandi about her research and what she characterized as a "pretty staggering gender pay gap" she had found, mentioning her calculations regarding the salaries of specific daytime Fox hosts.<ref name="wapo_settlement" /> According to Francis, Brandi urged her to try a different tack in negotiating her salary and responded: "That's how the world works. Women make less. It's just a fact."<ref name="wapo_settlement" /> Fox News disputed this account, with a spokesperson stating: "Melissa Francis's version of that conversation is untrue and patently absurd—furthermore, it is illogical that anyone with Dianne Brandi's level of experience in negotiating talent contracts for a living would make such a ludicrous statement."<ref name="wapo_settlement" />

After the network denied her lawyer's request to disclose the salaries of her colleagues, Francis entered into arbitration with Fox in August 2020.<ref name="daily_beast">{{cite web|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/fox-news-paid-dollar15-million-to-ex-host-melissa-francis-after-gender-pay-disparity-claims#:~:text=Francis%20stated%20that%20after%20the%20network%20denied%20her%20lawyer%E2%80%99s%20request%20to%20disclose%20the%20salaries%20of%20her%20colleagues%2C%20she%20entered%20into%20arbitration%20with%20Fox%20in%20August%202020.%20The%20arbitrator%2C%20according%20to%20Francis%2C%20set%20a%20deadline%20of%20Oct.%207%20for%20the%20network%20to%20provide%20salary%20information.|title=Fox News Paid $15 Million to Ex-Host Melissa Francis After Gender Pay Disparity Claims|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=Justin Baragona|date=19 June 2022|publisher=The Daily Beast|quote=Francis stated that after the network denied her lawyer's request to disclose the salaries of her colleagues, she entered into arbitration with Fox in August 2020. The arbitrator, according to Francis, set a deadline of Oct. 7 for the network to provide salary information.}}</ref> The arbitrator set a deadline of October 7, 2020 for the network to provide salary information.<ref name="daily_beast" /> On that same date, Francis was effectively taken off the air, and she did not appear on Fox News or Fox Business thereafter.<ref name="wapo_settlement" /> Her last tweet before disappearing from the network read: "Trump will win. 💯. I'm not advocating, I'm telling you to mentally prepare. Don't say I didn't warn you."<ref name="newshounds">{{cite web|url=https://www.newshounds.us/former_fox_host_melissa_francis_gets_15_million_settlement_061922#:~:text=On%20October%2023%2C%202020%2C%20when%20we%20posted%20about%20Francis%E2%80%99%20disappearance%20from%20Fox%2C%20we%20noted%20that%20her%20last%20tweet%20read%2C%20%E2%80%9CTrump%20will%20win.%20%F0%9F%92%AF.%20I%E2%80%99m%20not%20advocating%2C%20I%E2%80%99m%20telling%20you%20to%20mentally%20prepare.%20Don%E2%80%99t%20say%20I%20didn%E2%80%99t%20warn%20you.%E2%80%9D|title=Former Fox Host Melissa Francis Gets $15 Million Settlement|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=Ellen|date=20 June 2022|publisher=NewsHounds|quote=On October 23, 2020, when we posted about Francis' disappearance from Fox, we noted that her last tweet read, "Trump will win. 💯. I'm not advocating, I'm telling you to mentally prepare. Don't say I didn't warn you."}}</ref> Francis officially resigned from Fox News in February 2021.<ref name="yahoo_settlement">{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/now/fox-news-pay-15-million-182540408.html#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Post%2C%20Francis%20was%20effectively%20taken%20off%20the%20air%20on%20Oct.%207%2C%202020%2C%20the%20day%20Fox%20was%20ordered%20to%20turn%20over%20salary%20information%20by%20an%20arbitrator.%20She%20officially%20resigned%20in%20February%202021.|title=Fox News to Pay $15 Million Settlement to Ex-Host Who Raised Concerns About Gender Pay Gap|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=19 June 2022|publisher=Yahoo Entertainment|quote=According to the Post, Francis was effectively taken off the air on Oct. 7, 2020, the day Fox was ordered to turn over salary information by an arbitrator. She officially resigned in February 2021.}}</ref>

