This Girl Became a Successful Child Star after Bio Parents Gave Her up to Family Who Had ‘No Plans’ to Adopt

Melissa Gilbert’s Journey from Adoption to Fame

Actress Melissa Gilbert, known for playing Laura Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie, was adopted as a newborn after her biological parents prioritized their careers over raising her. Adopted by Barbara Crane and Paul Gilbert, Melissa grew up unaware of her origins until later in life when family secrets began to surface.

Barbara and Paul, who also adopted her brother Jonathan, kept Melissa’s adoption story and details about her father’s death hidden. Melissa later discovered Paul had taken his own life, not died from a stroke as she was told. This revelation led her to seek the truth about her family’s past and work to promote mental health awareness.

Despite the painful secrets, Melissa eventually forgave her adoptive mother. Now married to actor Timothy Busfield, she enjoys a peaceful life in the Catskills, cherishing her blended family and eight grandchildren. Melissa shared her journey in her memoir, Back to the Prairie, released in 2022