Timothy Busfield details sex life with wife Melissa Gilbert in court evaluation
Timothy Busfield, the Emmy-winning veteran of The West Wing and thirtysomething, walked out of a New Mexico detention center Tuesday evening, trading a high-security cell for an Italian-style mansion as he awaits trial on a series of harrowing child sexual abuse charges. The 68-year-old actor’s release followed a pivotal court appearance where Judge David Murphy authorized his release on his own recognizance. Busfield, who had been held in the jail’s Restrictive Housing Unit—a wing typically reserved for high-profile inmates requiring protective custody—appeared visibly relieved as the judge noted he had not violated any laws during his initial detention.
A First Day of Freedom
According to reports from the Daily Mail, Busfield’s return to the outside world was marked by a shift into civilian life. Swapping his jail jumpsuit for navy slacks, the actor was seen visiting local grocery stores in Albuquerque. He is currently residing in a lavish rental property—a far cry from the infamous 5 a.m. breakfast calls of the New Mexico jail system.
Busfield was photographed stepping out of a white Toyota 4Runner at “Villa de Rafael,” a stunning mansion rented by his wife, actress Melissa Gilbert, for approximately $2,500 for a three-night stay. The property, described as featuring a stained-glass dome and a backyard ‘casita,’ serves as the staging ground for the couple’s legal defense.
“The Beating Heart”: Melissa Gilbert’s Unwavering Support
Melissa Gilbert, 61, best known as the star of Little House on the Prairie, has remained steadfastly in her husband’s corner. In a poignant letter submitted to the court, Gilbert broke her public silence to describe Busfield as her “comfort and council.”
“His joy, humor and quick wit bring sparkle to my life,” Gilbert wrote to Judge Murphy. “Tim is, quite simply, the beating heart of our wild and wonderful extended family.”
Inside the Psychosexual Evaluation
Court documents filed on January 17 reveal that Busfield recently underwent a comprehensive psychosexual evaluation. The assessment, conducted on January 12 at the recommendation of his defense team, was designed to measure his risk profile against that of convicted sexual offenders.
The filing provides a rare, intimate glimpse into the actor’s personal life and his partnership with Gilbert. According to the evaluation, Busfield described a “satisfying sex life” that has transitioned into a preference for “cuddling more often than engaging in sexual intercourse” given their ages—a statement Gilbert reportedly corroborated.
Reflecting on his values, Busfield told evaluators that individuals require a “certain level of maturity” to understand intimacy, while acknowledging that sexual feelings are a “natural experience” beginning at puberty. He also reportedly stated that he “never had the mate he wanted” until meeting Gilbert.