Francis subsequently filed a complaint with the [[wikipedia:New York State Department of Labor|New York State Department of Labor]], alleging retaliation by Fox News after she raised concerns about gender pay disparity.<ref name="thehill_settlement">{{cite web|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/media/3529443-fox-news-pays-former-female-host-15-million-settlement-in-pay-disparity-claim-report/#:~:text=Fox%20News%20has%20reportedly%20paid%20a%20roughly%20%2415%20million%20settlement%20to%20former%20host%20Melissa%20Francis%2C%20who%20filed%20a%20complaint%20with%20New%20York%20state%E2%80%99s%20labor%20board%20accusing%20the%20media%20company%20of%20paying%20her%20less%20than%20her%20male%20colleagues.|title=Fox News pays former female host $15 million settlement in pay disparity claim: report|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=Lexi Lonas|date=20 June 2022|publisher=The Hill|quote=Fox News has reportedly paid a roughly $15 million settlement to former host Melissa Francis, who filed a complaint with New York state's labor board accusing the media company of paying her less than her male colleagues.}}</ref> Her attorney, Kevin Mintzer, told ''The Washington Post'' that Francis filed the complaint "not for herself but for the women of the company who remain behind."<ref name="yahoo_settlement" />

In June 2022, Fox News and Francis reached a settlement whereby the network paid her approximately $15 million, according to documents reviewed by ''The Washington Post''.<ref name="wapo_settlement" /> The amount paid to Francis was on a scale with the blockbuster settlements the network had offered to a number of female employees who leveled claims of sexual misconduct and harassment against [[wikipedia:Roger Ailes|Roger Ailes]], the co-founder of Fox News, and former prime-time star [[wikipedia:Bill O'Reilly (political commentator)|Bill O'Reilly]].<ref name="wapo_settlement" /> Mintzer stated that despite Fox News's pledges of improving its climate since those allegations were settled, "what happened to Melissa shows that sexism and retaliation remain standard practice at the company."<ref name="wapo_settlement" />

One lawyer unconnected to the case who has helped women receive settlements from other networks said the size of Francis's award suggests that Fox News realized it would have a weak position defending itself in court against a lawsuit. "For a settlement this large, there would probably need to be pretty convincing evidence of an obvious and gross disparity in pay," said Ari Wilkenfeld, a partner at the Atkinson Law Group in [[wikipedia:Bethesda, Maryland|Bethesda, Maryland]].<ref name="wapo_settlement" />

In a statement, a Fox News spokesperson said: "We parted ways with Melissa Francis over a year and a half ago and her allegations were entirely without merit. We have also fully cooperated with the New York State Department of Labor's investigation and look forward to the completion of this matter."<ref name="wapo_settlement" /> The spokesperson also stated that Fox News "has always been committed to the equitable treatment of all employees" and noted that the company had "undergone a comprehensive overhaul of its entire workplace culture," including promoting women to senior executive positions.<ref name="wapo_settlement" /><ref name="thehill_settlement" />

Francis told ''The Washington Post'' that she "loved working at Fox," even though she and her family "took a lot of blowback over the network's conservative and frequently controversial positions."<ref name="wapo_settlement" /> Following her departure from Fox, Francis joined Newsmax.<ref name="famouspeople_newsmax">{{cite web|url=https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/melissa-francis-44219.php#:~:text=Melissa%20Francis%20is%20now%20with%20Newsmax.|title=Melissa Francis Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=|publisher=The Famous People|quote=Melissa Francis is now with Newsmax.}}</ref>

===Author===

In November 2012, Francis published her memoir ''Diary of a Stage Mother's Daughter'' (Weinstein Books/Grand Central Publishing), which detailed her experiences growing up with what she described as a "mercurial, domineering, but also devoted" mother who pushed her daughters into acting careers with methods Francis characterized as sometimes cruel and abusive.<ref name="famouspeople_bio" /><ref name="kirkus_review" /> The book explored the differential impact of their mother's approach on Francis and her sister Tiffany, with Francis thriving under pressure while Tiffany struggled increasingly as their mother's attention focused primarily on Francis's success.<ref name="kirkus_memoir">{{cite web|url=https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/melissa-francis/diary-stage-mothers-daughter/#:~:text=By%20contrast%2C%20their%20mother%20neglected%20or%20harangued%20Francis%E2%80%99%20older%20sister%2C%20who%20disliked%20being%20in%20the%20spotlight.%20By%20the%20time%20Francis%20left%20home%20to%20study%20economics%20at%20Harvard%2C%20her%20sister%E2%80%99s%20life%20was%20crumbling%2C%20and%20the%20intense%20closeness%20they%20once%20shared%20had%20evaporated.|title=Diary of a Stage Mother's Daughter|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=1 October 2012|publisher=Kirkus Reviews|quote=By contrast, their mother neglected or harangued Francis' older sister, who disliked being in the spotlight. By the time Francis left home to study economics at Harvard, her sister's life was crumbling, and the intense closeness they once shared had evaporated.}}</ref>

