Melissa Gilbert, known for her role as Laura Ingalls Wilder on *Little House on the Prairie*, has shared her sorrow regarding the death of former child actress Daveigh Chase.

Gilbert, herself a former child star, used the tragic news as an opportunity to offer advice to parents considering a career in entertainment for their children.

This development highlights the ongoing conversation about the unique challenges faced by child actors and the responsibilities of their guardians.

Daveigh Chase died on June 16 at the age of 35.

The Los Angeles Medical Examiner determined her cause of death to be AIDS, with chronic polysubstance use noted as an "other significant condition." Gilbert recalled working with a young Chase on a pilot more than two decades ago, describing her as "bright," "bubbly, sweet and professional," but also observing "a push or need to perform … for her parents."

Gilbert emphasized that while many child actors navigate their careers successfully, this often depends on "solid, wise parenting." She cautioned against situations where parents lose sight of their own responsibilities and their lives become solely focused on their child's stardom.

"Child stardom, in itself, is not a guarantee of dysfunction," Gilbert stated, but added that issues arise when parental focus shifts.

She also pointed out that few child actors maintain careers into adulthood, which can be devastating for both the child and the family.

In light of Chase's death, Gilbert urged stage parents to carefully consider their motivations.

She advised them to ensure that acting is genuinely what their child wants, to involve them in understanding their earnings, and to foster a life outside the industry filled with friends and normal experiences.

Gilbert concluded by asking parents to remember Daveigh Chase's story, hoping it could prevent similar tragedies in the future.

She acknowledged understanding substance-addiction disorder but felt Chase's death was "so much more," prompting her heartfelt plea to parents.