Melissa Gilbert Explains ‘Dancing’ Tears: ‘I Cry When I’m Happy’

It’s only two weeks into “Dancing with the Stars” Season 14, but contestant Melissa Gilbert has already been seen shedding tears during her rehearsals with professional partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy.

So, is the notoriously outspoken “Dancing” hunk too hard on her?

“I cry when I’m happy,” Melissa told Kit Hoover and Billy Bush on Friday’s Access Hollywood Live. “I’m just wired a little differently I guess.

“I’m just emotionally absolutely drained and I have no defenses at all,” she added. “So, it just comes out — especially when [Maks] pays me a compliment because it’s hard-earned.”

Contributing to the former “Little House on the Prairie” star’s emotional sensitivity is the time spent away from her four sons while preparing for the reality dance competition with Maks.

“I have virtually no life at this point because we’re rehearsing or we’re here or I’m eating or sleeping. A lot of eating and sleeping going on,” Melissa said. “So, I’m around the kids, but not as much as I want to be.”

The 47-year-old star – who has dated Billy Idol, Rob Lowe and Tom Cruise – shied away from divulging which of her famous exes was the best kisser, but did reveal who was the most fun to spend time with.

“Rob Lowe, actually, is probably one of the funniest people I know, which is what kept us together for six years,” she said. “Pretty much the laughter more than anything.”

Adding, “He’s really clever, really funny. Funny is important.”

“Dancing with the Stars” returns Monday at 8/7c on ABC.

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