Francis was inspired to write the memoir in part by the publication of [[wikipedia:Amy Chua|Amy Chua]]'s ''Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother'' in 2011, which prompted Francis to share her own story as a cautionary counterpoint to "tiger parenting" approaches.<ref name="pw_interview">{{cite web|url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/authors/interviews/article/52299-pw-talks-with-melissa-francis.html#:~:text=I%20know%20what%20it%27s%20like%20to%20have%20a%20mother%20who%20pushes%20very%20hard.%20It%20made%20me%20invincible%2C%20and%20it%20broke%20down%20my%20sister%20beyond%20repair...When%20I%20saw%20Battle%20Hymn%2C%20I%20said%20to%20myself%2C%20this%20is%20so%20dangerous.%20It%27s%20time%20for%20me%20to%20write%20my%20story.%20Once%20I%20started%2C%20the%20book%20flew%20from%20my%20fingers.|title=PW Talks with Melissa Francis|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=5 June 2012|publisher=Publishers Weekly|quote=I know what it's like to have a mother who pushes very hard. It made me invincible, and it broke down my sister beyond repair...When I saw Battle Hymn, I said to myself, this is so dangerous. It's time for me to write my story. Once I started, the book flew from my fingers.}}</ref> Francis explained in a 2012 interview that reading passages from Chua's book caused her to start crying: "The idea of a parent emulating that model upset me and terrified me so much."<ref name="hmb_interview" /> She wanted to warn parents that "that type of unrelenting parenting" could make some children disciplined and successful "but can be completely, wildly destructive to other kids, like my sister."<ref name="hmb_interview" />

Now a mother herself, Francis used the book to reflect on parenting philosophy and the consequences of relentlessly pushing children to succeed, noting that "the one size fits all, hard line approach to pushing children as hard as you can and demanding the very best doesn't fit them both."<ref name="kirkus_parenting">{{cite web|url=https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/melissa-francis/diary-stage-mothers-daughter/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20one%20size%20fits%20all%2C%20hard%20line%20approach%20to%20pushing%20children%20as%20hard%20as%20you%20can%20and%20demanding%20the%20very%20best%20doesn%E2%80%99t%20fit%20them%20both%2C%E2%80%9D%20she%20writes%2C%20%E2%80%9Cas%20it%20didn%E2%80%99t%20fit%20both%20Tiffany%20and%20me.%E2%80%9D|title=Diary of a Stage Mother's Daughter|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=1 October 2012|publisher=Kirkus Reviews|quote="The one size fits all, hard line approach to pushing children as hard as you can and demanding the very best doesn't fit them both," she writes, "as it didn't fit both Tiffany and me."}}</ref> Francis observed that she saw the same dynamic at work with her own two sons: "I have two very different sons, that were born very differently. They respond completely differently to the same circumstances and to the same parenting."<ref name="hmb_interview" />

The writing process also served as a catalyst for Francis to confront her past after years of avoidance. She explained that when her oldest son asked if his paternal grandmother was also Francis's mother, the question forced her to consider how to explain her mother's absence from their lives.<ref name="hmb_interview" /> Francis realized that she had become "a master of 'not answering the question'" about her family, able to divert inquiries without drawing attention to her evasions.<ref name="hmb_interview" /> She concluded, "this is ridiculous. You know, I'm a married woman with children. I need to reconcile myself with all of this."<ref name="hmb_interview" />

