Editing Missy Francis

|image=Little Girl.jpg| character=[[Little Girl]]

| nationality= {{USA}}

| 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 [[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]]".

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 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> By age eight, she had already established herself as a working child actress, appearing in nearly 100 television commercials.<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>

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> In these episodes, she portrayed an [[Little Girl|unnamed little girl]] who is rescued by Troy, Dillon, and Major John Stockwell when Nazi guards pursue her in 1944 Peenemünde, Germany, after the Warriors and Stockwell observe the loading of trains bound for Auschwitz. After Troy grabs her while Dillon shoots at the pursuing Nazi guard, they bring her to Smite's Buchhandlung, headquarters for a small German resistance group. When the Gestapo storm the bookstore, she is taken away with Smite and his resistance members, only to be later saved by Stockwell and journalist Jamie Hamilton.<ref name="bsg_wiki_unnamed">{{cite web|url=https://en.battlestarwiki.org/Unnamed_characters_(1980)#:~:text=When%20observing%20the%20loading%20of%20trains%20bound%20for%20the%20Auschwitz%20concentration%20camp%2C%20a%20little%20girl%20runs%20toward%20Hamilton%2C%20Dillon%2C%20Troy%2C%20and%20Stockwell.%20Troy%20grabs%20her%20while%20Dillon%20shoots%20at%20the%20pursuing%20Nazi%20guard%20and%20with%20her%20makes%20their%20escape...The%20role%20of%20the%20little%20girl%20was%20played%20by%20Missy%20Francis.|title=Unnamed characters (1980)|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=24 June 2025|publisher=Battlestar Wiki|quote=When observing the loading of trains bound for the Auschwitz concentration camp, a little girl runs toward Hamilton, Dillon, Troy, and Stockwell. Troy grabs her while Dillon shoots at the pursuing Nazi guard and with her makes their escape...The role of the little girl was played by Missy Francis.}}</ref>

That same year, Francis appeared in the [[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 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>

Between 1979 and 1980, Francis played Linda Wabash in 11 episodes of the [[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 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> 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>

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 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 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 Martin Sheen and 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 [[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="lhop_wiki">{{cite web|url=https://littlehouse.fandom.com/wiki/Melissa_Francis#:~:text=Missy%20guest%2Dstarred%20on%20shows%20such%20as%20%22Mork%20%26%20Mindy%2C%22%20Galactica%201980%2C%20When%20the%20Whistle%20Blows%2C%20Hotel%2C%20St.%20Elsewhere%2C%20A%20Year%20in%20the%20Life%2C%20ALF%2C%20and%20Hardball.|title=Melissa Francis|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=29 October 2024|publisher=Little House on the Prairie Wiki|quote=Missy guest-starred on shows such as "Mork & Mindy," Galactica 1980, When the Whistle Blows, Hotel, St. Elsewhere, A Year in the Life, ALF, and Hardball.}}</ref>

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 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>

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> She made the decision to leave the entertainment industry behind and pursue higher education, attending Harvard University, where 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" />

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.<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>

Francis faced considerable difficulties 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>

Francis began her journalism career with reporting positions at CNET and 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 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 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 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 late October 2020, reports surfaced that Francis had been pushed out at Fox News. She had not appeared on the network since early in the month, and her contract had expired approximately a year earlier without renewal.<ref name="pbc_departure">{{cite web|url=https://pennbookcenter.com/melissa-francis-net-worth/#:~:text=She%20departed%20Fox%20News%20following%20a%20pay%20discrimination%20dispute%2C%20which%20resulted%20in%20a%20%2415%20million%20settlement.|title=Melissa Francis Net Worth 2024: Salary Insights, And Finances|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=|publisher=Pennbookcenter|quote=She departed Fox News following a pay discrimination dispute, which resulted in a $15 million settlement.}}</ref> Francis subsequently filed a pay discrimination lawsuit against Fox News, claiming she was underpaid compared to her male colleagues.<ref name="pbc_lawsuit">{{cite web|url=https://pennbookcenter.com/melissa-francis-net-worth/#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20most%20significant%20financial%20events%20in%20Melissa%E2%80%99s%20career%20was%20her%20%2415%20million%20settlement%20with%20Fox%20News.%20The%20lawsuit%20highlighted%20discrepancies%20in%20pay%20between%20male%20and%20female%20anchors%2C%20with%20Melissa%20advocating%20for%20equity.|title=Melissa Francis Net Worth 2024: Salary Insights, And Finances|accessdate=12 November 2025|author=|date=|publisher=Pennbookcenter|quote=One of the most significant financial events in Melissa's career was her $15 million settlement with Fox News. The lawsuit highlighted discrepancies in pay between male and female anchors, with Melissa advocating for equity.}}</ref> In June 2022, Fox and Francis reached a settlement whereby the network paid her $15 million.<ref name="pbc_lawsuit" /> 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>

Francis was inspired to write the memoir in part by the publication of 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> 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>

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 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 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 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 Manhattan, 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> 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" />