Early Life and Adoption
When she was a newborn, the future celebrity’s biological parents placed her for adoption. Prioritizing their careers over raising a child, they decided they could not keep her. The star was born on May 8, 1964, at the now-defunct French Hospital in Los Angeles. Barbara Crane and Paul Gilbert adopted her when she was just 24 hours old.
Adoptive Family Background
Paul Gilbert, a former aerialist turned stand-up comedian and actor, and Barbara Crane, a young actress, welcomed the baby. They later adopted Jonathan, a younger brother. Although Barbara and Paul separated when the child was six, she fondly remembered her father. She described him as brilliant, energetic, and loving. Paul’s passing in 1976 revealed the adoption to the public. In her memoir, “Prairie Tale: A Memoir,” the actress learned that her father was not a Rhodes Scholar, but a stock car racer and sign painter, while her mother was a dancer, not a prima ballerina.
Discovering the Truth
The actress learned about her biological parents’ background as an adult. Her birth mother, Kathy, and father, David, had three children from previous marriages and could not support a seventh child. After running away and having a child, they realized they could not handle the additional responsibility.
Surprising Adoption Circumstances
After her adopted father’s death, the actress discovered more about her adoption. Mitzi, her godmother, revealed that Barbara and Paul were not initially planning to adopt. When the call about the baby came, they were surprised but agreed. Barbara clarified that they were undergoing fertility treatments but had not considered adoption until then.
Family Secrets and Legacy
The actress learned at age 11 that her father had died of a stroke, but at 45, she discovered he had committed suicide. She kept this secret for years and later engaged a detective to uncover the truth. The detective found that her father, a WWII veteran, had threatened to take his life due to severe pain.
Moving Forward
After learning the truth, the actress struggled with the grief but eventually found peace. She now supports mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Despite her initial anger, she forgave Barbara for the secrecy.
Current Life
The actress is Melissa Gilbert, best known for her role as Laura Ingalls on “Little House on the Prairie.” She published her memoir, “Back to the Prairie,” in July 2022 and enjoys time with her family. Melissa is married to Timothy Busfield, her third husband, and they have eight grandchildren. The couple married in a private ceremony in April 2013 and now resides in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Melissa’s children include Dakota Paul Brinkman and Michael Garrett Boxleitner.