The memoir received positive reviews from publications including Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and Entertainment Weekly, with Kirkus describing it as "one of those intimate, heartbreaking, doubled-edged stories that is hard to read, impossible to put down."<ref name="kirkus_review" /> Author [[wikipedia:Jeannette Walls|Jeannette Walls]] praised it as "touching and brave, heartbreaking and inspirational," while Francis's former ''Little House on the Prairie'' co-star Melissa Gilbert called the story "riveting" and "the perfect antidote for the 'Tiger Mom' syndrome."<ref name="amazon_diary">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Diary-Stage-Mothers-Daughter-Memoir/dp/1602861722#:~:text=%E2%80%9CDiary%20of%20A%20Stage%20Mother%27s%20Daughter%20is%20touching%20and%20brave%2C%20heartbreaking%20and%20inspirational...I%20simply%20loved%20it.%E2%80%9D%20%E2%80%95Jeannette%20Walls|title=Diary of a Stage Mother's Daughter: A Memoir|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=|publisher=Amazon|quote="Diary of A Stage Mother's Daughter is touching and brave, heartbreaking and inspirational...I simply loved it." ―Jeannette Walls}}</ref><ref name="amazon_gilbert">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Diary-Stage-Mothers-Daughter-Memoir/dp/1602861722#:~:text=%E2%80%9CMelissa%20Francis%27%20story%20is%20riveting.%20The%20book%20is%20the%20perfect%20antidote%20for%20the%20%27Tiger%20Mom%27%20syndrome%20that%20seems%20to%20be%20gaining%20traction%20in%20today%27s%20society...If%20you%20want%20to%20be%20inspired%20to%20reach%20beyond%20what%20you%20were%20taught%20as%20a%20child%2C%20get%20this%20book%20now.%E2%80%9D%20%E2%80%95Melissa%20Gilbert|title=Diary of a Stage Mother's Daughter: A Memoir|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=|publisher=Amazon|quote="Melissa Francis' story is riveting. The book is the perfect antidote for the 'Tiger Mom' syndrome that seems to be gaining traction in today's society...If you want to be inspired to reach beyond what you were taught as a child, get this book now." ―Melissa Gilbert}}</ref>

In April 2017, Francis published her second book, ''Lessons from the Prairie: The Surprising Secrets to Happiness and Success from America's Favorite Show'' (Weinstein Books), which applied lessons from her time on ''Little House on the Prairie'' to contemporary challenges in work and life.<ref name="cbn_lessons">{{cite web|url=https://cbn.com/news/us/melissa-francis-dishes-about-faith-family-fox-news-and-lessons-prairie#:~:text=She%20recently%20sat%20down%20with%20our%20Wendy%20Griffith%20in%20New%20York%20to%20talk%20about%20her%20life%2C%20her%20faith%20and%20her%20new%20book%2C%20Lessons%20from%20the%20Prairie.|title=Melissa Francis Dishes about Faith, Family, Fox News and Lessons from the Prairie|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=Wendy Griffith|date=16 June 2017|publisher=CBN News|quote=She recently sat down with our Wendy Griffith in New York to talk about her life, her faith and her new book, Lessons from the Prairie.}}</ref> The book particularly emphasized the work ethic and professionalism she learned from Michael Landon.<ref name="cbn_landon_lessons" /> Francis described wanting to "arm" her three children "with the tools needed to tackle life's toughest challenges and help them build a happy life," and offered readers her "Foolproof Formula for Turning Disaster into Golden Opportunity."<ref name="lhotp_excerpts" />

In the book's introduction, Francis reflected on how working on ''Little House on the Prairie'' had provided her with a "priceless training ground" and that what she took as "a playful and distant time on our dusty set, deep in the scorching sun of [[wikipedia:Simi Valley|Simi Valley]], was in truth a priceless training ground."<ref name="lhotp_excerpts" /> She concluded, "there was a lot of wisdom in our makeshift location and in those books, and if you join me on this ride, I promise to sprinkle a little on your head."<ref name="lhotp_excerpts" />

==Personal life==

Francis married Wray Thorn, a financier and asset manager, on May 29, 1999.<ref name="imdb_wray">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7375825/#:~:text=Wray%20Thorn%20has%20been%20married%20to%20Melissa%20Francis%20since%2029%20May%201999.%20They%20have%20three%20children.|title=Wray Thorn|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=|publisher=IMDb|quote=Wray Thorn has been married to Melissa Francis since 29 May 1999. They have three children.}}</ref><ref name="imdb_bio" /> Thorn, who also attended Harvard University where he earned an AB in Government, has worked in private equity and asset management, serving in senior positions at firms including Dubilier & Company, Fox Paine & Company, Marathon Asset Management, and Sightway Capital.<ref name="wiktionary_thorn">{{cite web|url=https://wiki-tionary.com/wray-thorn-wiki/#:~:text=He%20graduated%20with%20an%20AB%20in%20Government%20(cum%20laude)%20from%20Harvard%20University...In%201996%2C%20he%20joined%20Dubilier%20%26%20Company%20as%20a%20principal%2C%20and%20in%201999%2C%20he%20became%20a%20director%20at%20Fox%20Paine%20%26%20Company.|title=Wray Thorn (Melissa Francis Husband) Bio, Age, Kids, Two Sigma Ventures, George Soros|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=20 September 2020|publisher=Wiki-tionary|quote=He graduated with an AB in Government (cum laude) from Harvard University...In 1996, he joined Dubilier & Company as a principal, and in 1999, he became a director at Fox Paine & Company.}}</ref> Francis met Thorn in Boston during her college years.<ref name="wat_interview" />

Francis and Thorn have three children: sons Thompson (born 2007) and Greyson (born April 26, 2010), and daughter Gemma (born 2015).<ref name="imdb_bio" /><ref name="favebites_marriage">{{cite web|url=https://favebites.com/fox-news-anchor-melissa-francis-and-husband-wray-thorns-marital-life/#:~:text=From%20the%20marital%20union%2C%20Melissa%20and%20Wray%20shared%20three%20adorable%20kids.%20They%20became%20parents%20for%20the%20first%20time%20in%202007%2C%20welcoming%20a%20son%2C%20Thompson%20Thorn.|title=Fox News Anchor Melissa Francis And Husband Wray Thorn's Marital Life|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=29 May 2022|publisher=Favebites|quote=From the marital union, Melissa and Wray shared three adorable kids. They became parents for the first time in 2007, welcoming a son, Thompson Thorn.}}</ref> The family resides in [[w:Manhattan|Manhattan]], [[w:New_York|New York]].<ref name="favebites_manhattan">{{cite web|url=https://favebites.com/fox-news-anchor-melissa-francis-and-husband-wray-thorns-marital-life/#:~:text=The%20Thorn%20family%20of%20five%20is%20living%20merrily%20in%20Manhattan%2C%20New%20York.|title=Fox News Anchor Melissa Francis And Husband Wray Thorn's Marital Life|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=29 May 2022|publisher=Favebites|quote=The Thorn family of five is living merrily in Manhattan, New York.}}</ref>

Francis has been diagnosed with Factor V Leiden, a hereditary blood clotting disorder that makes pregnancy dangerous and increases the risk of severe complications.<ref name="wiktionary_factor">{{cite web|url=https://wiki-tionary.com/wray-thorn-wiki/#:~:text=They%20had%20their%20daughter%20via%20surrogacy%20as%20Francis%20has%20a%20hereditary%20condition%20called%20Factor%20V%20Leiden%2C%20which%20made%20it%20difficult%20for%20her%20to%20have%20children.|title=Wray Thorn (Melissa Francis Husband) Bio, Age, Kids, Two Sigma Ventures, George Soros|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=20 September 2020|publisher=Wiki-tionary|quote=They had their daughter via surrogacy as Francis has a hereditary condition called Factor V Leiden, which made it difficult for her to have children.}}</ref><ref name="wat_interview" /> After experiencing high-risk pregnancies with both her sons and receiving medical advice that having more children was extremely dangerous, Francis and Thorn had their daughter Gemma through surrogacy.<ref name="wiktionary_factor" /><ref name="wat_interview" /> Francis nearly died with each of her sons' births.<ref name="wat_interview" />

Francis has described her Catholic faith and her husband's Methodist faith as complementary influences on their family life. The family sends their children to Catholic school during the week and attends a Methodist church on Sundays.<ref name="cbn_faith">{{cite web|url=https://cbn.com/news/us/melissa-francis-dishes-about-faith-family-fox-news-and-lessons-prairie#:~:text=%E2%80%9CWe%20send%20our%20kids%20to%20Catholic%20school%20during%20the%20week%2C%20we%20actually%20go%20to%20a%20Methodist%20church%20on%20Sunday.%20We%20kind%20of%20get%20the%20best%20of%20both%20worlds.%E2%80%9D|title=Melissa Francis Dishes about Faith, Family, Fox News and Lessons from the Prairie|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=Wendy Griffith|date=16 June 2017|publisher=CBN News|quote="We send our kids to Catholic school during the week, we actually go to a Methodist church on Sunday. We kind of get the best of both worlds."}}</ref> Francis has stated that she begins every Sunday by looking around at her family and thanking God for her blessings, crediting divine providence rather than personal achievement for her circumstances.<ref name="cbn_gratitude">{{cite web|url=https://cbn.com/news/us/melissa-francis-dishes-about-faith-family-fox-news-and-lessons-prairie#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20first%20thing%20I%20do%20every%20Sunday%20is%20I%20look%20around%20at%20my%20family%20and%20I%20thank%20God%20profusely%20for%20all%20my%20many%20blessings%20because%20I%20know%20it%E2%80%99s%20not%20a%20result%20of%20anything%20I%E2%80%99ve%20done.%20I%20give%20all%20my%20glory%20to%20God.|title=Melissa Francis Dishes about Faith, Family, Fox News and Lessons from the Prairie|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=Wendy Griffith|date=16 June 2017|publisher=CBN News|quote="The first thing I do every Sunday is I look around at my family and I thank God profusely for all my many blessings because I know it's not a result of anything I've done. I give all my glory to God."}}</ref>

According to IMDb, Francis was emancipated from her mother at age 15, a decision that occurred within the context of the family dynamics she later explored in her memoirs.<ref name="imdb_emancipated">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0290261/bio/#:~:text=Was%20emancipated%20from%20her%20mother%20at%20age%2015.|title=Melissa Francis - Biography|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=|publisher=IMDb|quote=Was emancipated from her mother at age 15.}}</ref>

==Filmography==

===Film===

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
| 1979
| ''Scavenger Hunt''
| 
| 
|-
| 1983
| ''Man, Woman and Child''
| Paula Beckwith
| 
|-
| 1988
| ''Bad Dreams''
| Young Cynthia
| 
|-
| 2012
| ''The Dictator''
| 
| 
|}

===Television===

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
| 1978
| ''The Ghost of Flight 401''
| 
| Television movie
|-
| 1979
| ''Champions: A Love Story''
| 
| Television movie
|-
| 1979
| ''Son-Rise: A Miracle of Love''
| 
| Television movie
|-
| 1979–1980
| ''Joe's World''
| Linda Wabash
| 11 episodes
|-
| 1980
| ''Mork & Mindy''
| Young Mindy McConnell
| Episode: "A Mommy for Mindy"
|-
| 1980
| ''[[Galactica 1980]]''
| [[Unnamed characters (1980)#Little girl|Little Girl]]
| Episodes: "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part II]]", "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part III]]"<br />Credited as '''Missy Francis'''
|-
| 1980
| ''When the Whistle Blows''
| 
| 
|-
| 1981–1982
| ''Little House on the Prairie''
| Cassandra Cooper Ingalls
| 21 episodes
|-
| 1982
| ''A Gun in the House''
| 
| Television movie
|-
| 1982
| ''Midnight Lace''
| 
| Television movie
|-
| 1984
| ''Something About Amelia''
| 
| Television movie
|-
| 1986
| ''Morningstar/Eveningstar''
| Sarah Bishop
| Series regular
|-
| 1986
| ''St. Elsewhere''
| 
| Guest appearance
|-
| 
| ''Hotel''
| 
| Guest appearance
|-
| 
| ''A Year in the Life''
| 
| Guest appearance
|-
| 
| ''ALF''
| 
| Guest appearance
|-
| 
| ''Hardball''
| 
| Guest appearance
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==

* [https://www.instagram.com/melissaafrancis/ Melissa Francis] on Instagram